#hasai is the best dragon

[mrneighbourlove]

Glass Love and Desire: Ch 3. Folded into the Empire

Chione's garden had expanded massively when the spring season came along to Al-Daidan. The waters were higher and flowed from the Aaru River to many farms near the riverbanks. As ridding the garden of weeds, Chione gathered the many vegetables to start canning to save for provisions. There were plenty of herbs to sell and flowers for the upcoming festival to celebrate the goddess of bountiful harvest, Haneen. It was going to be a good day at the market to sell all her goods.

A few suitors had tried to approach Chione with intentions of a courtship, but she had turned them down, saying she was not ready for a relationship. In reality, Chione did not want to be a concubine for a noble. Some were only interested because of her looks. Others pursued her because her father was famous for making maps across the continent. She was happy with her flowers, the garden grown by her mother, and the memories of her family here.

Al-Daida was rather quiet for another pleasant afternoon. What the people didn’t know was that the Hasai Civil War was about to come to a vicious and climatic end upon their land.

On this day, Prince Malakath dueled the last of the Dream Dragons. The creature had transformed into a living nightmare, taking on wings, fiery scales, and venom tripping from its fangs. 

Battling the creature over the sea, through the skies of Danjur, the battle came to an end in Al-Diada. Everyone, including Chione, saw a comet of fire fall to the earth. In a fantastic display, a detonation of flames and embers scattered across the earth. Across the impact zone, sand turned to glistening glass, the radius of a small town having formed. And, in the middle of it all, Malakath stood over the dead dragon.

"What was that?" Chione had no clue it was Mally and a dragon. She thought it was perhaps a meteorite that fell to earth. It was too far away for her to tell what was truly going on but she had other matters to attend to for the day.

As the day went by, news quickly spread in town on the matter. 

“Did you see what happened? It was like God fell to earth!”

“No! It was a beast fighting a man!”

“The matriarch sent out guards to investigate.”

“There’s a holy demi-god of emerald and fire! He killed a dragon! The guards are bringing the body and the being here!”

Chione was never truly interested in gossip, but the rumors about a green man certainly caught her attention. Yet, she never voiced such and merely listened. Her people were still unsure of the newcomers. Were they a threat or were they a friend? It was best to leave these matters to the Patriarch and his council.

Soon enough, however, she didn’t have to hear rumours. 

Adorned in armour, a scimitar at his side, and tattered flowing cape, Malakath was paraded through the city to the Matriarch’s palace with the body of the dragon being dragged behind him by guards. 

The prince had managed to convince the local Militia he was a Royal blessed by god, and that the dragon would be a gift for their people as a sign of good will. He had managed to learn a basic amount of Chione’s language to communicate with them.

Chione had heard the rumors of the green man visiting the palace of the Patriarch and Matriarch. She wondered if it truly was Mally or someone else from his race? She hoped it was not his sister. Either way, if it was him, Chione wondered what his intentions were. The bontanist never thought she would meet him again after he returned home. Still, it was not her place to question things. So, she waited... waited to see if he would visit her or if he even remembered her at all. 

Tending to her garden in the early hours of the morning, Chione found a black snake, hiding in the growing strawberries. 

"Oh, it's good to see you here," Chione spoke to the snake. "You're eating the pests which try to devour my plants, aren't you?"

Of course, there was no reply from the snake. It merely laid there in the shade, fat and happy from so many mice. 

She told the snake, "You may stay. Enjoy your feast."

The snake simply hissed back at her.

"Now, now, don't be fresh." Chione left the snake to gather fruit from the growing mango trees. She took a few from the lower hanging limbs and gave a small sigh. Looking at her finger where the faintest of a scar resided, Chione wondered if Mally still enjoyed mangos. He ate so many when he was here. Going to her bench, she decided to peel a mango to enjoy as a snack. After slicing it into pieces, Chione nibbled on the juicy fruit and looked out upon her garden. Maybe it was time to... actually find someone, to have a relationship. Loneliness was starting to creep up on her. After her parents passed away, for the longest time, she just wanted to be left alone to process her grief. Now, she wondered if it was a sin to want to move on.

Suddenly, a voice spoke behind her in Hasai. “Hello Chione.”

Coming back into her life with a new freshly pressed cape and armour Malakath smiled brightly at the Nara.

Chione was so startled by the voice, having been deep in thought, almost dropping her fruit. Hurriedly standing from her bench, she whirled around and saw... Mally?! He was really here?! What was he doing back in Al-Daida? The rumors were obviously true of a man coming to the palace with a dead dragon as a tribute. 

"Mally?!" Chione's surprise was evident across her face. "You're here?!"

He took her hand, and gave it a gentle kiss. Then, he spoke in her language. “I came back. To see you again.”

"You came back to see---wait." Chione realized her was speaking in *her* tongue. Her mouth fell open as he kissed her knuckles, charming as ever. She was so stunned, but only for a moment, before asking questions. "How did you... where did you learn to speak Naran?! How did you find your way back?! Why were you fighting---no, no, no, wait a minute, I'm mad at you." The Naran crossed her arms, giving a small pout. "You kept me waiting and worrying that something was wrong."

“Mad? At me?” Malakath held his hands up, a sarcastic defense. “I took the time to learn. I understand well, but still need practice… speaking.”  

Malakath held her by the waist and led her to a couch, sitting down with her. “I was engaged… in a civil war. The other side were godless, devil worshipers. Stop them, I did.”

"You left, and then I hear rumors about a green man fighting a dragon, of course I'm mad at you! Doing something so reckless!" Chione swatted his arm lightly, not enough to hurt, but to get her point across to Mally. "Civil war or not, you need to be careful! I was thinking I was going to have to fish you out of a crater this time instead of the river."

As he led her to sit once again, Chione then supposed she could at least recognize his feat to learn her language. "Though, I am grateful you took the time to learn Naran. If you stopped these devil worshippers, then..." She asked, "Why did you come here to see me?"

“Because I came to realize something. Over this last year, there’s only one thing I could think about. After all the fighting. That’s you Chione. I can’t get you out of my head.”

"Fighting dragons and evil devil worshippers, you've certainly been busy." Chione was a bit flustered when he openly admitted that he had thought of her. It was very forward of Mally, for sure. "Me? You're a general, Mally, I'm just... a botanist."

"Militarily, I hold the rank of General. But I am actually a prince."

"... A WHAT?!" 

Chione was absolutely mortified. He was royalty?! She had him pull weeds! Wash dishes! Scrub dirty clothes! The Patriarch and Matriarch never lifted such a finger for trivial work! She scolded him like a child for being stubborn! What he must think of her!

Malakath chuckled at her reaction. "I'm a prince. Prince Malakath of the Kikai Empire."

"I... I..." Chione had no idea how to express her feeling of absolute surprise and extreme mortification. She had no idea he was a prince from another nation. If she had known, then she would have taken him to the palace for proper accommodations. The Nara was confused as to why he did not make his way there and stayed with her. Yet, at the moment, more than anything, she felt... incredibly small. 

Finally, Chione spoked, very quietly. "I... I'm so sorry." She apologized, her head bowed and staring at the ground. "I didn't know or I would have taken you to the palace."

"Hold your head high." Malakath spoke more boldly. When she followed his instructions, he lifted her up more with a gentle hand under her chin. "There we are. Straight and beautiful. When you found me, you saved my life. I'd have asked nothing more. I am grateful to you. I had no knowledge of where I was. My life was in your hands."

Mally was not... angry with her? Looking up at the prince of the Hasai, Chione supposed she should have realized he was of great importance. Yet, the armor she took off him at the river made her think he was a soldier or a general. The thought of Mally being royalty never crossed her mind since the noble families never donned armor for fighting. No, there were always guards or soldiers to protect them. 

"It was the right thing to do," Chione told Mally softly, "I didn't want to see you suffer, but I did not have enough money for a doctor."

"And yet, your actions brought me back to health. Without you, I would be dead. My people, I, have you to thank for aiding us." He held her hands in his own, his light smile upon his lips as he looked fondly into her eyes. "I must ask, have you thought of me since our departure?"

"Thought of you? Of course, I have!" Chione almost laughed at his question as his calloused fingers rubbed over her hands. How could she forget him? The green man she found in the river? "You flashed into my life like a lightning strike. You were here, and then you were gone."

"Have you thought of me... on a deeper level?"

"... do you mean the kiss you gave me?" Chione asked, her cheeks turning a touch pink. "That was... unexpected, but not unwelcome."

Malakath enjoyed the sound of that. “Welcomed. Is that an experience you want to go through again?”

"I... don't know the customs of Hasai culture, but usually affection, true affection, in such a manner of kissing is reserved for those who wish to court one another." Chione did not want to offend him but she did not want to assume either. "It's different than just... a night of passion."

“And, what if my true intentions in coming back here were to make you my wife?”

"...! But... I-I..." Chione was flabbergasted. Her? The wife of a prince? A prince of a foreign nation? "I... I have nothing to offer you." She appeared to be incredibly shocked but also a touch sad. The stories always told nobility marrying within their status. Families arranged marriages from an early age. A commoner marrying into a noble family or even royalty was unheard of in Al-Daida. "You're a prince and I... I'm just me."

Malakath looked slightly disappointed.  “Where’s that confidence you had when I first met you? This self pity is not your true character. I have seen it. You have strength in you. I have seen your Matriarch. I am not impressed. They will not do anything for themselves. If they consider themselves a royal, you must be holy above them.”

Confidence? Perhaps Chione had a touch of confidence before she knew he was a prince. He was just an everyday man then to her. But now, the knowledge of him being royalty, it did make her feel inferior. The royals were not cruel to their commoners, but knew how to keep them in place. Yet, here Mally was, comparing her to divinity. It was almost too sweet for him to say such words. If the guards of the palace heard, it would surely cause a ruckus! 

"I meant status and a dowry, Mally," Chione explained to the prince. "I'm not a noble. I have neither of those. Is it... different in Hasai? Do I not have to have these things to... to be with you?" She carefully placed her hands on his chest, leaning in a little closer. "You compare me to the divine, but I want no place among them. I'd rather be mortal, be here with you."

“My family only if we continue our line. Someone of your strength, and who is willing to do work, they would accept you. Hasai royalty do not sit on their chairs. We lead and forge the future.” Malakath, held her hands close to her chest. “Come with me. Marry me and I will help you achieve your best self. All I need from you is your love.”

Would his people really accept her? Mally had no reason to lie. If he did not have intentions toward her, he would have never returned at all. She would have just been another stranger in his life which was lost to time. Al-Daida held nothing for her here. Perhaps taking a chance would result in a better future besides loneliness. 

Leaning forward, Chione nuzzled her forehead against his. This was the deepest gesture of affection within Naran culture. She had thought of Mally often, and she did miss him. While love could blossom within time... was it wrong to deny the fact that she did feel something for him?

"... I'll become one with you, Mally." Chione agreed to Mally's request of her marrying him. She did not want him to leave, and he did not want to leave her. Perhaps, happiness was in her future after all.  "... may I take my plants?"

Malakath was overjoyed. Rubbing his forehead against hers, he purred. "You may. Chione, there's something I wish to show you. Consider it an engagement gift." 

Reaching into a sleeve in his cape, the prince took out a rectangular device. This box was carefully crafted to capture real to life images, printing out pictures of said images. Scrolling through the selection of images that had been recorded, the prince found what he was looking for; a massive glass house ready to be filled with plants. 

"See here? I had a greenhouse built for you. I hope you like it."

"An engagement gift?" Chione repeated, realizing Mally had been so confident that she was going to say yes, he had already prepared a present for her in his homeland. It was rather confident of him in manner, but it only caused her to laugh. The entire time Mally had spent with her, he had oozed confidence. "You are definitely sure of yourself."

When Mally pulled out the strange looking object, Chione gasped in surprise as floating images suddenly appeared. What kind of magic was this? The greenhouse was absolutely marvelous and gargantuan in size. This was... all for her?

Her eyes were transfixed on the image of the greenhouse as she murmured, "It's mine?"

“It’s all yours. Say the word, and I’ll take you to your new home.” Malakath smiled with wonder as he put the pictograph away. He knew this gift was the perfect idea.

"I want to go with you." Chione knew this place held nothing for her but memories. Her parents would have wanted her to be happy, whether it was in Al-Daida or somewhere else. Maybe now, her fate was intertwined with Mally's. "But... will your people accept me? I don't know your language, your customs... I will have to learn."

“The Empire is made of different species. We are all Hasai. You marrying me, an Ocho, will not be looked down upon. For the matter of blood, God has a way of working things out for the Ocho.” Malakath lifted her up by the hands, grinning. “You will be given the time and care to learn much. Now that matters of engagement are settied, is there anything you need to take with you? Any goodbyes?”

"Besides my plants?" Chione thought of her few items in the humble home she had. "Just my clothes and my mementos of my parents. It shouldn't take long to pack."

“I have transportation that’s ready to retrieve us. Gather your things while I signal them here.” Giving her a kiss on her cheek, the prince made his way outside as he readied to launch a firework into the air with his pyrokenesis. His mind wandered to his encounter yesterday with the Dragon. With its final breath, it cursed him. “You will never know true happiness, Prince Malakath. Nor glory. Your bonds will be tainted, and your children shall inherit the power you can only dream of. May that fact drive you to envy and doom.”

Malakath sneered at the thought. He was going to have all the happiness he could dream of. And with Chione as his wife, the next great link in his family's chain was secured.

~

The Kikai Empire was located on a continent far from Al-David’s across the sea. It was known for lush farmland, beautiful mountains, and the most beautiful trees. Mt. Frey, a dormant volcano, stood as a monument overlooking the empire. A month into arriving, Chione was being drilled on Hasai culture and language on the boat ride over.

She learned about the caste system of different Hasai. The blue skinned and purple eyed Romtan, who couldn’t conjure fire themselves, but still supplied much contribution to the empire through engineering and metal work. The snow white skinned Skurge, the main source of protection of the Empire, fire benders who made good soldiers, but also bakers. There was a quick lesson on the Waku, traitors and devil worshippers who had to be expunged. Then finally, the Ocho. Demi-Gods who had their bloodline blessed by Exodrum, God of Fire and Evolution.

Malakath was excited when he finally saw his home in the distance on the final day of the trip. Rushing into Chione’s tutor lesson on Hasai language, he smiled brightly. “Come to the deck, we’re here!”

There was so much to learn. In the days leading up to the arrival, Chione had done her best to learn about the Kikai Empire. The caste system, the culture, the customs, the traditions, the dos the don'ts, and what would be required of her as the role of Princess Consort. There was so much to memorize. Honestly, Chione felt a little overwhelmed but so much information, but did her best. Learning the Hasai language was a bit challenging for her, but once she understood the basics, it became easier. 

Currently, Chione was trying her best to write in the Hasai language, but her penmanship was sorely lacking. Writing in Naran and now Hasai was completely different. While she was grasping speaking the language, writing it was harder than she anticipated. Still, the Naran kept trying to make the correct strokes.

As Mally busted into the room, Chione nearly dropped her quill from the sudden intrusion. Nonetheless, she was delighted to see her intended. The tutors had kept her quite occupied with lessons.

"Mally!" Chione never did drop the nickname. It was her endearment for him. Others, of course, she could tell disapproved, but she did not care. She would use proper titles only if necessary. Yet, when it was just him, she wanted to express love in her own way. "We are almost to the... ah..." She had to pause to translate the word in her head. "Island?"

“Very good.” Taking her hand, Malakath promised to speak with her in Hasai when around others, but he would speak Naran when alone with her. Reaching the deck, she pointed to the bay they were driving into. “This is my homeland. The very origins of the Empire are located here.”

"It is beautiful," Chione was amazed at the sight from the blimp. Malakath described how it was just simply one of the newer wonders his people had recently created. Never in her life had she seen so many plants. Yet, she had never been so high in the air before either. A sand ray could only leap so far into the sky. "It is so... green."

She looked around, a little confused and gestured to the sky around them and the land ahead. "You said you were the blood of a dragon, yes? Where are the dragons?"

Malakath held his breath, slowly talking and choosing his words carefully. “They’re gone Chione. They became corrupted by the Waku. It wasn’t the outcome we wanted, but we had to destroy them. It was them, or the rest of the Empire. My subjects, their children, their futures.”

"Oh... I'm sorry it came to that." Chione sounded disappointed as she looked out at the sky. "I was really hoping to see one," She explained to Mally, not meaning any offense, just curious. "I've seen Daidan Drakes, but I've never seen a dragon."

Malakath gave his fiancé a pat on the back. “We have Wyverns, as well as creatures far more unique than a dragon. Put them out of your mind my dear.”

"There is so much to see and so much to learn too." Chione asked Mally as the blimp continued inland. "I want to know, but sometimes, it feels so daunting---oh my goodness! Is that your palace?!"

Descending downwards onto the landing pad, the Red Palace was in full display. A marvelous piece of architecture full of towers and arches. Built in a courtyard she could see a massive greenhouse that was ready for her. “Welcome home Chione.”

"This is... home?" Chione was dumbfounded. This was far larger than the Matriarch's palace. As Mally led her off the landing platform, the Nara stared in wonder at the regality of the Hasai Palace. "How do you not get lost?"

“You’ll learn.” Malakath could see his family approaching. He braced himself , but was quick to brace Chione. “You have met my sister, so you know what she’s like. My mother, Empress Keara, is a Romtan, married into the family. She might take interest in you, she might not. She’s rather aloof these days. My father, Emperor Chillowack, is the type of man who uses friendliness as a weapon. Don’t show any weakness around him, he might use it against you.”

This certainly was a lot to process. It did not seem that Mally's family would hold any love for her. Then again, Chione expected that the royals would not outright welcome her. She was a foreigner, she held no immense power, and she had no titles. There was nothing the Nara could offer to Mally's family. Though, Chione was not foolish enough to believe every issue would be sunshine and rainbows either. She knew the life of a royal was harsh, never knowing who to trust. If Mally told her to be careful, she would do so. It was a rather frightening feeling to realize that within these walls, it was a high possibility that he was the only one that she could trust.

"Is there anyone besides you that I can rely on?" Chione asked Mally rather quickly in Naran as she held onto his arm tightly. "... I will be careful."

“I have a close friend, a colonel Bellum. Loyal, and wise. You can trust him as well. In time, you might find others.” 

Landing, a red carpet was rolled out for the prince. Standing at an impress, 6’7ft, Emperor Chillowack, another Ocho, opened his arms to the couple. “At last, the Hero of the Civil War has arrived! Welcome home my boy!”

The Emperor spoke in a very proper, upper class accent, unlike his children. The Empress eyed Chione, but it was almost robotic, glazed over in her analysis of the Nara. Silvia merely folded her arms, a small squint at Chione forming. With a flamboyant wave of his hand, the Emperor cheerfully addressed his son. “Malakath. Please introduce me to your chosen mate.”

With a graceful bow, the prince gestured to his wife as if she were a precious treasure. “This is Chione, my fiancé, and soon to be princess.”

The Emperor smiled, offering a hug to his son, then Chione. “You have exquisite taste in jewelry.”

Chione felt a prickle at the base of her tail when setting eyes on Mally's father. There were no indications the man was a threat. Yet, there was a part of her instincts which screamed to run, to avoid this man at all costs. Was he even a man... or perhaps a monster? While Chillowack gazed at her up and down, she felt physically sick, like he viewed her as inferior, as a specimen, as some *thing* to be under his heel. No, no, Mally warned her not to show weakness. She had to put on a mask, even if the man unnerved her. Figuring out Mally's mother and sister could come later, for now, Chione had to tangle with this... beast. There was no way she'd lose.

"Your son heat sand and make for me." Chione spoke in the Hasai language as best as she could, giving the Emperor a polite bow as the tutor had taught her. To accept a hug from him, that was not a line she wanted to cross. But weakness... she could not show it. So, instead, she would show strength. Squeezing the Emperor tightly, not enough to cause pain, but enough for display, Chione actually lifted him off the ground slightly. "It nice to greet you, soon father-in-law!!!"

Emperor Chillowack immediately hugged her back, letting out a chortle. "Oh my! Excellent form on this one~" 

When he was set down, he gestured to the palace behind him. "I look forward to having a daughter who might be able to throw her strength around! Please! Unload your belongings, then join us for dinner! We have much to discuss about ourselves!"

"I discuss what can." Chione agreed with a smile, not letting her guard down in front of the man. It was easier to play along for now. Perhaps, if he needed her worthy, the Emperor would eventually leave her be. "The Hasai tongue is... what is word? New? I do best to answer questions."

"I'm sure you will." The Emperor and the Empress were the first to turn to leave. Princess Silvia glowered a little more at the pair, then turned to leave.

Malakath was quick to take his wife's hand, leading her in. "I think that went rather well."

As Silvia glared at her, Chione did not allow the disdain to get a rise out of her. She merely smiled in return.

"... I did squeeze him rather hard." Chione murmured into Mally's ear as he led her inside the palace. "Maybe I shouldn't have?"

"No, you showed him your strength. That's won you over a great deal in his eyes. I don't know if you'll ever win over my mother, so don't worry about that."

"As long as I have you, I believe I'll be fine," Chione leaned in to rub her forehead against his once more. "I still have more to learn to become known with your culture."

~

At the dinner table, a large sushi dinner was presented for the prince and his fiancé. Sitting closer to the head, Malakath made sure his wife was being treated fairly. Silvia, however, couldn’t stop going back and forth with daggers in her eyes at her brother, Chione, and her father.

As the servants brought out the food, Chione was stunned by the amount of uncooked fish placed in front of her. Did the cooks think her too skinny? Surely, all this food was not just for her on this plate. Glancing at the other plates, Chione realized it seemed similar to the others, and wondered how she was going to eat all of the food. Wasn't fish supposed to be cooked before eating? The last thing she wanted to do was be rude or insulting. It was probably a good idea to at least try the food. 

"Thanks prepare food for me." Chione tried her best to express gratitude to the servants in her limited Hasai language, and then to Mally's family, despite his sister's constant scowl. "Thanks for invite to table. What is called?" She pointed to the plate of sushi in front of her. "In Al-Daida, fish... uh... heated? No, no..." She took a moment to try to think of the correct translation. "In pan. In fire. Prepped?"

"Oh! That's adorable! No, this is sushi! The rice and fish is okay to be eaten raw! What you do is pick up the food like so with these utensils." The Emperor raised the chop sticks, showing off. "Then you dip the food into sauces like so! It adds flavour darling." 

Malakath slowly eyed his wife, giving her a nod. He had prepared her for the use of the dinner ware in his culture. He hoped she had practiced enough.

"Su-shi?" Chione repeated, looking at Mally for clarification. Once he gave an approval, the Nara reached for the utensils. It was rather odd not using her hands to eat food. Most of what she used to fix at home required only the usage of her hands as a utensil. Yet, she learned rather quickly how to use the chopsticks. Copying the motions of Chillowack, Chione tried a bite of the sushi with the brown sauce. It was... very salty, and the texture of the fish mixed with rice was certainly different. It was not a bad taste, she was just unused to such food. "Different than Al-Daida. Different but good."

"Oh that sounds wonderful dear! I'm glad you can enjoy our culture! Oh do tell us about yourself! I noticed your parents didn't join us. I hope they weren't closed off to an interspecies romance." 

Malakath held his breath, watching closely at how his father tested Chione's boundries. His language, while playful, had a hidden edge to it. While the Ocho often needed to mate with other factions of Hasai, or even species to not inbreed, there was still a great deal of care to not sully their genes with completely inferior beings. They were always blessed to have full blooded Ocho children, but the wrong partner could breed weakness. Malakath knew that, and his father would look out for that. 

"I sad to inform Emperor parents are um..." Chione expected such a question. It was only natural to be curious about her parents just as she was about Mally's. She quickly realized she did not know the Hasai word for death. Using words she did know, Chione explained to the Emperor, "Not on earth. Not here. With Amek, in not life."

"Oh, my condolences dear. I suppose death comes to us all at some point. Perhaps they would want to hear about how you've come to love my son? It is so good that one of my children could find love."

Silvia scowled for a moment, but continued to eat her sushi.

"Your son, I fish out water in river." Chione figured there was no reason to lie. The Emperor would find out one way or another even if Mally had not told him all the details. "He ready go leave, not rest to heal. I fix and feed. Time spent together good. He leave. I miss. He come back," She then gave Mally a soft smile, "Then take me Kikai with him."

“That’s such a wonderful story. Thank goodness you found him. Without my darling little Angel, we would have never turned the tide of the war. I am so grateful to you my son. You ended the dreadful dragons and brought us peace! I am so thankful that on top of this special occasion, you’ll be able to continue to bloodline with your wonderful marriage. Truly a prime candidate for the throne.”

While Malakath beamed brightly, Silvia actually looked hurt for a moment, then turned away in disgust.

Evidently, the Emperor struck a nerve with Silvia when referencing the fight and a lover, Chione could tell by her future sister-in-law's disdain for the topic. The Nara felt a bit of pity for Silvia. Yet, she had to keep up appearances for now in front of Mally's father. It would not be easy to keep this man on his toes since he was so invested in his son's future. More than likely, Chillowack would have his nose in every detail of their life. It was best to be careful and to be cautious. 

"I want Mally," Chione told her future in-laws, "Be happy."

“Oh. Don’t we all.” Chillowack smiled, but for none of the right reasons.

Malakath simply took his gin and basked in his sense of accomplishments. He knew that his sister would certainly try to triple her efforts to obtain the throne, and of course he’d have to be careful, but that was for tomorrow’s worries. In a week, he would be married. Then it would only be a matter of time of having twins of his own. In his eyes, he was the prince victorious.

The Emperor wiped his mouth with a napkin, before shifting the subject. “I heard you have quite the green thumb. Malakath insisted on constructing you quite the greenhouse. I expect you to fill it up.”

"My mother garden. She teach me." Chione was eagerly awaiting to see the greenhouse, but exercised patience. Perhaps she could keep his attention off Silvia for now if he was interested in her. It would not hurt to be a little talkative, as much as she could, right? "Many plants. Kamazu plant best for injuries. It grow in water."

“If you need water, we can hook up irrigation for you.” It was the first time the Empress spoke. Seemed that the conversation had taken a turn to capture her interest. Even Malakath was surprised by this.

"I thank for kindness." Chione smiled brightly at Mally's mother. Maybe she liked to enjoy the presence of every plant beautiful and green as well? It could be an attempt to know her better, to earn her favor. "You and me, garden? I grow flowers for you."

“Perhaps. I just like tinkering.” And just like that, the attachment to the subject was leaving her. 

Having finished his meal, Malakath listened to his fiancé, proud of her being able to keep the conversation up. However, that was muddled when his sister had to put in a snide remark.

“It’s you and I. Even then, it’s not a full sentence. Hope you do learn better.”

Malakath cleared his throat, then spoke out an insult he hadn’t taught Chione yet. “Maybe you need to learn some manners first sister. But then it’s very much like you to be a soulful skank when you feel upstaged by someone prettier than you.”

Silvia rose from the table with a slam, but her father didn’t seem bothered by it. If anything, he was entertained. The princess pointed a finger right at Malakath. “Anything can happen. To you or your desert peasant. You’ll regret choosing her, as she’ll come to regret choosing you.”

“I very much doubt that. And I doubt, if you want to even have a chance at the throne, you have a choice in your love.”

At that comment, Silvia sneered and turned to leave. “We’ll see how long until she gets sick of you, brother.”

The rest of the family merely shrugged as she left. Chillowack in particular yawned. “Well, I would love to smell your roses every now and then.”

"You welcome visit greenhouse." Chione still smiled at Mally's mother, despite her sudden disinterest. "You welcome with me."

Though with Silivia's snide remark, Chione felt embarrassed at her butchering of the Hasai tongue. She was trying her best to grasp the language, but only had a couple of weeks practice while traveling to the island. Though, when Mally spoke up on her behalf, she did not quite understand all the words, but knew from his tone it was certainly an insult to his sister. Yet, the threatening insinuation from Silvia certainly caught Chione's attention. It made her angry. She did nothing to deserve such treatment! There was no way the Nara left her homeland for such hostility from others she barely knew!

Frowning at Silvia, Chione watched as she tromped away in a huff.

Malakath held her hand, giving her a reassuring smile. “Would you like to see your greenhouse?”

"Yes, please!" Chione wanted a positive note to the beginning of her time at the palace. "And my plants?"

“Already taken there. You two love birds go have fun!” 

Malakath stood and gave his father a respectful bow. “Thank you for the early dismissal.”

"I thank for food and talk." Chione copied Mally's mannerisms and then followed him outside. Giving a sigh of relief, she felt comfortable to speak Naran to Mally now in the absence of many watchful eyes. "That was exhausting. Your mother is disinterested, your father is too interested, and your sister hates me. I suppose it couldn't have gone better, no?"

“Perhaps. If we were in another world. My mother is apathetic to most things. I think she liked you, in her own way. You got her able to talk about a subject. For my father, you kept him engaged and happy. That’s good enough. As for my sister, Silvia will be a rival. Her anger stems from her need for the throne. She will have to sacrifice much to be Empress if she hopes to catch up to my success.”

"I suppose that is acceptable for now, though your sister could be a problem in the future," Chione seemed a little nervous about that aspect. "When we do have... um..." She could not believe she was saying this aloud. Children were a future thought, not one of the present! The Nara wanted some time with Mally before a family was started. "A family one day, I don't want her trying to harm our children."

“I will not allow that to happen. We may have been born from the same womb, but I will not hesitate to tear out her heart before she harms the ones who I have given my own to. As for when we have children, I believe we should wait until after our marriage.”

“I would never dream of it.” With that comment, he trailed a finger along one of her horns. “When I take you, it’ll be at the height of passion as husband and wife. You, my princess. Me, your prince.”

"Hrrrrnnhhhmmppppnnnn." Chione could not suppress the delighted purr at Mally gently tracing one her horns. It was instinctual, not something she could control. Even her tail started to wrap around his leg to pull him closer. Still flustered, she relaxed her head on his shoulder as she linked arms with him while walking to the greenhouse. "Only if I don't jump you first."

“When Hasai bond, they bond for life. We especially value our first times. I’m sure you ‘jumping me’ would be memorable, but let’s do so somewhere with some space.”

"... oh." This was new information. Then again, she supposed Mally probably wanted to inform her of this instead of the tutor. While she knew Hasai were a monogamous culture, Chione did not know of the bond. "I... um... does it matter if it's... my first time?"

“No. Just for us.” Malakath raised a curious brow. “Would it be your first time?”

"... no." Chione admitted, looking downcast. "There was a man who my parents fancied for me to marry and I did like him, but... he turned out to be more interested in the opposite sex than me."

“Ah. His loss I suppose.” Malakath reached the door of the greenhouse, and opened it to a fantastic sight. “Our gain.”

"... oh!!!" Chione was not expecting to see her plants already prepared for her in the greenhouse. She was expecting it to be mostly empty except for the plants she had brought from home. Yet, here it was, full to the brim of some species the Nara had never seen before. "This... this is..." She struggled to find the words, absolutely amazed. There was even a fountain in the middle! With fish! "This is something from one of my dreams..."

“And I can make all your dreams come true. Go. Enjoy yourself my dear.”

"Are you coming with me?" Chione looked around the greenhouse in complete and utter awe. Never before had she seen such splendor in the form of plants. She could not stop the smile from spreading across her face. "Some species I do not know yet from your island. You could tell me!"

Malakath allowed himself to be swept up in the euphoria of Chione’s love for life, chuckling as he swaggered over. “Very well. I’m a particular fan of cherry blossoms and dragon lilies.”

Giving her a pat, the prince breathed in the air around him. There was nothing that was going to stop him from having the perfect life he wanted. ______________________________________________________________

Written with @ridersoftheapocalypse Prequel to War of Fire.

Previous Ch. https://mrneighbourlove.tumblr.com/post/739289093975031808/glass-love-and-desire-ch-2-return-to-home

Next Ch. https://mrneighbourlove.tumblr.com/post/741968339918848000/glass-love-and-desire-ch-4-love-desire-and

[othercat2]

seconding magic tattoos! if that were a thing that could be suggested.

Eeeeee a Hasai story.

So I mentioned (I think) a couple-or-few weeks back that I was starting to look into what Hasai’s human form would look like (since that’s data I’m going to need when we get to his novella in the Tales of the Five group). And what the heck: after some shopping around, I found it. That’s his basic shape, there.

It suits him for a number of reasons. It’s easy to forget (if not being attentive to backstory) that despite having become the most senior Dragon presently resident on that Earth, in terms of out-of-the-egg time, he’s also the youngest. He was the last-hatched Dragonet before the Journey, which makes him “now” (in story continuity) fully adult, but still in his earliest adult years in Dracon terms–just a skinny young guy. His magic-using spouses, though, while devising his human body for him, wouldn’t have forgotten.

(And the design stages would’ve been interesting. While considering this the other day I abruptly found myself in the middle of a humorous but fairly heated discussion regarding the usefulness/uses of nipples for entities identifying as male. I made some notes for story purposes, but escaped as quickly as possible… because, seriously, when Freelorn gets started in talking-dirty mode?…) (eyeroll) 

…Anyway. That’s merely his human shape; there’s more design to be done. Dragons are culturally extremely sensitive about their hide and spine colors. “Livery” (as Segnbora translates the far more deeply-nuanced Dracon term) is profoundly important to Dragons for historical and personal reasons, being a visible indicator of family history and other issues. And even in human form, there’s no way Hasai would completely discard his original skin.

So this is a first stab at it. Various creators platformed at Daz offer products that let you do skin-on-skin overlays. This is going to work a lot better once I figure out how to add a proper overlay of scales rather than a texture labeled “Blood Zombie”. :) …But the color’s generally right, and it’ll do for the moment while I experiment.

…Duplicating scaling made of living black star sapphire is going to be an entirely different challenge. But for the moment I’m taking one thing at a time.

[mrneighbourlove]

A Better Future: Ch 1. Kingdoms Unite

The Ark of the Blazing Fire sailed forward across the ocean waves, sailing through uncharted territory. Captain Bellum of the Kikai Empire had a glorious task ahead of him. Chart out the ocean floors and discover territory for the Hasai Colonization. The Empire was growing large. Too large for the Emperor's liking. They needed to expand or their population would tear itself apart. Finally, his scout found something. 

"Captain! Island dead ahead!"

"Excellent. Everyone to their stations. We have potential territory for the Empire." 

The boat sailed in close, hitting the sandy beaches. Skorge troopers with spears hit the beach, flanked with Waku magicians. Once they secured the landing zone, Bellum kept a small crew on the boat as he and other Romton left the boat. "Sergeant. If there are other people here, do not engage unless I give the order."

The Waku nodded, despite some grunts of disapproval from the Skorge troopers. "Yes sir." 

The Captain appreciated the lack of tongue from the Waku. "Excellent. Let's see what we have here."

For the next half an hour, the team of Hasai explored the small island. The Captain deduced there was plenty of lush vegetation. In the trees, Bellum took an orange, examining it closely. Smelled good. Felt good. Taking a bite, it tasted good. He checked off in his mind a good food source. One of the scouts found a river, connecting to the ocean. "Sir! Fresh water!" 

"Very good." This settled it for Bellum. Grabbing a banner, he stabbed it into the ground. The Hasai flag flew high into the air. "Then this will be a good island to claim for the Empire."

Lorleidians did not condone violence. All of the tribes of Lorleidi tried to avoid fighting if peaceful resolutions were possible. Yet, there were a select few who believed in attacking first and asking questions later. These were the border guardians of Lorleidi, keeping a close watch over their beloved islands. For a while, the guards simply observed the newcomers. The queen had given strict orders not to intervene unless necessary. However, these were armed individuals with dangerous weapons and highly unstable, darkly influenced, fire magic. There was uneasiness in the Lorleidians' minds as the guards watched from their posts. Some were hidden in the ground. Others floated above in the air. A few were in the water, slowly dismantling the boats, to keep the intruders from fleeing. 

Once the banner was in sight, the Lorleidians realized these newcomers were looking to conquer. This would not do. The queen would be interested to know of these strange people who dared to try to take their homeland. With the magical energy flowing in place, the trap was set. The best tactic to battle was to avoid the overall battle. Within moments, the Skurge were trapped by fauna which simply came alive, taking the weapons from grasp and tangling the warriors in the vines, constricted tight. The Waku were trapped up to their necks in the sand, the earth hardening to keep the warriors in place, unable to use the fire. The Romtan on the boat were suddenly trapped in spheres of water, only allowing air into their lungs by exposing their head. 

Lorleidian soldiers had Bellum secured by his ankles, with Kovinas and Munjas ready to deliver a fatal strike if he so much as flinched.

"You are on Lorleidian land, outsider," General Waccamaw's fingertips were sparkling with lightning. "You dare trespass on sacred land."

As a glow came from startled Waku, and Bellum calculated this first contact quickly. The Skurge and Romton would die quickly. The Waku could fight back, but most likely be overwhelmed fast. No. Fighting in these conditions would be fatal for his team. Negotiations were needed to boost the odds of survival. "Put down your weapons, suspend your magic and spare my crew. I am Captain Bellum of the Kikai Empire. I mean you no harm. I was under the impression this was untamed land. There is no need for bloodshed at this time. Unless I am incorrect with my analysis, you are not savages. You see no reason to kill us needlessly. I see no reason for a counter attack."

"You are the ones who have brought weapons to our land and dark magic at your side," General Waccamaw was not so easily swayed. Outsiders have always brought trouble to Lorleidi. It was difficult to allow anyone who was not a Lorleidian here on the island. There had been too many incidents where outsiders tried to hurt the innocents or take what was precious to them. So, the Lorleidians defended what was theirs with much ferocity. "You must understand why we are skeptical of you and yours on our land."

“Dark magic? Interesting theory. Of course, any advanced culture would defend itself journeying into the unknown. And, this is your home. If I promise you me and my crew will not retaliate, will you treat us with hospitality?”

"Why should I expect you to keep your promise?" General Waccamaw was still not convinced. "Many outsiders have been here before, promising friendship and partnership, and have fled with our resources, our children, and betrayed our trust."

“You have us outnumbered. You hold the strategic high ground over my crew. To attack you after would only ensure our deaths. Does this prove enough trust on the matter? And if not trust, logic?”

"This only proves I have the advantage, it does not mean I will trust you so easily." General Waccamaw glanced at the warriors the Captain Bellum brought who were trapped by his guards. "Our queen will decide your fate." He then ordered the soldiers. "Bring him with us. Keep his warriors subdued until the queen gives her orders."

“Must you put sand up to their necks and keep them in such confined spaces? It’s rather barbaric to treat your prisoners in such a manner.”

"The outsiders say we are barbarians, so I suppose, if they believe it, we'll act like it." General Waccamaw motioned for the Waku to at least be allowed a little more breathing room. "Come. Our wise queen awaits."

Bellum breathed with relief with his men once they were given more leniency. “Thank you.”

Traveling with the Lorliedians, the captain felt like kicking himself in the foot. Behind the island he settled on was a massive landmass that dwarfed it in comparison. If he scouted further instead of letting his excitement get the better of him, perhaps he could have avoided this situation

General Waccamaw led the captain to the capital, having sent a messenger ahead with news of the outsider. The queen agreed to cast judgement. Within time, even the current reagent had grown rather suspicious of any foreigners. There had been so many injustices against their people in the past. Not only were there guards, but dragons around the palace as well. Many were massive beasts, protective of their homeland and nests, but also ready to attack those who were seen as a threat. As Bellum was led into the palace, the Kovinas made sure to keep his hands pinned together with two plates of metal, serving as a handcuff of sorts. There were also Munjas at his side, ready to use the metal to send a shocking current throughout the captain if he dared to try anything.

"Queen Yolandyi," General Waccamaw gave a polite bow to his leader. "We have brought the outsider."

The current queen was young, almost paler than starlight with her skin and contrasting raven hair. Those unusual lavender eyes could see straight into the soul of anyone. It was a talent of the royals, so the stories said, each and every leader of Lorleidi had a sense of who was righteous and who was malicious. There, she sat on her throne, as calm and poised as every ruler should be. 

"It has been a long while since we had any outsiders from the mainland, those this one," Yolandyi's voice was like pure silk, her long eyelashes nearly touching her cheeks as she blinked, looking from her general to the intruder. "Is different than those from countries on the continent."

Bellum, still shackled, would not show weakness. His posture was straight, and his purple, amethyst eyes locked onto the Queen. His voice, despite being a captive, was kept cool and methodical. “You will need to be more specific on which continent. I’ve taken my crew from my initial departure over a month on the sea.”

"Where are you from, outsider?" Yolandyi inquired of the man, "And what do you want with our homeland? My general here tells us you were looking to conquer." She stood from her throne, the dress flowing behind her as she descended the steps. "Do we have reason to be alarmed by your presence here?"

“I am Captain Bellum of the Kikai Empire. We are a collection of tribes from a race known as the Hasai. I travel out because our Empire has grown to a level that will not be able to sustain our people without expansion. I am looking for unclaimed land that my people can settle on. I made the miscalculation out of excitement that the island we landed on was not claimed by another nation.”

Yolandyi listened to his words, her facial expression remaining stoic. Now in front of Bellum, she reached up and touched his cheek, feeling his energies within, searching for deceit or malicious intent. She found none. Bellum, however, was alerted to the swirling storm of power which the queen held. The connection went both ways. With a soft hum, the queen motioned for the guards to remove the manacles, the metal falling to the ground.

"He speaks the truth." Yolandyi removed her hand from Bellum's face, turning to return to her throne. "You and your warriors may go."

Bellum felt his wrists, giving a crack of his neck. “I never was given the privilege of your name. Or learned of the name of your nation. Or what your culture might be like.”

One of the Romton groaned at the last bit. They knew their captain loved cultural arts, and he could be kept up for hours studying it.

"I am Queen Yolandyi of the Lorleidians," She glanced over her shoulder at Bellum, halting her movements for the moment. "We have seven tribes for the Seven Siblings of Nature. Our talents were gifted to us by our deities," Yolandyi held up her hand, a bright ball of light floating above her palm. "We are children of magic. We are magic. Without it, we are nothing. Our home," She gestured to the island seen between the pillars of the palace, "Is the magnificent Lorleidi; the islands of magic."

Gracefully, Yolandyi extended her magical ability to the rest of the room, chasing away the shadows before recalling the light back to her in the shape of the globe. "The Kikai Empire has already been rumored to be quite a military force. However, if you are looking to expand," The queen used her magic to display a section of islands south of Kikai, a shorter distance, but accessible only when the storms chased away the clouds. "Here. A species of fauna with intelligence live there and have knowledge of many medicines and edible plants. I would suggest making friends there, while the other islands around this one are unoccupied."

“Fauna? Interesting. How much intelligence though? Might lack… flare though.” Bellum glanced over the Queen. “Do you rule alone? Do you not have allies yourself?”

"Are you asking if I have a king to stand at my side?" Yolandyi returned his question with one of her own. "And we have acquaintances. Lorleidi has no part in the mainland's war faring activities."

“I was.” Bellum directed his attention to the other point. “Acquaintances are for individuals who lack friends, not nations. Who do you rely on for trade? For shared protection? You can play the part of the shield, but if you do not take up a sword yourself, you must have an ally to do so for you. Least you risk destruction. Metaphor, but nonetheless true.”

"I do not have a king." Yolandyi took her seat once more, the dragons at her side keening lowly as she offered each a pet on the snouts. "We trade with Danjur, sometimes Hyrule, but we mostly have whatever we need here. Lorleidi is self-sustaining. And dear outsider," She asked him, a twinge of warning in her voice, "Whatever so gave you the impression we do not have a sword for defending ourselves? Why do you think so many outsiders never breathe again after stepping foot on our land? We have our ways."

“Do you kill them all? If they are thieves or pirates, expected. If they are travellers, that should not be your judgement to make.”

One of the men noticed one of the dragons bare its teeth at them. Cautiously, he whispered to his captain. “Sir. I think we should just go…”

Bellum waved him off, unconcerned. “Are those ways cruel? Barbarism? True, I know Hasai who would do the same. I, however, condemn it. It is an ugly thing. You can’t kill off someone simply because they traveled onto your property. Or ensnare them together. I’m clearly not your general, but I would not let paranoia allow myself to harm or restrain someone of a new nation upon first contact. What your general did, I would simply call rude. Perhaps unethical.” 

The men really, really wanted to leave, but they knew their Captain was impossible to stop a point once he got rolling.

“Soldiers need discipline. You, General, lacked it. Part of the risk is waiting for the other side to make the first move. We made no such motion of aggression when you moved on my crew with forceful, some painful, and I’m certain, mentally worrying restraint. Simply put, it was not proper. Maybe you lack friends because of your lack of manners. You need better protocol. You clearly have power, but you used it incorrectly.”

"Innocents are welcome, but those who would see us under their heel, are not." Yolandyi calmed her dragons with a soft murmur in Lorleidian, giving a gentle kiss to the fire dragon's nose. "Until you've had war on your doorsteps, until you've seen your people suffer at the hands of others, and until you yourself have been a victim, captain, then you are in no place to judge what tactics were used to keep ourselves safe. My general does only what he is instructed to do. Lorleidians do not condone violence," She then paused, turning to the other dragon, motioning for the growling to cease. "But that does not mean we will not use it. This is how we have kept our people safe for thousands of years, and will keep them safe for a thousand more to come."

She then stated, "If you are here to simply give me a lecture, or tell my general how to run his forces, then you will find I have no patience for a man who thinks he knows better than me because he is just that; a man." Those electric lavender eyes peered at Bellum with no trace of emotion. "I've no need of your righteous prattle, Captain Bellum, and no need of a man telling me how to run Lorleidi when he himself does not understand the struggles of my people. Now," She gestured to the guards, "My guardians will see you out if you are done with your attempt at entertaining me?"

“Very well. I will report my findings of this nation back to my Emperor. You should expect further delegations.”

Bellum glanced around the palace room. “I’d like to come back. Examine your art under further study. Maybe you can meet our dragons.”

"If your emperor wishes to pursue a trade agreement, I'd prefer to discuss agreements prior to the arrival of your ruler." Yolandyi thought this captain was such a puzzlement, but opted to keep her opinion to herself... for now. "Very well. Send word ahead of time and you and your warriors will not be up to your necks in sand."

"We will send diplomats. Not warriors. Your skin? Why is it-" One of the men gave his captain a shake of the head. "Ah. Forgive me. Some examinations can be considered rude. Till we meet again."

As the Hasai left, a small hatchling made herself known. A little lightning dragon named Dova'll. "Who was that? Why were they rainbow coloured?"

After the captain was escorted from the palace, Yolandyi noticed the hatchling. It was common for the mother dragons to keep their babies close, so having hatchlings around the palace was nothing new. At the baby dragon's question, the queen actually smiled slightly. Little ones were always so curious.

"The Hasai, Dova'll." Yolandyi answered, "And it seems they are interested in making friends."

“Why was he blue? And the other one red? Are they dragon kin?”

"Dragon kin are the Winged, little Dova'll, part of legends." Yolandyi gently placed the hatchling on her lap. "I suppose a trip to the library is in order, yes?"

“But I don’t like reading.” The little dragon tried to bare her fangs before running off.

~

There was no communication between the Hasai and the Lorleidi for about a year. One day, on summer's eve, a dragon swam into shore. Behind it was one ship, the Halo of the Divine. Bellum led the company, with a company of ambassadors. 

The Hasai Dragon had 6 whiskers with a large main, and it couldn’t get enough of the water. “So refreshing.”

“Erekk. Don’t get the locals upset.”

The port was massive, welcoming visitors from around the continents, but security was incredibly high. After the last visit from the Hasai, Yolandyi made changes. There were now scouts in the water, on the smaller islands, and no one was allowed to visit the palace unless it was diplomatic concerns. As the ship and dragon neared the port, the Hasai were greeted by water dragons on either side and Vodas who watched over the port. 

"Captain of the ship, please state your intentions and purpose of visiting the island of Lorleidi."

“This is Admiral Bellum of the Kikai Empire. I am here as an ambassador to speak with Queen Yolandyi. Permission to dock?”

The Hasai Dragon immediately went up to the Lorliedi Dragons, swimming around them like an excited dolphin.

"Permission granted to dock, however, we have received no orders to escort a party of Hasai to the palace." The guardian then said, "We will relay a message to the queen to see if you will be allowed entry."

As Errek swam excitedly around the Lorleidian water dragons, the pair remained calm and collected, remembering their job to do. However, the two were polite to the newcomer. 

"Newcomer, we are pleased to welcome you to our island."

"Remember, no eating of humans and no destruction of property."

"Doing so will result in imprisonment or demise."

"Please have a good day touring the island."

“Eat humans? I’m a Luck Dragon. All Dragons of the Grand Isles are. I’m a vegetarian. You don’t have whiskers. And you’re so scaly. And no fur! But you’re so big! This is amazing. I have never seen other dragons outside my kind!”

Bellum activated a switch on his helper as the boat docked in. A humanoid Android with a single glowing eye stood up, glancing around. “T0-D. You are to stay by my side at all times. Observe your surroundings at your pleasure.”

“Pleasure: I don’t know if I can feel pleasure. Or feel.”

"If you would like to interact with the other breeds of Lorleidian dragons, most of our kind spend their leisure time on the other side of this isle."

"Please do not disturb the nests, or else, you will face the wrath of the mother dragon."

"We have six other breeds of Lorleidian dragons."

"Water, fire, wind, earth, metal, and lightning."

"One of us could escort you to the area if you wish it."

It took a while though a messenger eventually returned to the port, allowing access to the palace. General Bellum and his entourage were escorted there by a large group of guardians. All weapons were stripped from the Hasai before allowing entry. There, upon her throne once more, awaited Queen Yolandyi, now more mature in mind and body.

Bellum gave a bow to the Queen, a new red uniform with gold shoulder pads signifying his new rank. Behind him, T0-D scanned the palace walls. He had many looks of bewilderment given his way.

The Hasai felt a draw towards the Queen as his purple eyes fell upon her. “Queen Yolandyi. Good to see you again. I apologize for the long delay between our last meeting. My Empire took lengths to expand our civilization and borders. There was an incident with the Rakashi. They tried to enslave our first colonists with spores. Were you aware they had this ability?”

"Goodness, dear Bellum, you have not seen me in all these years and the first thing you do is just like the last time we met," Yolandyi actually gave a small chuckle, seemingly amused, now, a softer look in her eyes. Her king was at her side, a little one in her lap, and already, her belly was swelling with another child. She seemed happier, not as despondent as before, taking her role of queen more seriously. "You and your questions. Though, to answer your inquiry, I did not."

“Unfortunate. Luckily, there were only 14 colonist casualties. And we only had to burn 4 out of the 7 Hiveminds to bring an end to the conflict, as well as avoid genocide. The act of meeting you and bringing peace to the conflict promoted me to Admiral. There is no ill feelings towards you for not knowing that the Rakashi had multiple  natures.”

"I am glad to hear of your expansion though I do regret I had no knowledge of the plants being malicious. However, I am delighted you made peace with such an amazing species," Yolandyi then inquired of Bellum, "Though, it is now my turn to ask you a question, Admiral Bellum. Once again, just like old times, why are you here?"

“To negotiate further trade? And perhaps a chance to study Lorliedian culture closer?”

"Very well." Yolandyi gently set her firstborn into her husband's lap, carefully descending the stairs with a dragon at her side to steady her balance. "I will have my council draw up trade contracts for items of your choosing. What do you wish to know of Lorleidian culture? I would be happy to have my most esteemed scholars educate you."

“Your magic, your art, your agriculture, your lineage. Just to start.”

"That can be arranged." Yolandyi thought it was a little odd that Bellum wished to learn of her people's culture, but decided not to argue against it. After all, nothing harmful could become of it. "Though my lineage, Admiral, does not trace back to the past kings and queens of Lorleidi. Each king and queen is chosen for the throne. It does not necessarily follow a bloodline."

“Interesting and intriguing. So you were elected. Was your King as well?”

"I chose my king, Admiral," Yolandyi stopped in front of Bellum, a soft smile on her face. "A marriage is not true unless it is for love. You have not changed much since we last met," Her hand raised once more and placed itself upon Bellum's cheek, feeling of his energies once more. "... indeed. Simply the same."

“I don’t see a reason to change. I am content with the man I am and the position in life I hold.”

T0-D looked at Yolandyi with bewilderment. His hand mimicked her reaching out to Bellum. “Error: I do not understand the need for physical connection. Can you read Admiral Bellum’s electronic flow?”

"Change is inevitable for all of us, Admiral." Yolandyi told the Hasai, "Whether it be mind, age, or experience, everything in the world changes. I was simply curious to see if you were any different." When T0-D posed a question to Yolandyi, she looked curious at the talking metal man. "I am a Dusa, a magic user of life energies. I can sense Admiral Bellum's emotions and feel his life force. So... I suppose you're asking if I can read his 'nerves'?"

“Queen Yolandyi. Meet T Zero dash D. T0-D is an artificial creation I found on an expedition. It took me quite the amount of time to repay him. He knows who created him, but has lost his memory to time.” 

“Confirmation: Nerves. What do you see? Can you see the same in me? Can I see the same in you?”

"... Tod." Yolandyi figured a name would be more suiting than a couple of letters and a number. "A piece of Sheikah technology, I presume?" Holding out her hand, she gently took the robot's and over turned her palm. "You and I are very different, Tod, but in some ways we are the same." She flexed her fingers, "We both have hands, and it seems, you share Admiral Bellum's curiosity. Would you like to learn alongside him?"

“I would. The Admiral spoke highly of you.”

If Bellum was at all flustered, he didn’t show any change of it in his expression. “Of course. The Queen is a fascinating individual.”

"Oh, he did, did he?" Yolandyi stole a glance at Bellum, noticing the subtle change in his energy but said nothing. "While your council and mine agree upon trade, I shall have my best scholars educate you in our palace's library where we keep our history. If you need lodging for the night, the guest rooms are available."

“Thank you, Queen Yolandyi. I look forward to understanding your culture in depth.” Bellum nodded to the Queen.

“Queen Yolandyi… Are you aware of someone by the name of Ganondorf?”

"Yes, I am." Yolandyi answered honestly, "He came here years ago when he was but a young boy, dying from a poison in his veins. I saved him from perishing and he stayed a while on the island in my care. I did not know of his identity until an undead Gerudo came to look for him."

“Queen Yolandyi…” Bellum checked his wrist collars, taking a breath. “I don’t see any other way to tell you this without being blunt. You came close to an invasion by his forces. Our border patrol close to your territory intercepted a navy force of his. We were quick to respond against a large force of monsters. They would have been 4 hours out had the Empire not intercepted.”

"... what?" Yolandyi looked extremely shocked by this news, disbelief covering her features. Even her king looked concerned, as well as the guardians and dragons in the room. "Surely you're jesting? I saved his life, he stayed with me for a few months. He has no ill will against me. Why would he want to invade Lorleidi?"

“We didn’t know for certain, but he attacked us on first contact and was making a beeline for your nation. I was close, and intercepted. There was a large engagement between my forces and Ganondorf’s. He fled with 15% of his fleet back to wherever he came from. After learning his name, our spies did research. We found a legacy. Ganon. King of Evil. A demon reincarnated for generations originating from the country of Hyrule. Sometimes man. Often monster. Always filled with darkness in his soul. And seeking power by exploiting others. Do you have any source of power he’d want?”

"... he told me his name was Xanatos and had no ill will toward me or my people then." Yolandyi wondered what could have possibly changed. The scared boy she saved in the street was simply looking for help. The continent had treated him poorly and he had escaped to Lorleidi via a Danjuran fishing vessel. She was highly confused, though when the undead soldier, Klinge, had come to look for his brother in arms, Ganondorf was not the name he used. Later, she learned through the history of Hyrule who had dealt with Ganondorf before for centuries. Yet, she figured it had to be a mistake. 

It seemed she was in the wrong. Already, her king was ordering precautions to be put in place. "Thank you for relaying the information to me. I will be sure to strengthen our borders' guardians. As far as power," The queen did not like to go into detail to outsiders, though every single person on Lorleidi knew of the powerful artifacts of her people. Either way, Admiral Bellum would learn. "We have three precious pieces of history which contribute to our power. The Dusa Magija is our book containing the histories and abilities of the kings and queens of the past, of which only the chosen monarch may read and practice. A key which unlocks this book can only be used by the current ruler. Lastly, we have a pair gauntlets which seer into the body of current king or queen to allow them access to this magic."

Holding up her arms, Yolandyi gestured to the tattoos, "It is useless in the hands of an outsider. If a source of evil ever tried to take these artifacts, then the island would collapse in on itself, resulting in disaster."

Bellum put his hand to his chin, pondering this information over. “Then we know Ganondorf’s target. With luck, you’ll see him again. I would be a waste of life and culture for your island to sink into the ocean.”

"We will protect what is ours with all we have, Admiral." Yolandyi felt a sense of pity for Ganondorf. What could have happened to the young boy who was so frightened? What caused him to turn to such dark forces? She said a silent prayer for his soul to the deities, hoping he would find peace and love to keep him away from the shadows. "There are too many innocents to protect."

"Then you best sharpen your sword and bare your fangs for times ahead Queen Yolandyi."

T0-D wasn't paying attention to the rising concerns of the humans. Glancing around, his eye fixated on the little baby next to the King. "What is that? Why is this human so small?"

Bellum turned his gaze over at his robotic assistant, raising an eyebrow. "T0-D. That is a baby."

"Why is a baby so small? When I was created, I was made the size I am now."

Yolandyi started to reply to Bellum when the robot's inquiry surprised her. Had he never seen such a small child? It amused the young queen to no end, watching T0-D be so insistent that something could possibly be amiss. Everyone had to learn, she supposed.

"Humans are made in a different way, Tod." Yolandyi elaborated, "Sexual intercourse creates the child, and the mother carries the baby until it is time for it to be born. Then, as time passes, the child grows and changes. I did not start out this way, and I will not end this way."

"Organic Change? Is that why you expire?"

"Yes." Yolandyi thought it was as good as reasoning as any. "We have a set time, Tod. We are not internal like this. Only in spirit."

T0-D paused, his eye darting back and forth between mother and child. He then possed a very serious question. "Do I have a spirit?"

Bellum's eyes opened up wide, the query catching him off guard.

"You have a mind, you have a conscience, and it seems, you can think for yourself." Yolandyi reasoned with Tod, "So, I think it's possible you have a spirit. Don't you, Tod?"

T0-D looked at his mechanic hand, his eye zooming in and out. "Scanning: I am... uncertain. I will need more time to come up with a conclusion." 

Bellum cleared his throat, wanting to change the conversation. "Queen Yolandyi. Perhaps I can start by taking a look at how you build your defense-?!" His attention was grabbed the Hasai the Dragon flying away from some of the other dragons. Turned out she was able to convince some of the children that just learned how to fly that a game of tag was good training. "Ah. Seems our civilizations dragons can co-exist well."

"Lorleidian dragons are quite docile unless provoked, Admiral." Yolandyi laughed as she saw the hatchlings declaring victory triumphantly because squeaking when Errek turned to chase them. "It is good for them to play. They learn how to fly better, and learn how to be fair." She then gave an order to the attendants to look after her child while the king and guardians escorted Bellum's staff to the guest quarters. She then gestured for T0-D and Bellum to follow her. "I shall show you to the library where my scholars can educate you on our culture. However, as far as defense goes, do you mean the fighting style of my guardians? Or how we defend an island? Two different tactics, Admiral."

"I think I will start with your island's security. Given the encounter, if I know it, I can coordinate better with your defenses." Bellum made a small chuckle. "I just remembered. My Emperor was hoping to have a child with you. Wanted to mix blood with a powerful magic user. He will understand the fact you have already been taken, yet nevertheless will most likely pout on the denial for at least a couple days."

At the sudden mention of marrying the Hasai Emperor, Yolandyi could not help it. She started a flurry of giggles, trying to stifle the sound was near impossible. After she had composed her demeanor, the queen knew she had to explain.

"While I am most flattered that your emperor wished to consider me as a potential bride, I would have never been able to leave Lorleidi." Yolandyi reasoned with Bellum. "How would I be his empress and queen here? I cannot be in two places at once."

Bellum raised a very confused eyebrow. “I don’t understand the humour. I meant the offer as a one time concubine, if you weren’t already taken by another. No marriage required.”

"Oh." Yolandyi misunderstood the implication and now was a bit flushed in the face. She had not even met this Emperor and he wanted to bed her for the sake of a powerful child? That sounded conceited, but also embarrassed her a little. "I will politely decline. While some Lorleidians practice polyamory, others are monogamous like myself."

“Understandable. I will of course try to do my best to persuade you otherwise, for the sake of the Empire with words of encouragement that go blah blah blah, and on and on, with etc, etc.” Bellum gave a nod. “Well, I did my best convincing, seems you won’t change your mind. Oh well.”

"Tell the emperor if he is interested in winning the heart of a Lorleidian woman, then it is best to pursue her by coming here to find one he is compatible with. Besides," Yolandyi told Bellum, "I am not a Vatra. I am a Dusa. It sounds like the Hasai would be better suited for one of our many users of fire."

“That sounds rather simple. You just mix fire with fire? Not much change. No variation.” Bellum shrugged. “Hasai, with training, can also master electricity. This comes easier to those with Royal Blood.”

"Ah, then the Munjas, who govern lightning, could also be compatible. Mixing fire with a life energy talent," Yolandyi pondered upon the possibilities. "I am not sure what would become in Hasai biology. When two different tribes of Lorleidians intermingle, then the child usually takes after one of the parents, sometimes a grandparent."

“Intriguing. All I know is that the Hasai tribes often mingle with their own. Least, the other tribes don’t mix with the Romtan. Worry there won’t be magical potential.”

"If all you focus upon is power, Admiral, then you will miss the sure opportunity for love." Yolandyi's guardians opened the doors to the massive library. "Here is our most prized treasure in the palace, Admiral. You are at liberty to use any documents you seek, however, they cannot leave here. You are free to ask a scribe for a copy."

“In my experience, Hasai are not a traditionally loving species, least compared to other races.” The Admiral looked around, grabbing a book. “Thank you Queen Yolandyi. T0-D starting reading books. Keep an archive on everything you read. Knowledge is power.”

“Affirmative Admiral Bellum.”

The pair was quick to stuff their noses in books, tuning out the outside world.

"Then perhaps, you could stand to learn a little about love as well." Yolandyi watched as the pair settled in with the massive pile of books. "If you require me, send a guardian." With that, the queen was escorted back to the throne room.

The Admiral and Android spent the entire day and night reading over books. When reading about the Dusa’s artifacts and the royal line, Bellum pondered on something. What if someone of a neutral heart used the artifacts? What if the connections to dragons could be mastered by one without destined blood. He drew up possibilities in his mind until he finally could stay awake no longer.

________________________________________________________________

Next Ch. https://mrneighbourlove.tumblr.com/post/658817460204617728/a-better-future-ch-2-royal-refugees Crossover story with @ridersoftheapocalypse. An AU looking at how select characters could have interacted had fate been different. 

[mrneighbourlove]

Fall of a Dynasty: Ch 7. First Steps to Forgiveness

At Hyrule Castle, Athena was distracted by the architecture of the palace. It was so different than her homeland. “Manaco. Is King Covarog as beastly as people say he is?”

"That really depends on if my aunt is in the room." Manaco could not help but grin. "He can't keep his hands off of her for long, so say the servants. But if you're referring to his temper?" He grimaced a little. "Uncle Covarog can be... scary. For sure. Though he's not the one that can cut you down with a single look. That's my Aunt Zarazu. Aunt Zolori, on the other hand, knows how to insult someone in three different languages."

“Can he transform into a frightening beast like his father?” Griffith asked. “We have stories passed down from our mother that if we didn’t behave as children, the great and terrible Ganon would come in the night to rip and tear us apart.”

"I've never seen him turn into a beast like his father." Manaco admitted, "But then again, I've never seen him when he's lost control either. I'm not entirely sure. Perhaps he can, perhaps he cannot."

“Well, I’m sure he’ll be hospital towards us.”

"I'm fairly sure he's going to be surprised..." Manaco took a deep breath as the three of them approached the throne room doors. This was either going to be really good or really bad. He prayed that it would go smoothly, for the sake of Athena's homeland. Then, he opened the doors.

Athena and Griffith held their heads high, carefully walking in. Inside was a young red head girl, most likely twenty or so, talking with the Queen and King. She looked a tad wild, but still held a royal air.

"Luimaya, I have told you again and again, I don't want you doing such dangerous tricks on Carsa'sec, you could fall off." Covarog was not scolding his daughter, just expressing his concern. "He's not the most careful flier either."

"Daaad, Mom did those tricks when she was my age, why can't I?" Luimaya was getting rather tired of her father being so overprotective. "Carsa'sec has never dropped me! I've never fallen off!"

"She has a point, my love." Zarazu was trying to find middle ground. "If you feel so uneasy, we can always modify her saddle."

"...? Manaco?" Luimaya glanced at her cousin and then at the two Hasai. Zannah's kids, what were they doing here?

"Ah yes, I heard you were here." Zarazu turned her attention to the twins. "I am very surprised about the proposal you submitted, Manaco. Though, I am delighted that Athena accepted." She knew not of Bonegrinder's dealing with this, thinking it was predominantly Ralnor. "We shall be sure to attend the wedding."

Covarog, however, still held no love for Zannah or anyone born of Zannah. The Hasai had left a bad taste in his mouth for ages. No matter how hard he tried to mask it, there was still that underlying scowl on his face.

"They didn't come here just to extend an invitation, they're here to ask for something." Covarog stated. "What do you want?"

Athena took a deep breath. Time to put all her learning to the test. With a smile, she gave a bow. “Greetings. I am Princess Athena. Soon to be granted the status of Empress Athena of the Empire State to Hyrule.”

Griffith did his very best to not wince at that distinction. They’d soon bow to Hyrule. “And I am Prince Griffith. We’ve met Queen Zarazu plenty of times, but never King Covarog.” It didn’t take the man any time at all to turn on the charm. “And you must be Princess Luimaya. Queen Zarazu has mentioned your near legendary skill at riding dragons at such a young age.”

"Enough of the pleasantries. You two either wish to ask a favor or your mother sent you here in her stead to do her bidding. Probably the latter." Covarog scoffed. "This is about the civil war back in the empire, isn't it?"

"My king..." Zarazu's voice held a tone, asking him to be nice. "Please."

"... I already told your mother, we will not concern ourselves with a civil war that should be handled by the kingdom itself."

“Well, seeing that we are to become part of your kingdom, I suppose it’ll be your problem too.”

“What my Brother means to say, is that our mother wishes to have a strike force help her deal with the radical anarchists. She believes that our late Uncle Nihilus has returned from the dead. Is it not true that your father had to take the full strength of your Triforce to defeat him because he faced him alone? She wants a team to deal with him quickly before he can grow stronger.”

"I figured one day that her own people would turn against such a tyrant." Covarog did not like the idea of another fight. More lives could be in danger. Yet, if the prince was telling the truth, and Nihilus was back, then this would be a problem. He would have that bastard nowhere near his wife and children. "And my father crushed Nihilus like an ant."

"Perhaps I could handle this situation, my king?" Zarazu gently placed her hand on top of Covarog's. "You could take Luimaya to modify her saddle."

"... very well." Covarog stood from his throne and held his wife's hand, easing her up as well. "Put an end to this nonsense, my queen."

"As you say."

“Did you just call my mother a tyrant? Or my uncle?” Athena rose a hand to the King.

"They're both tyrants, princess. I hope you seek not to follow their paths in the future." Covarog glared at Athena, almost resembling his terrifying father in that moment. "My queen will deal with your situation, Manaco."

Exiting the throne room with his daughter, Covarog knew he would lose his temper and was grateful his wife could handle this stupidity.

"... Manaco, may I speak frankly?"

"Yes, Aunt Zar---I mean, my queen." Manaco had to keep up appearances in the presence of other royals.

"This situation is quite... unique." Zarazu descended the steps to the twins and her nephew. "I am a touch concerned about the return of this brother of Zannah's."

Athena and Griffith both swore at Covarog behind his back, with the former muttering under her breath. “Hope you get a heart attack.”

There attention turned to Zarazu, they both calmed their emotions. “Queen Zarazu. I know my mother has hurt both you and Covarog, but that doesn’t make her a tyrant. She wants to help our people. I want to help my people. She said that Rinku was a capable warrior who could help.”

"Rinku is older than myself and my king, princess. Even if you were to ask her, I'm sure she could not handle your uncle alone." Zarazu sighed, trying to find a way to say what was needed without further upsetting the twins. "I understand that there is history between your mother and my king. Yet, there is also how she hurt my sister and betrayed her trust. While I know you two are not your mother, I cannot held but have caution meddling in these affairs. Do you understand? I am trying not to be biased."

“We know. Will you help our people and the sanctity of a partnership our kingdoms hold, if not our mother?”

"... I want to help you and your people, not only because of this partnership, but also because they are not at fault for the actions of your mother."

Suddenly, Zarazu felt a large part pat on the back lerch her forward, despite the small weight Rinku held. “Who you calling old Queenie?”

Both the adopted elder princesses came by out of concern when they heard new Hasai were in the castle.

The queen jolted slightly when the hero suddenly appeared behind her. "You are old, Rinku." Zarazu responded dryly in good humor. "I'm old, your siblings are old. Ralnor is super old cause he's a grandfather now."

“What? Me?” Rinku fake frowned, her wrinkles pulling at her face. “Late Fifties and early sixties ain’t old. Just look at Leere.”

“Sis. You know I’m a special case right?”

“Anyways, who’s the asshat that needs taking down?”

"... Zannah's brother... Nihilus is somehow returned." Zarazu informed Leere and Rinku. "I don't suppose the snake will accompany you on this one?"

Both the elder princess’ grew stone cold faces, old memories opening up. “Ah... well, I suppose I better get the blade.”

As Rinku ran off, Leere examined both the Hasai, pressing them for answers. “Do you know if Nihilus was brought back by necromancy? How powerful is the body?”

Griffith shook his head. “Our Patreon god resurrected him.”

Athena murmured, angry at all the trouble this brought. “Maybe we should worship Vatra instead.”

"Exodrum is the cause..." Zarazu sighed, now feeling worried. "A deity involved in this doesn't give me the best outlook on this situation. Only another deity can take down another deity unless you have a way to trap this one."

Manaco then glanced at Athena when she mentioned Vatra. "... if you wish to speak to Vatra, I could take you to her temple."

Leere turned to Zarazu. “Well, you’re a Demi-god, right? All the spirits combined into one vessel.” The Princess patted Zarazu’s bicep to brighten her up. “I’m an expert on undeath. Maybe I can make him un-UN-dead?”

“And I can put down any evil with this.” Rinku had returned, holding the Sword of Evil’s Bane in her hand. The Master Sword.

"No, I am no deity nor demi-god," Zarazu shook her head, making sure to stay humble. "I am simply the connection between the Seven Siblings and their children. I am magic. That is all."

“Fine. You’re a sexy ass kicker.”

Athena nodded to Manaco before looking to the older women. “Would you all met my mother at Zizi’s then? We’ll return to you shortly.”

"We will come up with a plan to help your nation," Zarazu assured the prince and princess. "We will meet you there in an hour."

~

One enormous temple was dedicated to the Seven Siblings. Each spirit had their own shrine where offerings were placed or given acts of worship. Vatra's part of the temple held hundreds of burning candles and a statue of the spirit herself. The fiery sibling was composed of nothing but the hottest flames in a silhouette of a woman.

"Vatra is like Exodrum with flames, Athena," Settling on his knees, Manaco summoned his own flame and used it to light a candle. "But she does not deem who is strong and who is weak by the measure of their fire, but by their heart."

Griffith had gone on ahead, citing his reasoning is he didn’t want to anger Exodrum until after they killed their uncle. Athena got on her knees, fascinated by the culture. “As long as she doesn’t appear as a shark. That’s so fascinating Manaco. Is she a god of peace and of kind nature then?”

"Vatra is actually a goddess," Manaco held up at candle for Athena to light in respect. "She commands all fire, from the depths of a volcano to the simplest flame of a hearth. Not only does she encourage us to find our passion, but she also expects us to fight for or work for what we want. A fire by itself can provide beautiful light and heat, but if we are not careful and go ablaze, then it can also destroy. There is two sides to each spirit here. The tranquil... and the deadly."

Athena nodded, lighting the candle. Tranquil Vatra... and a deadly Exodrum? That was her own conclusion. “I wonder if she’d listen to me. I... I wasn’t kind to your gods Manaco. When I was injured, I cursed your gods because I thought your mother might have caused my accident to spite my mother. That your gods would have allowed that. I’m sorry for that anger.”

"In moments of anger, it is easy to place blame. While many accuse the spirits of unfortune, I promise you, they are very benevolent. I'm sure the spirits will forgive you if you ask for it." Manaco set her candle next to his. "Vatra listens to each and every prayer. While she might not grant every request of personal value, sometimes, she will listen to a just cause."

Athena gave Manaco’s hand a squeeze for reassurance, her green skin smooth against his hand. Closing her eyes, she made her pray. “Vatra. Goddess of Fire. Please hear my plea. I ask you to find it in your heart to forgive my mother of any sins. I ask that you look after us as we struggle in times of violence, and that we might come to live in the coming days. I plea to you to lend us strength.”

Manaco remained silent as Athena said her prayer to Vatra. He had thoughts of his own spinning through his mind. How could he be a good ruler? Would he be a decent husband? Children were to be expected, was he cut out to be a model father? There were so many expectations with this upcoming change in his life. Yet, he had admired Athena from afar for so long. Now, to have her at his side... it seemed like a dream come true. The young man silently prayed to Vatra that she help him with the events, whatever may rise, in the future.

Finished her pray, Athena took a few deep breaths. “After this morning, Im glad she didn’t appear, to be honest.”

"Heh... I suppose my uncle the king is not the easiest person to deal with." Manaco rubbed the back of his neck. "He's not so forgiving and can be quite intimidating." He then was quiet for a moment before asking, "What do you... think of this union?"

“I was referring to Exodrum to be honest. Your uncle is an asshole, not a terrifying apparition.” Athena took some time to reflect on that before answering. “I understand my duty to my people. An arranged marriage was something I never thought I’d go through. Once I passed thirty years of age, I honestly thought myself too old for marriage. With my mother not aging, I didn’t worry about continuing the line. But now, my future is so undetermined. It’s scary and sudden. I can’t help but feel I’m a pawn to your uncles. On the other hand, I have no experience with dating. I’ve never even kissed anyone. Now I’m expected to get married, led the Empire, and give birth?”

Athena set the candle down, playing with the flame using her abilities as a way to calm herself. “I suppose I can’t complain. My mother’s sacrifices were so much worse. And she gave my brother and I happy childhoods free from strife, something she never got. To be truthful Manaco, it took all I had to not strike your father. My mother had hurt his family and yours with her actions, but she was never a tyrant. She was always kind to other Hasai and changed a system of glory seeking warriors into simply survivors who lived and worked alongside one another. He insults my honour by insulting hers with the title of tyrant. A tyrant wouldn’t have given up her throne to help their children.”

"He can definitely be a jerk sometimes." Manaco agreed, knowing full well of the 'incident' of long ago when his father first courted his mother. He patiently listened to Athena's words. She had reasonable fears of the unknown. It was to be expected. Yet, to his surprise, there was nothing negative about him. Part of him thought Athena might not wish for this union due to the differences between the two of them. She did make good points about her mother, yet, he could also see Covarog's side as well. To his uncle, Zannah was the person responsible for Kanisa's strife and suffering. In his eyes, that made her a tyrant. "My uncle... he's not like Lorleidians, not at all. I think that's why my aunt makes such a good match for him." He spoke quietly. "I know of the good your mother did for her people. Yet, I also know of the... not so savory acts she committed against my family and relatives. There's a lot of tension and mistrust, for sure. I suppose from one point of view and then other, a person can be seen as two different sides of a coin." Manaco gently brushed a wild strand of hair from Athena's face. "Though, I swear before Vatra, I will do my best by you."

Athena didn’t move away as Manaco brushed her hair. The woman smiled at his smooth move, a light chuckle escaping her pillowy lips. “I look forward to that Manaco.”

"Though do you think you could do something about your brother constantly glaring at me?" Manaco chuckled sheepishly. "I feel like he's trying to debate whether or not if he could get away with killing me."

Athena grasped both Manaco’s hands with her left, then stroked his cheek calm with her right. “I’ll talk to him. We only have each other as siblings, so he’s always been protective of me, and I of him. I’ll make sure he decides against hurting you, alright?”

"Thank you. I don't plan on starting a fight with him, nor do I want to hurt him." Manaco smiled at Athena's light touch. "I just don't want to see you upset if I do have to kick his ass." He jested in good humor. "I think I at least have a fair shot, right?"

“Perhaps. Our mother did have us be trained by T0-D though.” Suddenly, Athena looked worried. “He’s still at the palace.”

"Oh... what do you think T0-D will do, then?" Manaco asked Athena, knowing the robot had served the Kikai Empire for years on end. "Is he going with your mother to Danjur? Or will he stay?"

“He has right to whatever choice he’d like. He’s been rather depressed though lately.”

"... depressed?" Manaco repeated, not sure he heard correctly. "T0-D is... sad? ... sorry, I'm not doubting your truth, I'm just... the robot is always so sassy. So sure of itself. I don't think I've ever heard of or even seen T0-D being depressed."

"... he did?" Manaco looked surprised now. "I didn't think he cared for my mother all that much..."

"He likes the people he forms bonds with before they inevitably die from aging." Athena picked herself up, taking Manaco's hand to lift him up from kneeling.

"I recall he was very sassy and liked to call humans by the title of 'meatbags'." Manaco rose from his spot in front of the shrine. "That's... really it. Hopefully when you and I return to the empire, he'll find a new purpose if we give him something to do."

"Well, we can't get him to stop calling people meatbags."

~

At the house, Zannah bandaged up her arms, thinking over Bonegrinder's council over and over and over in her head. Finally, she picked herself up from the second floor of the barn and jumped down the ladder to go to Zizi's house. When she saw Zizi sitting on her front porch and waiting for the other women to arrive, Zannah paused. She opened her mouth to speak the words, then closed them. "Zizi..."

Fifteen children, twenty-seven years old marriage, ten greenhouses, and fifty plantations in Hyrule... that was Zizi's legacy here. In the Kikai Empire, she helped rebuild the fields for healthy crops and earned the trust and respect of the people who lived there. However, ever since she found out about how Zannah used Kahli and betrayed her family, Zizi had not stepped foot on Hasai soil. Yet, she could not do anything about a particular someone coming here of all places.

Zizi was not one to snoop, but she overheard Zannah talking to the huge snake. Forgiveness was... hard.

"To start... I'm sorry for throwing a punch at you. Can I sit beside you?"

"... the seat is open."

Zannah took it, looking out over the land of Hyrule. "Did you and Kahli choose this hill top on purpose? It's incredibly pretty to lookout over the landscape. I don't often I get to relax. To simply be at a peace of mind."

"My sister gave this land to Kahli and I for our first anniversary." Zizi figured for now, she'd humor Zannah. "He built this house for me and our children. Then again, it is a bit crowded sometimes, we never expected fifteen children."

"Fifteen children. I can't even imagine. Tell me, does having a father in their life makes things better for them?"

"Is that a trick question?" Zizi mused. "Yes, Kahli did his best by them. Spoiled them a little, taught them a lot, and loved them immensely. What more could I ask for?"

"A trick question? No. My children never had a father growing up. By the time they had Annuciata in their life, they were already in their mid teens. And hell consume me if I ever dared to take inspiration from my own father. So no, I don't think you could ask for more than a loving family." Zannah smiled with a silent sigh in her energy. "Tell me. What was your own father like?"

"I'm beginning to think you're attempting conversation, Zannah, to throw me off guard." Zizi watched as the sunset caused streaks of purple, orange, and pink across the sky. "I met him a couple of times before he died, I guess. I haven't seen him in decades, so I suppose he's passed away. Drunkard, gambler, womanizer... probably a good thing I can't remember him. He wasn't in my life. My mother died before I met her. My only 'parent' was my sister, Zarazu. She raised me from a newborn, Zolori from the time she was five, and Ba'puu from an egg."

"My mother was a concubine. A tool I was aware of, but never allowed to socialize with. My father was a sick, genocidal old man- no, a monster. Because of him I never had a proper childhood. I didn't know what love was for a long time. I only knew that I didn't want to bring my children the same harm. I suppose that is why I thought it acceptable to sacrifice the friendship we had. I was just another offspring from the ballsack of another monster." Zannah relaxed her shoulders, finally getting to the point. "I'm sorry I hurt you. I can't change history to make you forget, or ask you forgive me. But I will say I'm sorry."

"... I never thought you'd actually apologize." Zizi told Zannah, not looking directly at her. "I just... don't understand why. Maybe I'm incapable of it. Or perhaps I really don't want to know the answer. It could even be that it's my nature. A Zemlja doesn't like to hurt people and I have a hard time understanding why humans like to hurt other humans. Though when I found out about it... that was the first time I truly wished to hurt someone."

"I never took pleasure in hurting you." Zannah smirked at her knuckles, still bruised from punching Zizi. "Well, not with my plans anyways. I just shut you out because I felt it was easier for the greater good. Be grateful you never had to think about what's best for thousands of people. I thought that I could live with the betterment of thousands over just two friendships I made. I can't change what I did. Or even go into full details of my rational. I'm just sorry I hurt you. I stuck a stake through our friendship without a second thought because I honestly didn't recognize how deep our friendship was. How important friendships can be."

"Even if you didn't take pleasure from it or had any possible reason that this somehow was the best for your people... you can't expect to become a great leader from the sole purpose of using those around you, Zannah." Zizi said quietly. "Not only does it hurt them, but it can hurt you as well."

"It's defiantly hurt me. But not my people... yet I'm not here sitting beside you because it hurt me or them. I hurt you Zizi."

"You did. But not only me, Zannah. You hurt Kahli too. You hurt my family. They all adored you... and that was broken in an instant."

"I didn't even know..."

"You do now." Zizi sighed before saying. "I don't think I can forgive you. At least, not yet. I'm not there yet. I can't speak for Kahli or my family. I don't know if I'll ever trust you again. But... the least I can do is try to get along with you for the sake of my son." She clasped her hands together. "I never knew Manaco felt so strongly for Athena to get involved so deeply like this, though all I want is for him to be happy. For them to be happy. And if that means tolerating you... then I can do that."

"Alright. Then how about we start with tolerance?"

"I believe we both can do that." Zizi snorted in jest. "You would have given Venu'sa a bellyache anyway."

"Wouldn't it be heartburn?"

Zannah looked to the right to see Rinku, Leere, and both her and Zizi's children return. It seemed Athena and Mancao ran up to catch up with the others.

To view his mother sitting beside of Zannah without trying to tear out the woman's throat was... unsettling. Manaco wondered what the two of them were discussing. Either this was really good or really bad. He hoped everyone would be keeping their heads after this.

"Mom?" Manaco approached cautiously, eying both his mother and Zannah. "We spoke to Auntie Zarazu and paid our respects to Vatra at the temple... she will give us a few hands, but due to political reasons and the treaty, she cannot go herself. A queen attacking Hasai citizens that she has deemed as allies, regardless of a civil war, might be viewed poorly by others."

Zannah kept her face neutral at seeing a Leere and Rinku approach. Despite varied histories and feelings towards them, they were both remarkable fighters. They’d serve their purpose. Standing up, she whistled for Bonegrinder. “I don’t know how many have sided with my brother, but we are assured a fight. I will face my brother with Rinku. We can kill him then. The rest of you will deal with the traitors. You can kill them or incapacitate them; I care not which.”

Both Athena and Griffith nodded, not questing their mother’s order to fight.

"You're going to be at a disadvantage." Manaco treaded the waters carefully, not really wanting to piss off his to-be mother-in-law. "Your brother has Exodrum. And Bonegrinder can't show himself to the masses."

"He'd risk exposing himself to his yet to find, greatest enemy." Zizi knew that while Bonegrinder would do what he could to help, fighting a full-scale battle was out of the question. "He has to be able to remain hidden until Luimaya takes the throne. The snake is picking and choosing his allies now. Hence, why he agreed to help you."

“Hence why we need to move quickly. Rinku’s blade can slay anything with an evil heart, including gods.”

The warrior princess gave a solemn nod to confirm.

"You won't be able to get to your brother directly, he'll have others in the way." Manaco asked, "How should we clear a path?"

Zannah turned to Zizi and Leere. “I trust you both are still power kegs of magic, even outside Hyrule?”

Leere gave a light sigh. “There’s going to be a lot of casualties, aren’t there?”

"Anywhere there is earth, I have my magic." Zizi did not like the sound of what Zannah was going to ask her. "What is your point?"

“Can you deal with the masses using your magic?”

"Deal with them... how?" Zizi inquired, wanting a straight answer. "If you want me to restrain them or trap them, that's different than... just killing them."

“Restraint. Athena and Manaco can deal with their fates after.”

"... and you are sure you can stop Nihilus?" Zizi looked at Rinku for an answer. "Dirt can smother a fire, yet... if a fire burns too hotly, it can consume everything."

“Last I checked he’s flesh and blood. And this blades cut through darkness, flames, and scales.” Rinku unsheathed a part of the Master Sword, the blade humming a low frequency.

"Kahli isn't going to like this..." Zizi sighed, knowing her husband would raise hell. "I'm going to go talk to him. Start packing what you need."

Zannah looked to her children, she looked to Manaco, and she looked to the sisters. When Bonegrinder slithered out, she took Zizi by the hand and pulled her along. “We’re all ready. Bonegrinder. A portal to my palace please.”

"Green lady, take heed of Bonegrinder's advice," The Anagari made a portal with his magic and then said, "Some deities are more so benevolent than others. If one does not listen to your plea... try another."

“We’ll see.”

As Zannah pushed a Manaco and Zizi through, Kahli was little too late to stop them or go after them. “Wait! Where the hell are you going?!”

________________________________________________________________

Previous Ch. https://mrneighbourlove.tumblr.com/post/614950440660074496/fall-of-a-dynasty-ch-6-bad-blood-needs-let-going

Next Ch. https://mrneighbourlove.tumblr.com/post/621742623013666816/fall-of-a-dynasty-ch-8-the-hardest-choices

Crossover with @ridersoftheapocalypse

[mrneighbourlove]

Burnt Heart: Ch 1. The Emperor’s Will

Emperor Zannah Gard Edel tapped her green fingers together in anticipation. Her and Annuciata’s plan to kill the Queen of Danjur’s child donor went off without a hitch. Her elite assassins reported to her of the King to be’s death from a tragic ‘bandit’ attack. The Queen’s official statement was ‘she’d need some time to grieve for her lover’s tragic loss, but thank the stars her baby child was on the way to continue the royal blood line’. Quite the tale to be spun. Her children were ecstatic to learn that they’d have a new sibling on the way. Annuciata’s first visit to the Empire she spoiled them rotten. The twins already considered her a second mother. Now, for the Queen’s second visit to the mainland, she’d bring the fruits of her labour. Quite literally.

Annuciata hated traveling by boat. She preferred her massive Sky Gliders. The machines easily sailed through the air without a care in the world. Bad weather was always a hitch, but luckily there was a safety mechanism for landing and maneuvering through violent storms. It was easy to announce her arrival to the Kikai Empire with a fleet of Sky Gliders in grandeur with flowing banners. Once near the palace, the captain landed the machine and rolled out the 'red carpet' for the queen. She strutted down the walkway with her little one at her side.

"All hail Queen Annuciata and Princess Eleonora!"

The Hasai guards bowed respectfully to the Queen as she walked the red carpet. In return, some advisors announced the arrival of their own leader. “All hail Emperor Zannah! We welcome Queen Annuciata and Princess Eleonora.”

The Emperor smiled graciously to Annuciata as she made her way closer. Both Prince Griffith and Princess Athens stood at their mother’s side, but just behind her. Each was excited to meet their newest sibling, yet respectfully held their tongues. Zannah’s voice was smooth and clear. “Queen Annuciata. Marvellous to see you once more.”

Appearances were important, so for now, Annuciata had to refrain from snogging Zannah within an inch of her life. That, and she had a little one in a sling wrapped around her chest. The little princess was a few months old, and was just a beautiful as her mother. She had dark emerald eyes and blonde hair, and little dimples. With a graceful courtesy, the queen smiled at the three.

"Empress Zannah, Prince Griffith, Princess Athens... it is so good to see all of you again."

“Ah... hello little princess Eleonora.” Zannah peered down with her golden eyes, smiling at the little baby. “Was your trip well Queen Annuciata?”

As they walked through the palace, Zannah’s children were very well behaved in keeping up appearances, despite the wish to explode with excitement.

"The Sky Gliders proved to be less nauseating rather than traveling by Sea Surfers," Annuciata's servant followed closely behind her, carrying her luggage and a cart of gifts. "I do recall you had a rather unpleasant experience of the same manner with one of the Land Riders."

“I prefer the sky myself.” Soon enough, the royals found themselves in Zannah’s guest sweet. “Thank you for carrying Annuciata’s luggage. May you excuse us?”

Once the servants left the guest suite, Annuciata threw her arms around Zannah and kissed her deeply. "You have no idea how long I've wanted to do that."

Zannah swirled her tongue with her lovers, one arm carefully reaching to squeeze Annuciata’s ass. “I’ve missed you too as well. My love, your child is adorable darling. She looks so much like you.”

Both the royal twins didn’t mind their moms making out. Once they patiently waited for them to finish, they were glued to their newest sibling.

“May we see here?”

“I always wanted another sister.”

"Did you really think I forgot about you two?" Annuciata bent down and hugged Griffith and Athena tightly and kissed both their cheeks. "Would you like to hold her? This is Eleonora, named after my mother. She was known as the mighty, beautiful lioness of Danjur. She was a captain in the navy before she married my father."

“Mother taught us vigorous lessons on how to hold and take care of a baby.” Athena, sure enough, carefully held Eleonora properly.

Griffith carefully felt her step-sisters hair. “Mothers? Would you like us to take our sister so you might embrace your love?”

"Not before you open your presents," Annuciata led Athena and Griffith over to the elaborately wrapped gifts. Inside of Athena’s was a new wardrobe from Danjur composed of the finest silks. There were flying dragons stitched into the fabric with golden trim and deep red in color. Griffith's present was full of knowledge, containing books of fighting history, tactics of the Danjuran navy, and of course, a single piece of clothing; a brand new robe with designs of ancient Kikai warriors. "I hope you like them. Eleonora was most helpful in selecting the colors. She has good taste, like her mother."

“We love them.” Both twins were happy with all their gifts, speaking in union once more.

Zannah smiled, brushing both their heads. “If you’re careful, you may run along with your new baby sister. Is that alright with you love?”

"Take Eleonora's bag. It has her diapers, blanket, and a few toys." Annuciata reminded them. "You'll have to bring her back in an hour for feeding."

“Understood. We won’t fail your trust.” Griffith bowed, carefully walking out with the baby while Athena took the supplies.

Zannah locked the door behind them, turning to her Queen with a grin. “They were highly excited by the news you were pregnant, insisting they be taught on how to properly care for a baby.”

"That is so cute." Annuciata gushed over what Zannah told her of the twins. "I'm sure they will be the best brother and sister to Eleonora. She will be happy having an amazing pair of siblings to play with her and teach her." She then told her lover. "And of course, I did not forget about you. I brought you a gift as well."

“Oh? Do show your Emperor what you brought my Queen~”

"Unfortunately, not want you're probably hoping for, but something nice still," Annuciata strutted over to the largest present and pulled the ribbon, undoing the bow. The sides of the present fell to reveal a beautiful jade sculpture of Zannah on her throne with a dragon wrapped around her. "Well? Do you like it?"

Zannah threw a hand to her mouth to quiet a gasp. “Annuciata! It’s marvellous! How did you accomplish this feat?! Such a passionate declaration of love.”

"You know I used to study mechanical engineering before I became queen," Annuciata then gestured to the sculpture. "Wasn't too hard to design a machine that would carve the stone exactly how I wished it. I ordered the jade from Al-Daida's mines and then set to work on this myself. It gave me something to do while I was on bedrest."

“... You never cease to surprise me Annuciata.” Zannah pulled her in for slow, deep loving kiss.

"Ah, I'm sorry to disappoint you, my love, but... well... I might have to wait a while longer." Annuciata halted Zannah's kissing. "I would like nothing more than to make love to you, but... I'm still healing." She undid the front of her glamorous dress and gently pulled it down to show Zannah her c-section scar. "Let's just say Eleonora was a little too big for me to deliver."

Zannah’s eyes widened, but no sound of shock left her. Instead, she merely traced a hand along the scar. “I see... I’m merely happy you both survived. You can’t let me simply kiss you? Or am I too much of a tease that way dear?”

"You are a tease, and you know it, don't play coy." Annuciata raised an eyebrow at her lover, knowing how sly Zannah could be. "I wouldn't mind a soft kiss, but unfortunately, I won't be able to make love until one more week. The scar tissue has to heal all the way."

“I understand.” Zannah softly rubbed her lovers belly gently.

A knock came at the door, followed by two more. “Query: May I enter?”

“Annuciata, perhaps you can be part of my council with Tod?”

"Though as soon as Wednesday hits, I'll be happy to have you all to myself." Annuciata winked at Zannah and then when T0-D announced his arrival, the queen inquired, "Council?"

“I have been thinking of a necessary expansion to the Empire. T0-D has led his calculations and opinions, but perhaps another set of human eyes and mind can be of use.”

"An expansion?" Annuciata asked. "Like another island? A factory? I'd be happy to look over the blueprints."

“T0-D, come in.”

The android unlocked the door with his finger acting like a pic lock. “Greetings: Wonderful to see you Queen Annuciata.”

“I already have acquired a new island recently. Quite large in size. Tod, bring up the life forms we’ve brought into our glorious Empire.”

T0-D nodded, and from his eye, a holographic image like a blue shimmering ghost appeared. The first images were rather short humanoids standing at 5.1 on average with monkey like tails, sharp fangs, spiky hair and thick beards on the males. “These are a people know as Dals. Primitive, yet skilled smiths, workers, and have a few excellent fighters. They gladly joined the Empire in exchange for protection from a sea monster that forced their tribes to make sacrifices to its hungry.”

The next image was of a scaly winged beast. They were the size of an average bathroom, so not terribly big. They had legs and wings, yet no arms. “On this island, I am also proud to say we’ve started taming local Wyvern’s. I know they’ll never be the scale or size of Hyrule or Lorliedi’s dragons, but they are making excellent mounts and companions. Great nimble flyers too due to their size and balance. The island is large enough to colonize my people and share recourses with the locals. I’m going to finish a city there soon. What do you think?”

Annuciata carefully looked over the specs for the island. While she was glad Zannah was expanding her empire, there were still a few red flags here and there. The queen pointed to the far side of the isle. "Here are the cliffs," She suggested. "You'd be better to colonize the Wyverns there instead of the inland. They would have a natural vantage point, and probably be happier. Since the Dals are primitive smith workers, they need to be away from the heart of the forest. If it would catch fire, then all your work would be for naught." The Danjuran queen then motioned to a small peninsula on the isle. "And here would be a great area to build a dock for import and exports. You'd need to check the depth of the coral and the surrounding sea life," And for a last point, Annuciata said, "And this area, in the middle of the island, this would be wonderful for development. It's rich with rivers, and most connect to the sea. You could have another city here."

“Thank you. All great points. Tod, log them for my lords to carry out.” Zannah rose up, going to the window to look down at her Empire. “Annuciata. The matter on my mind isn’t more land, but my people. More specifically, my tribes. The Waku in particular.”

"The Waku?" Annuciata thought for a moment and then replied. "Oh, Zizi's husband, Kahli. He's Waku, correct?" She looked momentarily puzzled. "You're going to... give their descendants an island?"

“In a way. But first, I need him to produce more Waku on a grand scale.” Zannah said so matter of fact in a monotone voice with no confusion or stifle of clarity.

"Wait, you want Kahli to be a... donor?" Annuciata wanted clarification.

“I do.”

"Well, that is something you'd have to discuss with him." Annuciata did not look too convinced. "You do realize he's married to Zizi."

“I do. However, Kahli is not a citizen of Hyrule by legal decree. King Covarog does not allow it. He is a citizen of the Kikai Empire, though. What’s more, he has a life debt to me. Hasai must follow the commands of those they are indebted to. It is in our... coding, if you will.” Zannah carefully pick and choose her wordings. “I can’t force Kahli to physically have sex with other Hasai, but I can have him give me samples of his bloodline to disperse to individuals I deem strong to carry a child.”

"I'm... not sure this is the best idea, Zannah." Annuciata was honest with her lover. "If you hurt the sister of the queen, it could cause tension with your alliance. Not only that, but Zizi helped save your island. While I know the two of you don't have the best relationship, she does still consider you a friend."

“This goes beyond simple emotional attachments. This is to rebuild an entire culture. Zarazu would do the same if one of her tribes was reduced to a single finger she could count on her hand. There is already tension due to the boar king. With enough expansion, Hyrule won’t even be a necessary ally should they choose to depart due to foolish pride. If Zizi treated me with more respect, Tod with more respect, then perhaps she would have been included. Instead she thinks she can mock me, mock you behind my back without me knowing. Friend? Bah. Such nonsense.”

"Zannah, Zizi has never mocked me. She respects you; I honestly think she just doesn't like the robot." Annuciata then reminded her lover. "I will not go to war with Hyrule if this idea of yours cause strife. I told you and Queen Zarazu of that notion long ago before we started our relationship."

“No. She fears me. Kahli told me himself. And why? Because I happen to be the most powerful woman in the world? Because I took charge in saving my people?” Zannah scowled, looking out her window. “I don’t plan war with Hyrule over this plan to replenish the Waku tribe from the effects of genocide. Besides, Lord Malik and King Covarog, despite personal feelings, would never break off treaties due to some tantrum Zizi might throw if she ever discovered my architecture in rebuilding life Annuciata.”

"I won't stop you from carrying out your plan, though... I would suggest you not tell Zizi of it. Or have it where Kahli cannot tell her." Annuciata sighed, thinking this would not end well in the future. "She gave your island life because she wanted to do the right thing. Don't make her take it away."

“She knows I could burn what’s left of her precious island home left to ash if she dared try anything so foolish. Besides. She is a life giver, not a destroyer. The little green thumb might take life on a smaller scale as to preserve her own mortality, but she does not have the character to kill hundreds at a whim. But of course, as to give me less of an ear full, she will be kept in the dark.”

"I won't lie to you, love, I don't believe this is the best idea. Retaliation might be due later." Annuciata then placed her hands on Zannah's shoulders. "And even if Zizi fears you, I doubt she would ever try to hurt you. Just please be careful of your plan?"

“I will. The children will be kept on one of the colonized islands, to be raised far from the eye of Hyrule, and Zizi.” Zannah held Annuciata’s hand for support. “Some ideas can change the world for the better. But you have to steel your heart sometimes to make them work.”

"I understand, though... I just don't like hurting people." Annuciata then asked. "Please never let Zizi find out if you're going to do this. A woman scorned, well... hell hath no fury."

“Well, then Zizi would be far behind. My fury has burned brightly for years.”

Zannah turned to T0-D, tilting her head with a light sigh. “Tod. Go tell Kahli to come to the imperial palace.”

“Confirmation: As you wish master.”

Zannah started to disrobe, looking for her more powerful, armour attire. “Kahli and Zizi are actually here at the island on vacation. This no time like the present as they say.

"I still think this is a bad idea... just be careful, Zannah. While you have much fury yourself, Zizi is the earth sage." Annuciata kissed the Empress' cheek. "While fire can burn plants, earth can smother a fire." She then picked up the edges of dress. "I'm going to check on Eleonora. My breasts are about to burst. I'll see you in a bit?"

And her lightning would strike down like fury from god herself to make a final killing blow. “So soon? But the children just left. You sure?”

"I think it's just nerves, my love. I still don't like to be away from Eleonora for too long." Annuciata was honest with the Empress. "I trust Athena and Griffith with her, though it's like... this sense that I have. I have to see her and check on her or else, I feel unease. I suppose it's part of being a new mother."

Zannah smiled lightly, giving Annuciata a nod and kiss, now fully naked to the Queen mid dressing. “I understand that feeling well. Go see your daughter.”

"I'll return shortly." And before she exited the room, she made sure to give Zannah a harsh slap on the buttocks. "And that was for being a tease earlier." With that she strutted out of the bedroom.

Zannah growled lovingly back as the Queen made her way out with T0-D. Once alone with her own thoughts, however, she felt a bitter cold in her heart. The choices she’d come to shortly make would kill any chance of continued friendships... not that she ever has had true friends. Allies, advisors, rivals, enemies, a lover, family, but never friends. For the Empire, she would steel her heart and mind.

~

T0-D was rather quick in arriving at Kahli’s get away home. Only took an hour to sprint to the West side of the island. With a knock, he awaited compliance. “Statement: Kahli. Are you home? The Emperor requires your private attention.”

"You are being very naughty, you beast," Zizi giggled as Kahli kept kissing down her throat while she was trying her best to fix a cake. Yet, her husband, between nibbles on her neck, kept stealing cake batter. The two of them were celebrating Zarazu's latest gift to them; Hylian citizenship for Kahli. Her sister finally was able to convince Covarog to pull his head out of his ass and sign the official statement. "You have two sons, and three daughters, are you asking for another child---EEEK!" She jumped when he pinched her backside. "Okay, let's continue this in the bedroom---" And of course, there was an interruption. Her least favorite interruption from her least favorite mechanical nuisance. "No, he's not." she replied in an annoyed tone from inside the house. "Go away."

“Observation: I know you’re about to have sex. Your meat bag ritual can wait.”

Kahli had been cautious of his duel citizenship, not knowing how much validity it held. But the look he gave Covarog and him a geeky, yet meekly giving one of defeat in return was incredibly satisfying to relish. Perhaps Covarog’s unseen emotional blowout was the reason Zizi pushed for a vacation out to the Kikai Empire. At the Android’s interruption, Kahli sighed as well. “My dear Emperor can wait a little while, can she not?”

“Annoyance: An order is an order Kahli.”

The Waku walked to the door, getting his shoes tied.

"You'll come back as soon as you're done, right?" Zizi walked to the door with her husband. "Zarazu offered to look after our children until we return in a few days. Until then, I'd love to have you all to myself." She purred at Kahli, giving him a deep smooch on the lips. "Don't keep me waiting long."

“Of course, my dear. I’ll be back in a flash, so the expression goes.”

T0-D looked around inside the house, curious about their living arrangements. To be honest, he wasn’t impressed. “Assistance: Would you care for help with your baking, Zizi Slatki?”

"...? You? Bake?" Zizi wondered what foolish notion this was. She personally did not care for the robot. Yet, today, she was in a good mood. She supposed she could tolerate his company while Zannah spoke to Kahli. "Very well. If you'd like to help, I'm not going to turn down assistance. At least you won't eat all my batter like he does." She waved goodbye to Kahli. "Come on, you can help mix."

“Statement: Oh honey. I can do much more than mix.”

"Honey? Using pet names now? ... I'd ask if your wiring was messed up because this sounds too good to be true." Zizi motioned for Zizi to follow her over to the kitchen. "I don't suppose you know Zannah's favorite? Or Annuciata's? I heard that she was visiting and wanted to do something nice for them. Annuciata just had Eleonora a couple months ago, and a new baby is always cause to celebrate."

Kahli's journey to the imperial palace was about two and half an hours by horse, maneuvering his way through mountainous jungle path to reach the central territory. The Imperial Capital was a gigantic walled city now with its construction completed. Inside citizens of the Empire did industrial work, went to academies for learning, or trained in military drills. The Imperial Palace itself was a massive mansion, the size of two dozen city blocks in area sitting atop the mountain top with its own walls and gates present. By now, Kahli knew where to journey. Arriving at the throne room, Zannah awaited Kahli, giving him a smile. He in turn bowed respectfully. "My Emperor."

The Emperor sate on her silver throne, looking down at all who approached her. "Rise Kahli. I trust you and your wife are well."

"We are Emperor Zannah."

"Good. We won't waste one another's time, as I know trek amongst the island can be long on foot. I have summoned you here to give you a glorious task. The repopulation of the Waku tribes."

Kahli's eyes widened, surprise and shock being rare to him. Quickly, he narrowed his gaze, unsure how she would accomplish such a feat. "Zannah, I am all I know of my people left."

"I am acutely aware." She shot a pointer finger at him with the speed and intensity of an arrow. "You Kahli. You will repopulate them."

That surprised the man greatly. Kahli shook his head, even growling back at Zannah. "I have a wife."

"Kahli. We must all make sacrifices in service of the Empire. I made the sacrifice of my body to carry my children for the sake to carry on the royal line. You think you better than your Emperor?”

He shook his head once again, not meaning to be insulting. "No. I never did. But I can't do this thing. My bond to Zizi is the same bond you share with Annuciata. I cannot lay my hands on another woman." Turning to leave, he shook his head to cast away his inner disgust at the thought. Having his people back was something he never cared for. The dead could stay dead. "I can't do it."

"Kahli Slatki! Do you forget the life debt you owe me?" Zannah's words cut Kahli's departure clean in half, freezing his feet to the floor.  "I spared your life when you came to kill me. In return, because of my generosity I allowed you to met Zizi. It was my will that allowed you to find love. It was my design that gave you the power of Exodrum. Now turn around, and take your place. Now."

She spoke to him in a low, scolding voice, lightly pointing her finger for him to take his place. A psychological command, a mental force in Kahli's soul compelled him to obey. Kahli turned around, his fingers squeezing into his palms, nearly bleeding them with his nails. "I cannot physically touch another woman Emperor. The mental strain alone-"

"Will be bypassed altogether. Kahli, you will simply provide the seed. I have planned this well." Their golden eyes stared one another down, a mental battle taking place between them. "Do you know what they did to me? Once I was forced to select a mate, doctors took a turkey baster, a turkey baster of all things, and they forcibly injected me. You see, we lacked proper medical equipment during the first decade after the war. I had to carry two children, children that nearly killed me at child birth, all for the sake of tradition. All you will need to do is be a provider of a sample."

"What then?" Kahli's chest felt heavy, his mind numbing him from lashing out or running away. A life debt was a part of honour, and honour was practically coded into the DNA of Hasai. He was compelled to hear her out.

"What then? You will have the benefit of never seeing the children. I know this necessary act would never fly with your stubbornly emotional wife."

"You would break her trust?"

"But not yours. Tell me Kahli? Am I breaking any code of ethics you hold? Any honour? Do you fail to see the significance of this project?"

Kahli searched deep, wanting to spit the most vile bile at her. Yet all he found was the truth. "No..."

"As an order, you will never reveal this project to any other living soul, let alone your wife. This is the command of your Emperor."

"I will obey." The most defiance Kahli held was a small, weak growl.

"Kahli. You are my subject. You are the future of the Hasai people within the Empire. Waku, Skorge, and all others in unity. Imagine that future. A tribe that could once again fuel the might of the Empire by giving it its spirit back. This is your role in the Empire Kahli. The resurrector. Not the killer."

Zannah truly believed her cause was just, and Kahli somehow knew she wasn't doing this out of spite, or pure cruelty. He sighed, already feeling the burden of keeping this secret from his wife even before he began. "How long must I do this?"

"Your life debt will be repaid when you help give birth to 1,579 new Waku." Kahli stared at her stunned, but Zannah simply continued. "Those are the amount of lives that were left when you came to assassinate me in the Empire. 1579 lives that'd been thrown to chaos and perished without my leadership. Once that task has been complete, you will have no further obligations to me, except to fight for the Empire in times of war."

"Zannah, that will take years. I can't-"

"You will. Or perhaps you will consider giving me all of your children once they reach the age of fifteen?"

"No! Anything but that!"

Zannah nodded, raising a palm for Kahli to be still. "Then you will comply. Your offspring will be taken to the colony islands where you and Zizi will never have to worry about them. Now, you will begin the process immediately, Kahli Slatki. I am sorry if this brings you any distress. I truly am. But this is for the greater good of the Kikai Empire."

A doctor in a white mask made herself know. With the rest of her medical equipment, Kahli couldn't tell what tribe she hailed from.

"This is Doctor Mercellus. She is one of five who will know the true origin of this plan. Accompany her, and by the time you are done, I will have invited Zizi over for a dinner."

"Yes, Emperor Zannah..." Kahli could barely remember what came next. He followed the doctor in a mental haze, arriving to a medical facility. She left, telling him to drop his pants and to fill the vials best he could. Next thing he knew he felt Zizi shaking his arm as they were in the palace dining hall. "What?"

"Kahli?" Zizi looked concerned. Her husband had been out of it since she arrived at the palace. There had been word sent to their home that Kahli would be occupied longer than usual. She figured it was paperwork or something tedious of the sort. "Are you sure you feel all right?" She put her hand on his forehead. He felt... clammy. "Are you feeling ill?" She whispered to him. "We don't have to stay for dinner if you don't feel up to it."

"Huh? Oh... No, I'm fine. The journey here and all the running around took me out of it for a moment." Kahli smiled, sounding like his normal self. A little dark, but honest.

"...? If you say so." Zizi still sounded worried.

"It's been quite a day for all of us," Annuciata spoke as she sipped on water, not drinking wine or fancy alcoholic beverages since she was still breastfeeding. "If you need to retire, we understand, don't we, Empress?" She turned to her lover. "After all, you know about how it is nice to have a break from the usual everyday life."

Zannah looked to Zizi, raising an eyebrow as she bit into a cookie. "You and Tod truly made these?"

"Conformation: I amazed the little Zemlja. Together, the kitchen was no match for our combined skill." Was the first time he called her by her tribe title, not opting for meatbag.

"He's actually pretty good at being an amazing helper in the kitchen. Though I told him we really didn't have to count how many chocolate chips were in a pound, but he insisted." Zizi told the Empress with a wide smile. "Who knew? Baking helped us turn over a new leaf. He's not too bad. I guess he views me as I view him. Tolerable. Right, Tod?"

"These are a delight, mmm." Annuciata nibbled on a cookie. "You should go open a bakery together."

Kahli stared at the cookie for a while. The look he received when he glanced at Zannah told him to enjoy his life. That this changed nothing between any of them. He nodded, taking a bite. "Hmmm. Incredible my dear."

"Too bad you can't eat of these." Zizi noted. "Makes me feel a bit guilty that you put in all the work and can't enjoy the outcome."

"At least you enjoyed making them?" Annuciata asked the robot. "You do feel 'joy', right?"

T0-D looked down to Zizi, his fingers tapping together in contemplation. There was suddenly a part of him that regretted making sure she stayed put at her home. It took only an instant to calculate his feelings. He was allowed to regret it, but for Zannah's vision, he'd do anything required. "Statement: You've never felt bad before for me. No need to start now. I feel joy in knowing that you enjoy the pleasantries of food."

"At least you two have called a truce." Annuciata remarked. "That's for the best."

"Like I said, he's more so tolerable now. Must be because Kahli and I have five children that can drive us up the wall sometimes." Zizi laughed. "But we do love them so much. Manaco, Ahusaka, Keira, Urboro, and Miku are all growing so fast. They'll be fine men and women one day. Just like your little Eleonora."

"She's already demanding." Annuciata mused. "Squeals when it's time for feeding or cries when she doesn't get her way."

Zannah chuckled, drinking mango juice to be fair to her lover. "I don't know if I'll ever have more children myself."

"Kahli has always wanted a big family, so we'll see if we have anymore." Zizi held her husband's hand. "Though the most important thing is that we are happy."

"Of course, my dear. You are my treasure." But after today, the weight of how many children Kahli would have weighed with the force of a sleeping giant on his mind. One that he wondered would ever awake to cause tragedy.

________________________________________________________________

Next Ch. https://mrneighbourlove.tumblr.com/post/611234309094948864/burnt-heart-ch-2-trust-thunderstruck

Co-Written with @ridersoftheapocalypse. Written for @s-kinnaly and all you passionate readers. 

[mrneighbourlove]

Negotiation in a Fiery Alliance: Ch 2. First Impression

Travel to the country would be quicker than the other allied partners. At the very least, it was located next to Hyrule. Malik had let his wife chat up with T0-D, who was surprisingly ok with answering all his questions regarding his machinery. Unfortunately, he couldn't spend quality time with her with the android being with them. Kahli, on the other hand, stay under the Gerudo, and used the isolation to make quiet love with his wife, holding her close and teasing her body with massages before giving in to his more lustful desires.

Malik woke up from a nap, finding that they were about to arrive. "Asa, I hope you and T0-D weren't discussing anything too wild while I was asleep?"

"If you call Toddy telling me about his parts wild." Asakonigei made a horrible pun with a grin. She had been holding her husband's head in her lap, running her hands through his hair. "Enjoy your nap?"

"We're the wild ones, Kahli can't keep his hands to himself." Zizi was particularly enamored with her husband and his magic hands. Not to mention, when he heated his palms and massaged her sore back, she was literally putty in his hands. "I'm ready to rest. The meetings don't start till tomorrow, right?"

"From what Zarazu said, we'll rest today, then discussion is tomorrow."

"I'll be glad to just unpack."

"Observation: We are arriving to the capital."

"Oh, Zarazu was not kidding," Zizi gasped as she saw the city from above. "The capital Ewald is... it sparkles!"

"There's so many buildings made of metal and... oh, the stained glass is so lovely!" Asakonigei leaned forward, hugging Malik from behind. "The whole city looks like something from a fairy tale book!"

Malik viewed the masterful city down below. Centuries of potential to grow and prosper had lead to a country full of wonder. "This is what happens when your country isn't constantly laid siege to..."

"Let's hope Queen Annuciata is ready for our arrival."

~

"No, I said the red gown, I am not wearing that tacky green one, it is so last year." The queen of Danjur told her maidservants as one worked on her hair and the other fetched her shoes. "Get out the rubies with the diamonds, not the rubies with the gold, mind you. And where is my rogue? I won't present to the ambassadors or the Empress looking like a two bit whore."

"Yes, my queen."

"And make sure my useless brothers are there to greet them properly, then bring them to me in the throne room."

"Yes, my queen."

Another servant ran in, giving a bow. "My Queen. The ambassadors to Hyrule have just flown in."

"Good." Annuciata held out her hand and another maidservant handed her a fan. "Make sure the dragons have suitable accommodations, and make sure our esteemed guests have their quarters ready. Can't have them thinking we live in a sewer ditch." After the queen deemed herself presentable, her long red gown trailed behind her as she exited her bedchambers, four maidservants carrying the train. As she walked in heels, she asked, "Is the feast ready? I won't have my guests hungry."

"Yes my Queen. We have taken the proper requirements to make sure they will be absolutely satisfied."

"And the dragons?" Annuciata fanned her face.

"The fishery has spent weeks preparing fresh live fish to be captured and put in tanks. Only the best, even for Dragons."

"Good." Annuciata then made her way to the throne room, but before she went inside, she took a deep breath. "Now..." The queen waited for the servants to open the door and then gracefully strutted her way to the throne. The guests would arrive any moment, and first impressions were always a must.

Kahli took a deep breath. T0-D had decided to wait for Zannah to arrive and accompany her. Without the android, Kahli realized he'd be the very first impression of a Hasai to the Queen of Danjur. The weight of making a good impressions weighed on his shoulders. Hopefully Malik would take charge.

The Gerudo Lord of Hyrule made sure to wear something striking, something that told others he was still powerful. He never considered style before, but he had to wear the right clothing. Just strolling in with a massive suit of armour didn't cut it anymore. He was no mere solider. He was Lord. And he'd come across as such. He made sure he handsome, held some secret protection, stylish, and even a little intimidating. Waiting to be escorted in, he walked into the throne room with his wife and Kahli and Zizi behind him.

"Malik, don't be so tease." Asakonigei whispered to him before the group walked into the throne room. Her husband had a 'tell' when he was stressed. While as a commander, he had nerves of steel and could keep his wits, when there was an issue bothering him, Malik kept reaching for his sword, as if expecting a battle. "You look so handsome, after all, I picked out this outfit for you and I'll get to take it off of you later."

"You all right?" Zizi asked her husband as she squeezed his hand. "Remember, I'm here with you."

As the group of ambassadors made their entrance, Annuciata was all about her overall image. There she sat on her throne, fan in hand with the train of her dress trailing down the stairs. There was sun coming in from the stained glass which reflected different colors on the floor and illuminated her jewelry. Not only was she wearing the top standard of finery for clothes and jewels, there were also adornments in her hair. Her face was coated in makeup, giving the queen an extra flare.

Malik made sure to tell his wife ahead of time that the compliments he'd give Annuciata would be simply words. Arriving in her presence of the Queen, he gave a light bow of his head. "Greetings Queen Annuciata. I am Lord Malik of Hyrule. This is my wife, Lady Asakonigei. I wish to say that flying in, your city is as beautiful as you. I hope you will share its charm."

"It is lovely to make your acquaintance, Queen of Danjur."

Asakonigei bowed as well, making sure she looked stunning as well. Since her husband loved gold, she opted to wear a tight fitted gown, fit and mermaid flare. The dress was made entirely of sequins, sparkling like the metal the Kovina used on her husband's Iron Knuckle gown. Zizi, pregnant and wide, decided to chose a dress less flashy and more so comfortable, a simple green lace gown with a few adornments of bling here and there. She held onto Kahli's arm as the pair walked to the queen of Danjur.

"It is pleasing to meet all of you." Annuciata rose from her seat and took the steps one by one in slow fashion, letting her red gown flow behind her. "I trust your travels were well?"

"They were. I trust that we haven't kept you waiting. Is the Emperor here as well?"

"Empress Zannah is currently being seen to in her chambers." Annuciata explained to the group. "Something about a bit of nausea after riding in one of our Land Riders. She will make her debut later. For now, I have a feast prepared for you all, as well as chambers for your comfort." She gestured for her guests to follow her. "My chefs have prepared nothing but the best for you all." The queen then got to the point. "Kahli, is it? Tell me of your Empress and your people. I have had dealings with Hylians long enough to know what to expect. The Lorleidians have also been pleasant and cordial. I know little of the Kikai Empire."

Kahli was taken by surprise, but held it secret very well. "My people? What would you like to know? I'm sure that when Zannah arrives she can tell you more. My history with the Hasai is held dark chapters, but I am now moving on from that. I suppose the same can be said for my people's history as well."

"I'm sure the empress will be able to give me all the facts of history, power, and conquest, perhaps a love story or two, but I am interested in your personal thoughts." Annuciata sat at the head of the table filled with food to the brim. "There is a difference between the mind of an empress and one of her people. Speak."

Everyone took their seats, Kahli included. It seemed that he had no choice but to speak. He decided that the truth would be the most beneficial. Zannah would be wise enough to show how far she's worked against the atrocities. "Very well Queen Annuciata. The Hasai are made of multiple tribes. These tribes have been categorized by our skin colours, but more importantly our abilities. But first, a question for you. What do you know of war?"

"Danjur has crushed any enemy daring to cross our mountains or invade our seas." Annuciata was not subtle about her dislike for war. "However, we have been fortunate enough to make allies instead of foes. I am curious about your abilities. Is it similar to the Lorleidians? Or different?" The servants filled each person's glass full of wine, until one reached for Zizi's. "Idiot, can you not see the woman is pregnant? Go fetch her a drink of her choice."

"I apologize, my queen, though the kitchen menu orders---"

"Are you deaf or dumb? Perhaps both? Go get her a different drink, fool."

"Yes, my queen, I'm sorry, my queen."

"See it doesn't happen again."

Kahli held his tongue as the Queen chastised her servant. "The reason I bring up war, is because my people are natural users of the element of fire. Masters even, that can even make a Vatra seem like kindle." The Waku quickly patted Zizi's hand. "No offense to Zolori of course."

Taking a breath, he went back to his history speech. "And we used fire to destroy. War and battle was glory in our history. Unfortunately, we even destroyed each other. The Ocho clan, the royals that Zannah descends from, grew jealous of my clan, the Waku. We started to gain power as strong as them, so Zannah's descendants decided to exterminate my people. This lead to a quick and violent conflict that wiped out the Waku, the Hasai Dragons, and our original homeland. From that war, the Hasai only had less than half a century to find new land. So taking everything, they sought to conquer new lands. This lead to the brutal and fiery war against Hyrule. I was only a child and did not take part than. The survivors of my people were hunted down, myself include. If it wasn't for Zannah wanting to find peace, and bring more balance and rebuild our people, than I'd most certainly be dead."

Malik tapped his thigh underneath the table at even the mention of the war. Kahli looked over the Queen, wondering what more she wanted to see and hear. "As abilities go, being Waku means I have control of fire, and even lightning, like the sky. And like Zannah, we are the only two to make a pact with our god for even more power. I can incinerate creatures down to atoms, or cause them to explode, simply by giving them a touch. That is my gift that I was granted. I know not if I have more."

"It sounds like you are an object of power not only to your empress, but built to destroy." Annuciata saw no reason to hold back on the bluntness of her words. "Power is a lustful, corrupting objective, however, it seems you are firmly rooted to your lover and your home. I wonder why you wouldn't use such might to simply take what you want? Or is it because you wish to hold onto ideals of peace? It's amusing."

Zizi held onto Kahli's hand tightly under the table. She was not sure how he would take the queen's words, but both of them were warned that Annuciata was quite forward and said exactly what she thought. All she wished was for this meeting to go well.

"My husband is a good man, Queen Annuciata." Zizi told the ruler of Danjur. "What power he has is to help his people and mine. He doesn't have it for war."

"Seeking absolute power corrupts. Look at Ganon. Or even to my own people. I have this power, but I can walk from it away as well. To do so, is true strength." Kahli squeezed Zizi's hand back. "I have everything I could ever want. A wife. Children. And a job where I can simply be at peace tending the flowers."

"Interesting, a man of power who tends to the plantations of his home." Annuciata chuckled at the thought. "So adorable. Though, you, Lady Asakonigei, my servants told me you are a Kovina." The queen turned her attention to Malik's wife. "Won him over with a suit of... gold, I believe it was?"

"I made him an Iron Knuckle armor suit, Queen Annuciata." Asakonigei clarified. "He made the request for a suit of armor and I simply made a few changes to suit his heritage."

"She also made my right arm. Her craft is unmatched. A woman of steel nerves who mastered steel itself. I'd say that there is no one else who could have won my heart." Malik turned to give his wife a light smile.

"Oh, a blacksmith? I don't think I've ever met a woman who worked with metal like you do, Lady Asakonigei." Annuciata then clasped her hands together. "Show me a demonstration?"

"A... demonstration?"

"Yes, I've heard that you made marvelous suits of armor." She glanced to her guards. "Pull one of them forward. I wish to see your magic in action."

"Oh! ... I... I don't want to hurt one---"

"Oh, tsk, tsk, just drag one toward us."

"I... very well."

Asakonigei selected one of the bigger guards and hesitantly used her magic to pull him by the weapon in his hand. He was startled by his spear suddenly being yanked forward, grunting and trying to pull it back, but she moved him, entire suit of armor and all.

Malik gave a light smile. A display of power was good in his eyes. Showed the Queen exactly what Hyrule was made up of now. Kahli, however, frowned, disapproving a display of such strength. Power was not used for the amusement of others. It was weapon, and like any weapon, should only be used in serious situations.

"Oh, what a nifty little trick!" Annuciata was obviously impressed. "So not only do you forge metal, you actually do control it. I thought Queen Zarazu was simply bragging about the abilities of Lorleidians. Obviously, she was not." She looked at Zizi. "So that means you really can command plants at will."

"Yes, Queen Annuciata." Zizi gave a slight nod of her head. "I use my magic to benefit my kingdom by feeding the people and tending to the plantations. My husband helps me with the work."

"Tell me, sister of the queen, what is your favorite plant to grow?"

"My favorite? There's so many to chose from."

"Oh, please, you must have one."

"Well... Kahli and I first met in one of my greenhouses while I was tending to some arrowroot." Zizi held her husband's hand. "It's used to fight infections, and isn't the most flaunting of plants, but to me, it's special because that's when I met Kahli."

Kahli squeezed Zizi's hand once more. She knew just what to say to warm his heart. His perfect flower. In the middle of talks and drinking though, a servant ran in. "My Queen. The Empress has arrived. She's awaiting invitation to be let in."

"Invitation? Why would she be here unless I invited her, you daft fool!" Annuciata barked an order at the servant. "You dare to keep her waiting? Show her in!"

The servant stuttered an apology before scrambling to show in the Hasai Empress.

Black Royal Hasai Guards escorted Zannah in. To be courteous, the Emperor of the Kikai Empire only brought two. Enough to cover her flank, and show she wasn't a fool to come alone. To appear unhostile, Zannah opted out of her usual royal armour. No need for fancy capes or steel wrapped around her figure for negotiations. Instead, she wore tight, pattern filled dress, in tradition to Danjur culture. She wanted to show she showed her knowledge of studying the lands culture before visiting. Behind her, T0-D flanked her, being ordered to be quiet unless spoken to. Her dress was a striking purple against her emerald skin, and her golden eyes laid on the group at the table. Even Malik was shook by her appearance. When she spoke, she was powerful, clear, and sounded even young, and her golden eyes laid upon the ruler. "Queen Annuciata. Apologies for the wait. I'm so glad to finally meet your acquaintance."  

"The same goes for me, Empress Zannah. I hope you're feeling better?" Annuciata asked of the empress. "I apologize for not warning you beforehand about the Land Riders. First time goers are usually a little off put by the motion, and you seemed so keen on trying out one of our fine pieces of technology. Please, sit. If the food does not suit you, I can have my chefs make you a different dish."

"It was not an issue, I assure you." Zannah took her seat, eyes focused on the Queen. "Please, fill me in on the discussion I have missed up until now."

"Ah, just friendly conversation up until now." Annuciata chuckled lightly. "Kahli was giving me some Kikai culture incentives, Zizi was filling me in on their romance, Lady Asakonigei was so kind to demonstrate a Kovina's ability, and Lord Malik... well, we haven't gotten to him just yet."

"I see. I hope Kahli only spoke the truth. He is a great example of how Hasai can co-exist with other cultures. But we can save that for negotiations tomorrow. Please, turn your attention to... Lord Malik? Yes... Afterall, he arrived first."

Malik already felt like Zannah held something against him, but what?

"Oh, I think Kahli knows better than to lie, Empress. After all, he is representing Hyrule and the King and Queen chose him and his wife for this task. He wouldn't want to fail them." Annuciata looked at Malik. "Yes, you're the odd one, Lord Malik. Until recently, I haven't heard of you in Hyrule's ranks."

Malik knew his test would begin now. "I have always been an observer to Hyrule. I even met you when you were but a child, visiting Covarog for his birthday. I am power and the strong arm of Hyrule. My responsibilities is to keep it safe, and its people safe. The title of Lord was not necessary until recently."  

"...? When I was a child? I am confused, Lord Malik, you don't look a day over fifty." The Queen of Danjur thought he was jesting. "Come now, tell me of your history."

"My history is my own. I have been on all sides of conflict in my years. I've followed heroes, villains, would be conquerors and mighty tyrants. And I've been told I look younger thirty. Magic is a law of our world that all cultures use, myself being no exception. I have taken many identities Queen Annuciata. While those other identities are still a part of me, my title now, Lord Malik, is the greatest of them all."

"All right, keep your secrets." Annuciata thought it would be best to pester him for answers later. "Please eat and enjoy the food, and..." She paused for a moment, looking at the robot. "Does your... what do you call it?"

"T0-D is his name, he's an android." Asakonigei informed Annuciata.

"Does he eat?"

"Negative: I do not need the sustenance that your meatbag body requires. How you manage to find the power sustain yourself is a true wonder of biology."

Zannah slightly turned her head to her Android's direction. "Tod. Don't use that word towards the queen."

"Conformation: Biology?"

"Meatbag."

"Calibration: Very well. I will have to lower my power capacitors in calling the Queen such. Will need to balance it. I'm positive Meatbag Zizi will compensate. After all, she has a tiny meatbag growing inside her as we speak. That's double the meat. Must be maddening."

"Very well Tod."

Zizi knew that T0-D had to be on his best behavior, so she would use this instance to annoy him.

"Oh, Queen Annuciata, please, watch this. It is most amusing."

Knowing that T0-D had magnetic properties, and that he had to behave, she tossed a fork at him... which stuck to the side of his head.

The Queen of Danjur instantly started to laugh.

"Oh my, that is surely something." Annuciata then asked. "Do you have more T0-Ds? I certainly would like one, despite his talking. I think I'd have that disabled, and have the android just follow orders."

"Zizi..." Asakonigei said just above a whisper. "Be nice."

"The pile of scrap metal started it."

"Negative: I am one of a kind." T0-D took the fork off, placing it back down. He was already calculating a swift and terrible revenge to humiliate Zizi.

"That is a pity. Empress Zannah, I don't suppose I could convince you to let me purchase this one-of-a-kind machine from you?" Queen Annuciata inquired with a smile as she tossed another piece of silverware at the android, giggling when it stuck. Magnetic capabilities could be most amusing sometimes. "Name your price."

T0-D was getting annoyed with these woman throwing their curtly at his head, his eye flashing red and back to blue. Zannah gave a light smile, pulling the spoon of her companions head. "That's up for the negotiation tomorrow. Besides, I don't think Tod would appreciate being sold like a slave."

"Conformation: I would most certainly not."

"Oh, I wouldn't keep him as a slave, no, I'd keep him as a prize." Queen Annuciata sighed as she leaned back in her chair. "Perhaps put him on a pedestal where I could simply look at the piece of ancient technology. Maybe have him follow me around and look pretty and shiny for me."

Zizi had to hold back a snicker when the queen mentioned T0-D being no more than a pet.

"Sarcasm: Oh yes. I'm sure that would do wonders for your collection. Make you the talk of the town. It's too bad I got a citizenship not too long ago. How I always wanted to be sold off as scrap to sit in a museum. It has always been my dream."

"Quite the talker, isn't he?" Queen Annuciata shrugged. "Oh well, it's easy to disable that feature, I'm sure. Tell me, Empress Zannah, is there any issue you wish to be first on the list tomorrow for discussion?"

"An alliance between our people for starters. And to share my grievances against Hyrule."

Malik was taken aback by her wording. "Excuse me?"

"Trust me, we have much to discuss, but I'm sure that we can save it for tomorrow. I suppose Malik and his wife, as well as Zizi and Kahli are tired.

"Grievances?" Queen Annuciata repeated with a surprised expression. "I was not aware there was a problem, seeing that the King and Queen of Hyrule have already helped you start the rebuild of your empire."

"What?" Zizi blurted out at the use of Zannah's wording before she could stop.

"Like I said, we'll save it for tomorrow." Zannah raised her hand to one of her guards. At her signal, they offered the Queen a rich red wine. "My first gift to you. Our wineries are becoming one of our most treasured goods. I call it, "Hyrda's Bane". Ever since the beast's poison was expelled, our land has grown more prosperous than ever."

"A unique name, for starters, but I shall indeed give it a try." Queen Annuciata inspected the wine and then one of her servants took it for her. "Very well, tomorrow morning we shall discuss various issues. However, I must remind you, Empress Zannah, that Danjur and Hyrule have been on good grounds for many decades. We wish to extend our alliance to you as well, though we do not wish to cause strife with others. That said, we will listen to various problems to be cordial."

"Thank you. Are you married Queen Annuciata?"

"Married? Pish-posh, why would I get married when I can simply buy sausage and not the whole pig?" Queen Annuciata laughed at the inquiry. "No, Empress Zannah, I am not married and have no plans to be for the mere future. If I am to chose a suitable husband for the sake of an heir, it will be a man who I can easily control. No one will ever have me under their thumb."

"Interesting. I'm unmarried as well. How'd you like to spend sometime with our glasses of wine and give me a tour of your palace while the rest of the guests settle in for the night?"

"Intriguing offer, Empress Zannah. I shall accept, as long as we speak no more of business and alliances. I am tired from the day's events and wish to simply enjoy good company." Queen Annuciata rose from her seat. "My esteemed guests, please, follow my servant to your quarters. I do hope it is to your liking. If you shall need anything, anything at all, simply give your order to the servant outside the door. They will be there the entire night."

"Of course. You have to tell me who does your decorating." Zannah gently took Annuciata's hand, helping her up. Zannah's hand was smooth and warming at the touch. "To the rest of you, goodnight."

"Oh, you're being a flatterer, I chose everything." Annuciata noticed how warm Zannah felt as she rose from her chair as the other guests exited the room to go to their assigned quarters. "Why would I let some stranger decorate my home? Besides, my brothers have absolutely no taste."

"I bet. I think that might be part of the reason your brothers aren't on the throne."

"Pffft! Please, my brothers are mere children." Annuciata laughed. "Too immature for the role of a leader. No, they don't understand that the kingdom comes first. I will do whatever is necessary for the benefit of my people."

"As will I." Zannah continued walking with Annuciata down her prestige halls. "Tell me, how did you seize power over them? Why is someone like you in charge of such a mighty kingdom?"

"My brothers are twins, you see. Kept arguing over who was to be seated on the throne, while making numerous mistakes in their ruling." Annuciata fanned her face while speaking. "My parents did not like that they could not come to a decision, so made it for them; me on the throne."

Zannah gave a light visible frown. "They just gave you it?"

"Well... that's what we have to let the kingdom think." Annuciata chuckled as she hid a smirk behind her fan. "I had my ways of... manipulation."

Annuciata was rewarded with a genuine smile, and had her wine filled up. "Really now... admirable."

"Ma and Pa were always so easily open to my suggestions. It must be my charm." Annuciata led Zannah onto a balcony for some fresh air. "Though it is my brothers' own fault, always fighting, always squabbling like little children. They may hate me for it, but what can they do now besides bicker?"

"They should be grateful that they are still alive to squabble." Zannah set her glass down, holding the balcony edge. "You have a beautiful city here my dear."

"Danjur is my kingdom, but also my most prized treasure." Annuciata looked over the marvelous lights of the city. "We have strengths all around; impenetrable mountains and a roaring sea on our sides. Though, as much as my brothers squabble, they do unfornately have a point." The queen frowned slightly. "I will have to produce an heir to the throne."

Zannah slowly turned to her. She didn't blink as she spoke. "Really. And why's that?"

"Not only is it expected of me, though my biological clock is ticking." Annuciata had a mild grumbling tone to her voice. "I much rather have a woman than a man. Women do what they say they are going to do and men run at the first sight of trouble. Hmph. Though I need a man to reproduce."

Zannah tilted her head, and grabbed her hand. "Can I tell you something Annuciata?"

Annuciata was taken aback when Zannah grabbed her hand, slightly surprised at her boldness. The Queen of Danjur was not too keen on being touched so freely. Though, this once, she allowed it.

"...? Yes? Go on?"

"I took the seat of Emperor at sixteen. I had to make very hard choices. My people needed a tough ruler to bind them together after losing the war against Hyrule. I lost my entire family, so by being the sole survivor of the royal clans, I became Emperor. I also had to make sacrifices to my happiness by listening to the advice of a war council. Like you, I was pressured into having a child. They had to inject me because I burned the candidates they tried to have forced on me with a donor. I'm a mother to twins because I had to continue my clan. After that I swore to never again let anyone tell me how to lead the future of my people, or how to live my own life." The wind blew lightly against the two woman. "What I'm trying to say Annuciata, is that you have the power. You are in control. And you don't need to follow the traditions of others. Make your own."

"You have wise words, Empress, and I wish to follow them. Though, at the same time, I do not want my people to suffer." Annuciata looked over her capital city of Ewald. "If I fail to produce an heir, then the throne would ultimately fall to one of my brothers. I fear what those imbeciles' offspring would do to my kingdom." She shook her head lightly. "I do not mind entertaining the thought of being a mother. Truth be told, it would be lovely to have a little one who loved me, for me, in return. Though finding someone to trust with my heart... that is the hard part."

"That is the hardest part, finding someone for the heart. Someone powerful, someone... beautiful. Is there nothing else you can do?"

"It is like the kings and queens of old said, Empress Zannah..." Annuciata folded her fan. "Sometimes, you must sacrifice your very heart for the sake of the kingdom."

Zannah held Annuciata's hand firmly. "Take my word to heart Queen Annuciata. The kingdom, if you hold the right amount of power and care over it, will bend to your heart."  A sensual warmth filled the queen, giving her a small sense of loss as the Emperor let go. "I will see you tomorrow afternoon?"

"... yes..." Queen Annuciata had to take a breath, having forgotten to breath at that sensual warmth filling her body. "I hope you will sleep well."

Zannah gave her a warm smile. "And may your dreams be sweet."

She walked back to her chambers, giving the queen one last wave goodnight.

[mrneighbourlove]

Negotiation in a Fiery Alliance: Ch 1. The Lord of Hyrule’s Quest

Klinge closed his bathroom cabinet, coming face to face with the mirror in front of him. His eyes dilated upon looking on his face. This was the face of Malik. He was a human being again. Only two weeks in his new humanity, he was still in awe at his transformation. Taking his right hand he felt his cheeks. He was warm, soft even, and the metal arm felt cold upon touching it. Taking a toothbrush, he went a little overboard. Hygiene was something he never had to keep up with before. Finishing up, he washed his face, and wiped himself clean. The water felt chilling on his face, so he was glad he dried himself down. Walking back to his room, he looked around his new quarters. Covarog had provided him a new massive tower for his sake of lord ship. It would take some time before he finished building a house for himself and Asakonigei. Speaking of which, he watched his beautiful wife sleep soundly. Leaning back onto the bed, he leaned over her, giving her a soft kiss.

"Nhmmm..." Asakonigei stirred slightly on the mattress from the kiss. Ever since Klinge had turned into Malik, her husband, he had trouble learning how to be... human again. It was highly amusing watching him complete everyday tasks. When Asakonigei reminded him of little things he had to do, Malik almost seemed perplexed. "Mhmmm... it's too early." Asakonigei grumbled lightly as she pulled the covers up over her heard. "I don't want to get up just yet. Come back to bed, it's warm and soft here."

"What if I warm you up instead." Tearing her blankets off, he hugged her close, giving her slow kisses on her face and neck.

"HEY!" Asakonigei protested when Malik yanked off the blanket and then smothered her with love. "Goodness, what's gotten into you this morning?"

"I'm just in a good mood? Can't I hug my beautiful wife?"

"Snuggles, kisses, and compliments?" Asakonigei grinned at him, teasing a little. "No, no, you're definitely up to something. What is it this time?"

"Well... I was thinking we could do that thing that you are so good with your mouth this morning~ I can treat you well after in return~"

"Ooo, I see you're trying to butter me up to get what you want." Asakonigei giggled as she ran a finger from his chin to the center of his chest. "And I get a treat too? Well what if I want my big, thick, and hard treat first?"

Malik's hands rubbed the hips of his charming wife in return. "You're the mechanic. You should know ever engine needs to be revved up first."

Asakonigei was in the process of taking off her pajamas when there was a knock. Groaning aloud, the Kovina glared at the door. She scowled and fixed her top.

"Whoever is at that door, I'm going to throw them out the window."

"Not if I do so first." Malik grumbled, giving his wife a deep kiss and a spank on the ass to keep her wet and waiting. Grabbing a robe he covered himself up as he opened the door, glaring at whoever ruined his morning now.

Ralnor stood outside Malik's doors, his face as stoic as ever, even at the man's glare. The secondborn prince had his hands clasped behind his back, his face not betraying any emotion.

"The queen requires your presence." Ralnor then added. "Now."

"Does she now? I can tell that you won't make her wait, will you." Malik turned to his wife before Ralnor could give an answer. "This sounds like business. I suppose I'll see you after work?"

"Rrr... fine." Asakonigei flopped back on the bed, sulking. "I know you have to go, but I don't have to like it."

"I wasn't interrupting anything... was I?" Ralnor tried his best not to smirk. "Don't keep the queen waiting, commander."

"You were. And it's Lord Malik to you now, Prince Ralnor." Klinge quickly got his new attire on. It was a fine suit and clung close to his body, and tight chainmail underneath, but still a far cry from his shells that he wore as an undead. The fresh air was a foreign concept to him. As he walked with Ralnor, he tugged at his collar, never finding the right pace for the perfect fit. "Do you know what this is about?"

"Hmm, since you are now a lord, that occupation comes with newfound responsibilities." Ralnor thought it was rather funny to see the old commander rather vexed about being interrupted with Asakonigei. "The queen has a task for you to complete for her. Since our queen is with child and cannot leave the castle, and our king refuses to leave her, she has personally asked you to do this for her."

"What?" Malik actually showed he was startled, for the first time in Ralnor's life. The Gerudo Lord knew he new occupation would hold new challenges, but he did not expect to take them on so soon. "Covarog is not one to stray away from his responsibilities. Even with Zarazu pregnant."

"While that may be true, the king refuses to leave with Zarazu this close to her due date." Ralnor shrugged his shoulders. "His reasoning is that he will not be absent during the birth of their second son. The queen requested the king be present, as it is Lorleidian tradition for the husband to support his wife during childbirth."

"Zarazu just- never mind." It seemed Zarazu and Covarog shut everything down the moment she found out she was pregnant with her boy. Why would her third child, or any child, be any different? Arriving at the court room, Malik strolled in. He exchanged a view glances with some nobles. His transformation and new title had stirred the political environment around the castle. "Queen Zarazu. King Covarog. I am here upon your summons."

"My brother and his queen have been trying for a child for the last five years." Ralnor reminded the commander. "So they're bound to be... careful."

As soon as the pair walked into the court room, Ralnor bowed politely to his brother and Zarazu. The queen was sitting in her chair while Covarog stood beside of her. He had his hand on the hilt of his sword, always on alert for danger. Covarog knew some of the nobles, as well as any other enemies, may try to harm his wife and unborn children. So, he was not going to leave her side, even though Zarazu was more than capable of protecting herself. Ever since Klinge had turned human, into Malik, Zarazu was without her personal bodyguard most of the day. Covarog did not like it and did not trust anyone else enough to guard her besides the captains, and Kelly and Tulilad had their own duties to attend to during the day.

"Thank you for arriving so promptly, Klinge---Lord Malik. I apologize, I'm still getting used to the new name." Zarazu smiled at her friend. "Please, sit."

Murmurs traveled at his name change. Sitting down, Malik adjust his seat. “What is the business at hand, ladies and gentlemen?”

"We have a task for you to complete since our queen is now with child." Covarog told Malik as he hesitated to leave Zarazu's side. She gestured for him to do so, and the king then presented Malik with a scroll. The writing on the scroll contained new trade agreements for the Kikai Empire, as well as helping the Hasai build a new alliance with Danjur. Since the Kikai Empire was recovering from the hydra poison blow, there was still some aid required. "We need you to be an ambassador for Hyrule as you travel to the Kikai Empire and Danjur to help build a stronger alliance for future generations."

Malik gripped Covarog’s arm. This was startling news. “This is why you aren’t doing this yourself, isn’t it.”

"That is not necessarily true, Lord Malik," It was Zarazu's turn to speak this time. "You asked to be instated to the title of lord, and with that title come responsibilities. My king has started to repair the burnt bridges of the past with the Kikai Empire and has already built a strong foundation with the kingdom of Danjur. However, it is now your turn to show us that you can handle the pressures of being a lord and look past the bias which might cloud your vision for our children's future. It is better to have peace, than to have war." Then she simply asked him. "Are you up for the challenge?"

Malik felt the pressure of everyone eying him. Nodding, he took a bow to his Queen. “Of course. I’ll prepare at once to leave with my wife. Is there anything special about this case I should know about in advance?”

"You will have assistance with the Kikai Empire and Danjur, Lord Malik, I will not send you into uncharted territories alone." Zarazu assured her friend. "My sister, Zizi, and her husband, Kahli, have graciously volunteered to go with you to the Kikai Empire as well as Danjur to help establish a good relationship and to make a notable impression." The queen then interlocked her fingers and smiled brightly, a little impish look on her face. "And I have arranged transportation as well."

“Kahli? Why him?”

"Do you know any other Hasai who will tolerate you for the sake of their wife?" Covarog tried to hold back a snort. "Or will agree to be near you?"

"My king..." Zarazu gave her husband a look, who instantly shut his trap. "What my king is trying to say, Lord Malik, is Kahli is our best option at the moment. He is married to my sister and has good standing in Hyrule. He can vouch not only for the kingdom of Hyrule, but also his own people."

“Very well....” Malik rose, incredibly annoyed by this assignment, but it was his duty. “What transportation did you have in mind?”

"Pojiji's old earth dragon, Ari'phompha, has graciously volunteered to transport Zizi and Kahli to their destination, so I asked Nubi'ahlus to escort you and Asakonigei," Zarazu elaborated. "So there will be no delays or set backs taking a road. Kahli was most concerned about being on hazardous roads with the threat of bandits, mudslides, so on and so forth, so I indulged his request for more conventional transportation."

"You will spend one day traveling to the Kikai Empire on dragon back, and three days there to negotiate means of trade and other concerns for the alliance." Covarog continued. "Then you will spend the next three days traveling to Danjur, and spend three days there before traveling back home."

A knock came to the door. Kahli came in with his wife. The man wore respectful robes in black. “Queen Zarazu. Our preparations our complete.”

"Thank you, Kahli." Zarazu stood from her seat to greet her sister, Covarog instantly going to help her stand. "My king, I am fine."

"You're pregnant."

"I'm not two tons of fun just yet, I can walk."

"... all right."

"Zizi, you look well!" Zarazu hugged her baby sister with a bright smile. "Hard to believe Manaco is going to be a big brother already. He's barely over a year old."

"Who's fault you think that is?" Zizi nudged her husband with a grin. "Kahli failed to tell me about his 'spring season' and couldn't keep his hands off of me."

"I think Covarog has a spring season everyday." Zarazu giggled with her sister. "Another boy? Girl?"

"It's another boy." Zizi patted her belly. "But so far, no hot flashes like I had with Manaco."

"Maybe that means the kid will be a Zemlja like you."

"Who knows, we'll see."

"Are you sure you're okay going? I can always send someone else."

"No, no, sis, I got this. Besides, my husband is going and he needs my support."

"Very well." Zarazu smiled at Zizi. "Do you need anything else?"

"I think we're all ready, and we're grateful that you're taking care of Manaco for us while we're gone."

"I took care of baby dragons, and you are as a baby, I can handle Manaco."

Kahli held Zizi close, not liking the stares of the nobles. “We’re very excited for the newborn. As well as your support.”

"I'm the queen, though I am also Zizi's sister. Of course I will support you both." Zarazu noticed how close Kahli was holding her baby sister. She recalled Zizi telling her that once more, Kahli's instincts were in overdrive since she was pregnant with their second child. The queen thought it was slightly amusing. "Please, let me know if there is anything else you need before you leave. Lord Malik and his wife, Lady Asakonigei, will be accompanying you."

Malik smiled fondly at the name. “I like the sound of that. Lady Asakonigei.”

Just before any more fun could be had, another knock came, followed by mechanical clanks. To everyone’s surprise, the Android, T0-D entered the court room, having somehow having gotten past security.

“Statement: Greetings meatbags! Especially you fat one. I hope your pregnancy isn’t an issue Zizi.”

"... what is that thing doing here?" Zizi did not hide her disdain for the robot, crossing her arms. Ever since T0-D kidnapped her, the Zemlja was not trusting of the robot despite the friendship with Zannah. She growled at him, "My pregnancy won't stop me from turning you into a pile of nuts and bolts if you get within ten feet of me. Stay over there, you pile of scrap metal."

"Tod... we talked about this." Zarazu groaned in annoyance as the robot made his entrance. She tried her best to be civil. "There are protocols in place. You must announce yourself to the guards who will escort you here. This is the agreement. If you do this again, we're going to have to report it to Zannah."

"Your owner knows this, we discussed it." Covarog was not pleased either, especially since the robot loved to challenge security any way possible. "You follow protocols when you visit here, we follow protocols when we visit your empress. It's disrespectful for you to come bounding through here."

"Please, Tod, don't do it again."

“Amusement: Oh, you know it’s all in good fun. And why have protocols if your guards can’t even spot me? Seems foolish to waste time.”

Kahli held his wife close. Her distaste was his own. “T0-D, why are you here?”

“Statement: Emperor Zannah sent me to intercept you. A trip to the Empire is no longer required.”

“Why is that?”

“Quarry: Are you broken Kahli? Did you malfunction? No? Than don’t interrupt, and I’ll tell you.”

T0-D’s eye went from blue to red, and back to blue again after issuing his insult. “The Empress is traveling directly to Danjur for an open negotiation. She can’t wait for Zarazu to join her.”

"My queen, unfortunately, cannot join your empress at this time." Covarog said through gritted teeth to the robot. "My wife is pregnant and for her safety, as well as my future child, cannot leave the castle."

"Please tell Empress Zannah that I send my deepest apologies, but my king is right." Zarazu told T0-D. "We have tried for a child for so long, we cannot take any risks by my venturing beyond the castle."

"In her place, we are sending Zizi and Kahli, who Zannah knows, as well as Lord Malik and Lady Asakonigei."

"Quarry: Lord Malik?"

Malik cleared his throat. "We fought against each other at the end of the war."

"Exclamation: Ah! You certainly look much better. You're no Zarazu, but my Empress will make do. Zarazu, would you like me to record a message for my Empress?"

"Yes, please, T0-D, I think recording a message for your empress will be suitable. I'm sure she can understand the situation I am in currently, and it will be better to explain for her." Zarazu nodded her head. "If you have any other questions before I record, I will answer them now."

"Excitement: I'll need a ride with one of the dragons. I'm sure Zizi and her husband will love my company."

Malik did not like the android either, but he knew that his Zizi would NOT be able to handle her buttons being pushed for a day of travel stuck with the machine. "You will ride with me Android. I'm sure my wife will find you fascinating. She's a Kovina."

"Curiosity: The members of the metal tribe. I suppose it will be the closest thing to transcending your meatbag status. Zarazu, you may record your message now."

"If he tries to get on Ari'phompha, I'll push him off." Zizi grumbled under her breath to her husband. "I don't want him touching me, near me, and if he makes one more joke about me being 'fat', I'll figure out by some law of Zemlja magic to dismantle him."

Zarazu pulled T0-D aside to record her message.

"Empress Zannah, I hope you are well. I regret to inform you that I will not be able to attend this alliance meeting with you in Danjur. I am now with child after trying for over five years. My king and I have both agreed that for my safety and the safety of the future heir, I cannot leave the castle grounds. In my place, I am sending my younger sister, Zizi, and her husband, Kahli. You are both acquainted with each other, so I know this will make the proceedings easier. Accompanying them is Lord Malik and Lady Asakonigei, who are on good terms with Danjur. I hope to be seeing you soon."

T0-D's eye went from white, back to blue upon finishing the recording. "Statement: The recording is stored. I'm sure she will be glad you sent Kahli. And for what it's worth, I'm sure you will deliver another little 'bundle of joy'."

Zarazu then returned to her husband's side. "Please make any last minute preparations, and be safe. I will be awaiting news."

~

 "You know, when you accepted this title of 'lord', I had no idea we'd be traveling outside of Hyrule." Asakonigei was excited. "I've never been anywhere except here and Lorleidi. I heard Danjur has these... these metal machines that are like... living! And these things called engines! Do you think they'd let me mess with..." The Kovina was rambling, almost having a skip in her step. "I cannot believe Zarazu wants me to present my suits of armor for them. Do you think they'll like them?"

Malik nodded, finishing packing his bags. "I'm sure they will. As long as we stay behaved. I hold the reputation of the entire country on my shoulders. As far as Zarazu is concerned, I am the country."

"Do you think we'll have time to... ourselves?" Asakonigei asked him as she placed a brand new piece of lingerie on top of Malik's pile of clothes. Black, silk, and very revealing, all of her husband's favorite items in a piece of lingerie. "Because I'd hate for this to go to waste..."

"I'll make the time." He leaned over to give her a kiss, and shut his bag. "You seem excited to explore Danjur culture. How do you feel about the Hasai?"

"I'm curious about the Hasai, but I don't want to upset you, love." Asakonigei then told him. "I want you to be comfortable first. I can always learn from a book, but if you don't want me near them, then I won't go. You're my main priority, my love."

"Unfortunately, you'll be exposed to them, no matter what. And I'm sure you'll have no problem with them as much as I do. It's history on my part. And to my dismay, I'm certain, unlike Zizi, your first exposure to them outside of Kahli will make you love them..."

"What makes you say that?" Asakonigei halted Malik from packing for a few moments, taking his hands. "You know I'll be on your side."

"Your love as a gear head will make it so..."

Walking to the courtyard, T0-D was chatting it up with Nubi'ahlus. "...honestly, I don't understand your worries. Surely even you must understand fire is the most attractive element. Any dragon would be glad to be your mate."

Turning to the door opening behind him, he waved to Malik and his wife. "Greetings: Oh Lord Malik. Nubi'ahlus and I were wondering if you had rusted with the time you had taken to arrive. Even Zizi could roll her way over on her stomach faster than you."

"Fire is probably most attractive to Hasai culture, metal person, but in Lorleidian dragons, it is the soul." Nubi'ahlus explained to the robot. He was very curious, sniffing the man who... was not a man. It was confusing for him. "We must resonate with each other."

"Oh... my... spirits." Asakonigei sucked in a sharp breath when she saw T0-D. "What is that?!?!"

"Answer: I am combat and communication Android, designated T0-D. I work in the service of my Master, Emperor Zannah of the Kikai Empire. I have lived for thousands of years, originally designed by ancient Shiekah, but in time, have been modified by Hasai engineers. I am one of kind, and very proud of my programming. Humans have called me dangerous, intelligent, and joy to be around. I understand the human biology and mind to handle people effectively."

"That means he's good as a killer, or just getting under other people's skin..." Malik huffed, ignoring the android to get his bags loaded.

"You're a moving piece of metal! You can talk but you're not alive, and oh my spirits, look at those gears!!!" Asakonigei was definitely excited, approaching T0-D with curiosity and not having any qualms about touching the robot. "You're made out of such fine materials, look at the quality of craftsmanship! What is the power source? How exactly how the metal not degraded with time? Do you have magical components? What about---"

"Asa, please..." Zizi groaned as she ran a hand down her face. "Now is not the time."

"But it's a... it's... living but not living! I've never seen anything like this!"

"You can pester the asshole later, for now, we need to get the dragons prepped."

"Correction: I do not posses an asshole, like you do Zizi. Tell me, is yours located by that hole on your face? Would explain the fecal matter that spews from your mouth at times." After delivering his insult, T0-D turned his attention back to Asakonigei. "Intrigue: Why I have a master core in both my head and my chest, as so if one is damaged in an unlikely event, I can still function. The ancient Shiekah held a deep potential for the ultimate blend of magic and technology. And the metals found in the original Hasai homeland held a metal known as Cortosis. Very interesting metal, as it grants me an immunity to low to medium level voltages. I am indeed living, in my own way. I find your fascination of me to be most interesting, given the uneasiness Zizi and her sister view about their false philosophy of my life."

Just for that insult, Zizi threw her bag at him, the pregnancy hormones getting the best of her.

"I ought to bury you so deep in the ground that you'll never claw your way out, you piece of slag!"

"Zizi, calm down, you don't need to stress the baby." Asakonigei told her friend. "I know you two don't have a good relationship, but can we try to be civil for the sake of this alliance?"

"Hmph. Tell that to the thing."

Asakonigei sighed and shook her head.

"Well, for your information, um..."

"They call the thing Tod."

"Tod," Asakonigei then told the robot. "I am a Kovina, I control the metal elements of the earth." She demonstrated by pulling particles from the ground, forming a ball of silver. "So it is in my nature."

Kahli hurried his wife onto the dragon, getting her away from the environment.

T0-D was heavily intrigued. "Excitement: A truly amazing ability. It is so enjoyable to find a Lorleidian who has a power not rooted in in the ground."

Malik groaned. "Great. You do puns too. Alright, both of you on the dragon."

"I'm going to find a way to kill him, I swear." Zizi grumbled to her husband as Kahli helped her onto Ari'phompa. It was a little awkward with her big belly in the way, taking a couple of tries to get comfortable. It did not help things that her back was killing her from the extra weight. "Hate that damn thing."

Asakonigei climbed on Nubi'ahlus, settling in behind her husband. She assured Malik that Nubi'ahlus would fly safely and not as rambunctious as Ba'puu. She knew her husband was not overly fond of the queen's water dragon, due to his sassy personality.

"I will make sure as soon as we arrive in Danjur, you are treated to a spa my flower." Kahli helped Zizi up, holding her tight and close once they were packed and on board.

"Thank you, Kahli." Zizi sighed, rubbing her back. "As long as I'm with you, I'll be okay. That thing just pushes my buttons." She then purred at him, giving a light tug on his chin. "But a spa would be no fun if you weren't there with me."

"Good spirits, by the time you're fifty, you're going to have team of kids for a game of ball if you keep it up." Asakonigei snorted at Zizi's flirty ways. "Then an army of grand kids."

"I don't mind having a large family." Kahli nipped at Zizi's neck. He'd enjoy massaging her all over once they were airborn.

Malik helped his wife up, and waited for the Android to get on the saddle with them. "I believe we are now ready for take off."

"Hrm, with the way your spring seasons are, I think Asa's prediction might come true." Zizi yipped slightly when Kahli nibbled at her neck. That was one of his favorite things to do, and she still was not used to it. If he was wanting her to get horny midair, then he was certainly getting her ready for it. "Maybe next time, we'll try for a little girl."

"Come on, Tod, Nubi'ahlus doesn't bite unless I tell him to." Asakonigei patted the seat on the saddle behind her. "Unless you plan on walking there."

"Statement: I'd be a very undesirable snack. Could even suffer an iron overdose."

T0-D climbed aboard, sitting around the couple. Malik made sure everyone was secure before waving back to Zarazu, who was sitting by the balcony.

Zarazu was watching with Covarog as the two dragons took off into the sky. The queen had given her sister an enchanted mirror to alert her of when the group arrived in Danjur. She hoped everything would go smoothly...

[mrneighbourlove]

Kindled Passion: Ch 11. Fireworks Explode. Destruction or Celebration?

Kahli was walking through the palace halls by himself after a day of extensive research. It was nearly time for him to leave. In an hour and few Zannah would bring about doomsday. His research deduced, that depending on the Hasai tribe, the gift of the Exodrum gave unique abilities. For the royal tribe of the Ocho, ‘the fire of God himself’ could be channeled, unleashing ultimate destructive energy rather quickly. Their was little information on the gift being bestowed to-

His thoughts were cut off as an steel bolt pierced his back, shooting through his body, and out his chest. Kahli gasped, turning around. Their was a member of the Skurge tribe dashing low at him, too low for Kahli to counter in his shock. The Waku received a knife to his gut, the blade being pushed in deep for his lack of awareness. How could he be so careless.

With a snarl he blew fire from his mouth at the knife wielding assassin. It wasn’t much, more a reaction to save himself, but it was enough for the attacker to back off. Kahli pulled the knife out, running down the halls as more bolts shot at him. He should have known this would happen! The savages knew to strike when he was alone. Behind him his blood leaked a trail back to him.

He watched from the corner of his eye as his attackers ran beside him in the shadows. Reaching the courtyard, he threw a firebolt at one of them. The Hasai absorbed the fire after raising a hand. These men were prepared.

Horus had the look of insane wrath in his bloodstained red eyes. “I sent so many to finish you off Waku. You’re life continuing is a sin against nature.”

“You.” Kahli’s own hate burned, the power of a locomotive ready to strike. “You the one who’s been hunting me.”

“You’re death will appease the gods and save our island home. Once I kill you, I’ll slay Zannah. The false ideals she has brought will come to an end. I will save my people!”

Something in Kahli’s soul burned away. A thread containing all his hatred turning to great flame. He had enough of being hunted. And in a few moments, his hatred would finally settle to ash.

The Waku’s wounds lit up with his own fire, cartelizing his flesh, yet this time, healing it. His flames turned a dark purple around his fists as he clenched them. His voice spoke softly, but it dripped with an undeniable malice. “No. All of you will face the end before Zannah raises a finger.”

One of the Skurge fired a cross bow at him. This prompted Kahli to dance around the bolt, and fire a shot of lightning at the attacker. It came far easier to him now. The lightning entered the attacker, and he screamed as the bolt continued to course through his body like a worm, electrifying the attacker until he was a crispy corpse.

Two of the Skurge backing Horus rushed Kahli. The two assassins skillfully swiped at the Waku with curved knives. Kahli bashed their arms away with his wrists and kicks, getting a few cuts against him. Becoming fire itself for a moment, his hands became flame, turning the blades to goop as he slammed his fists into them with a chopping motion. One assassin couldn’t stop a motion of Kahli’s slicing his head off as the Waku made a clean chop with a fiery hand in a horizontal cut.

Kahli palmed striked the second Skurge’s chest, blasting his spine out his back. Molten fire burned around the hole of the dead man as he fell. Kahli walked towards Horus, who was readying his own fire. “I am a master of the flame. I won’t lose to a demon like you Waku!”

Kahli didn’t reply. The Waku smacked away fire bolts that were shot at him, only running in a circle as Horus fired a large beam of fire at Kahli. Kicking off the wall, Kahli jumped over the stream of fire, shooting a bolt of lightning at Horus. It was strong enough to sever a hand of the old Skurge.

Horus glared down at his suddenly weightless stump. Looking back up he saw Kahli right in front of him. “You bast-“

He was punched across the face, having three teeth knocked out. Kahli grabbed him by the collar as he fell, pulling him back up for another punch to the eye. He wanted to have Horus feel a little pain, so no molten hands with these strikes. No way to tell, but he might have been the one behind his families death. In the end it didn’t matter though. He was scum. A racist with dangerous delusions. And he had to go. He finished his beatdown with simple push, knocking the old man away.

“That it you animal?”

“It is. Goodbye.”

Kahli felt it, his power inside Horus. He slowly raised his hand, and snapped his finger. The fire he put into the Skurge with that push activated. Horus looked down to see himself explode from the inside out. He couldn’t even get a word out as his flying body part burst quickly into flame. Not a single part hit the ground as he turned to ash.

With that over with, Kahli took a breath. Finally, would he finally be free of these attacks? He supposed he would. With half an hour left, he decided to say a final goodbye to Zannah. Looking for her though, she saw that she was gone. It dawned on him, a terrible omen coming over him. She must have started early.

~

Zannah took a deep breath as her mind came to a final conclusion. She gave her children the happiest day of their lives, and all her subjects had surely gone asleep. The full moon was beautiful sight to look upon. A last sight of the sky. Looking back down at the poisoned earth, she focused her energy. A white aura of flame burst around her, electricity zapping in the air. Her palms glowed with black fire, and a small ball of energy, like the sun, filled her hands. She raised it into the air, and let it gather energy. Counting down in her mind, everything would be gone in minute. Everything.

Kahli looked everywhere for Zannah, but couldn't find her as he flew on his dragon. He only saw T0-D, looking down at his Empress. "Statement: I'll spit in gods eye if I don't get a good afterlife."

Ba'puu flew so fast, his wing flaps sounded like a storm brewing in the sky. His mistress had urged him to hurry, fearing that she may be too late to help the doomed island of the Hasai. The water dragon could smell the spread of poison growing stronger. Then came the smell of plasma being gathered. Soon enough the entire island would be dead either way. The magic of the Widayohisdi Stone had to be enacted quickly or else, all hope would be lost. Roaring, the water dragon tried his best to get the attention of anyone, someone, to stop Zannah.

 "Hurry, Ba'puu!" Zarazu held steadfast to the stone.

Kahli ran down to Zannah. His instincts told him to stop her. Why? "Zannah! Wait!"

T0-D stopped him from getting closer, drawing a guardian blade rather fast. "Query: Why are you here Kahli? Surely you know better to stay."

"This feels wrong!"

"Correction: It is the only path."

Kahli ran forward, but the Android fired a bolt of laser fire from his socket, shooting a hole through Kahli's leg, not giving a damn about the Dragon Zizi left to pick him up.

"Analysis: Leave in ten seconds, or face 1000% annihilation."

Kahli was desperate. He felt fate driving him. With thrust of his hand, he fired a bolt of fire at Zannah's back. It was barely enough to distract her. "What are you doing?!"

Zannah recharged her burst, ready to fire again.

T0-D replied to the attack by stabbing his foot on Kahli's hands, pinning them effortlessly underneath. "Statement: I have to kill you now. You’ll just have to imagine the fire. Lucky-"

A icy blast of plasma slammed into the android, knocking him off of Kahli. The blast sent T-0D through the outside palace wall, and through three more rooms, destroying furniture, pictures, and other items in the process. Ba'puu was hovering over the Empress, Zarazu and Covarog on his back. Bas'nike snatched up Kahli and took to the skies before the robot could attempt to hurt the Waku once more. She smelled his blood, and transferred some of her fire energy to him for healing. The Lorleidian queen hoped Zannah would listen.

"Zannah, wait, wait!!!" Zarazu called over the noise of Ba'puu's wings. "We found one!!! We found a Widayohisdi Stone!!! Stop what you're doing!!!"

Zannah eyes were in a trance. The destruction of her ancestors filled her mind. The energy in her hand cracked dangerously. "What?"

"Zarazu can save your damn island, stop the magic!!!" Covarog yelled at the Empress. "She found that Whachacallit Stone!!!"

"Zannah, please, we can use this to heal the island!!!"

Kahli asked to be put down. He would not abandon this critical moment. As soon as he was, he carefully walked to Zannah. "Please my Empress. Zizi can use it to save your island. She can-" That was when he read her eyes. He looked deep to see her thoughts. She wanted salvation, but the thought of destruction couldn't be stopped. Once a Hasai started an attack, it couldn't be stopped. With no word, she thrust the destructive death ball downwards to the earth, her trance taking over completely. Kahli didn't attempt to kill her, or shoot her away, instead rushing forward to catch the power in his hands while Zannah still held it. "Channel it with me. Please!"

He struggled with her, thankful that he acquired his boost of power before coming to the island. The immediate earth around them shook as the sphere of power was being kept back by an unmovable object. The Waku strained against the Ocho. For a moment, he didn't know if he'd stand against her, but as they struggled, the trance Zannah felt faded, and together, the two Hasai started to absorb the power.

Zizi was holding steadfast to the stone that Zarazu found in the treasury. This was Kahli's home whether it contained bad history with Hyrule or not. The innocent people here did not deserve to die. As Zarazu urged Ba'puu to find a place to land, Zizi thought she heard a voice. It was not Kahli's, or her sister's. No, it was coming from the stone. It was whispering to her, she could hear the words of magi flowing through her head. It was ancient magic, spells and rituals she thought was lost when Lorleidi sank into the sea. It was hypnotizing, how sweetly the lull of magic sounded. Yet, why was it talking to her?

“A devout follower of Zemlja... you want to cleanse the poisoned earth and save the innocents."

"Yes..."

"We will help you."

Zannah gasped along with Kahli. All that remained between them was a small tiny flame. Closing her fingers into her palm, the Empress whispered her regrets. “I’m sorry....”

“It’s fine my Empress. We stopped the destruction.”

“If you hadn’t modified yourself with the gift of Exodrum....I could have killed you all.”

“But you didn’t.”

Looking at Kahli’s intense yellow eyes, her own shut close in relief. “Thank you.”

Kahli looked to his lover. “Can you really do it?”

"She's pregnant, I'll do it." Zarazu volunteered, holding out the stone for Zizi to hand to her. "I don't want you risking the baby."

"The stone is talking to me," Zizi told her elder sister. "It... it wants me to heal the earth here."

"But the baby..." Zarazu was worried for her younger sibling. "That kind of strain."

"It won't hurt my boy." Zizi rubbed her hand over the stone, causing it to glow. "I think... it wants a Zemlja to do this job."

“She carries a child of the Hasai. The baby is strong. Believe in your gods Zarazu, and let Zizi Slatki save my island.”

Kahli nodded to Zannah. He wasn’t sure how quick she’d go back to destruction if this didn’t work. Holding Zizi’s hands, he gave her a quick, soft kiss. “I believe in you.”

Zizi gave a soft smile to her sister, trying her best to assure Zarazu that everything would be fine. The queen could not help but worry. While Zizi was a talented Zemlja, she was only half Lorleidian. She did not want the magical strain to be too much upon her sister. Exiting the palace, Zizi slowly walked down the stairs and took a breath. The stone was telling her to sit upon the ground while holding it. Following the instructions, Zizi held onto the ancient artifact and closed her eyes. This time when it spoke, everyone could hear it.

"You and your child will be a link," The ethereal voice told her. "Of earth and of fire... you will channel your deities, Zemlja and Vatra, to rid this island of poison."

With a flash of white light, there were two figures suddenly beside of Zizi, a hand on each of her shoulders. One was the mighty Vatra, spirit of the flame, and the other was the caring Zemlja, spirit of the earth. With their free hands upturned, the blackness started to come forth out of the earth in the shape of a huge oozing blob.

Zannah and Kahli felt a mutual feeling at once at the sight of the avatar of Vatra. Their own godly gift made them feel...intimidated? On guard? It was hard to explain how the fire spirits presence made them truly feel. At the sight of the blob, they felt an intense passion to burn it, their fingers twitching, yet they kept themselves under control. If Zizi needed help, she’d ask.

Zemlja was drawing the poison out of the earth, but could not eradicate alone. That was why Vatra was there. With an outstretched hand, flames shot forth from her body, covering the huge black blob. The glob started to shrink in size, the blackness evaporating into nothing. Once the poison was eradicated, Zemlja pressed his hand to the ground. Flowers, grass, and even trees started to burst forth from the dirt. The island was reborn.

"The little flame within you..." Vatra spoke softly for her intimidating presence. "Think of a good name for him. He will be unique."

"Tiny, delicate flower," Zemlja told Zizi, who was in a hazy state of mind as the magic channeled through her body. "Many fruits will you bear... and your gardens will be forever growing."

Other Hasai had gathered, having been woken up either by the destructive ball Zannah summonded, or drawn by the heat Vatra emitted in spirit, all amazed by the growth that had happened.

“The poison is gone.”

“The island is saved!”

“My sickness has disappeared!”

Zannah’s Therons were a tad wary of the Spirts, but respectively kept their weapons shelved. Zannah herself took the wave of calmness that overcame her into in mind and soul. It was beyond beautiful.

“Zizi Slatki. Spirits of the Lorliedians. And Kahli of the Waku. We are forever in your debt.”

The Empress bowed towards them. At this sign of unlimited respect, the other Hasai bowed with her.

"Different names we may have over vast cultures, but we are all the same." Vatra informed Zannah as the fire spirit took Zemlja's hand. "Flames can be a symbol of destruction and rebirth, young empress. Find your peace and go forth knowing the future will be prosperous."

"Chosen queen of our people," Zemlja turned his attention to Zarazu, who was not expecting a greeting. She held onto Covarog's arm tightly. "Lessen your worries. All will be well."

With that said, the spirits disappeared into thin air. Zizi, exhausted from channeling the magic, slumped over onto the ground.

Kahli scooped her up as she fell. “I have you.”

"Mmm..." Zizi was half-conscious, and snuggled closer to Kahli's warmth.

"She needs to rest." Zarazu then looked at Zannah. "May she recuperate here while you address your people?"

“Of course.”

Zannah turned to her people, surprisingly taking Covarog and Zarazu’s hands. “All tribes of Hasai! As your Empress, I am happy to declare that we are free of the poison that cursed our land! Free of the evil that threatened to wipe us out! In celebration with our wonderful allies of Hyrule, I declare Mugen no yorokobi no shū!”

Zannah raised both her arms with the King and Queen. The people went ballistic with happiness! They cheered and danced about, some setting off firecrackers, others quickly running for musical instruments. Fel’Lath roared, shooting a stream of rainbow fire into the air. Zannah felt so...young. A giddy joy taking her over. “Tell me, do either of you like to drink?”

"Waikiki juice is a Lorleidian favorite, but I must decline drinks right now." Zarazu told Zannah politely, a small blush on her cheeks. "Covarog and I are trying for a baby."

"We would not object to a good celebration." Covarog assured Zannah, not wanting to be rude. He still held distrust for the Hasai but perhaps a new era could be built. "For peace."

"I wouldn't object to tuna." Ba'puu warbled in an amused tone.

T0-D had made his way back, reattaching his arm as his eye socket blinked in a twitchy manner from the plasma he took. “Demand: I would like a vacation from all this meatbag madness thank you very much.”

~

As Kahli laid Zizi down on the bed, the petite woman looked up at her lover with a tired smile.

"I saw him..."

“Saw who?” He laid carefully beside her. The Empress declared a week of celebration, however, he would not celebrate until his lover was ready.

"Our boy..." Zizi murmured sleepily, still appearing to be in a daze. "He was so handsome, just like his father... such a good big brother..."

Kahli was unsure of her credibility in her state, but he nodded, wanting to keep her assured. "I'm sure he will be. Rest. For my sake."

"Hrm-mh... stay with me." Zizi tugged on his arm gently as she curled up on the bed. "You're so warm."

Kahli curled up behind her, spooning her close to him. "I'll always be here."

[mrneighbourlove]

Kindled Passion: Ch 5. Hatred to Suffering

As soon as Kahli was in the cell and restrained properly, Ralnor dragged over a chair on the outside of the bars and sat down with his legs crossed. There were several guards in the dungeon, eyes everywhere. Sipping on a glass of wine, the younger prince thought it was highly amusing that Kahli threatened Covarog. Not everyone had the balls to do such a thing.

"You were either brave or stupid according to my guards, but probably both."

"I'm realistic. As well as having no tolerance for ignorance."

Kahli had his belongings laid out on a table behind him. A knife, a locket, and strange ruby held by gold bands.

The Waku did his best to not look interested by the items.

"You know full well of Hyrule's history with the Hasai." Ralnor noticed that Kahli was trying his best to put on a stoic expression. His body language, however, was a dead giveaway of tension, ready to spring into action. The prince wondered if the Hasai would listen to Zizi and remain docile or if he would react. "I was surprised when you had the gall to cross our border and even more so when you made friends with the queen's younger sister. We all believe you have some ulterior motive... except for the queen, but seeing that she's not here at the moment," Those cruel eyes flicked upward at Kahli. "That means I have you all to myself."

"I'm not into whatever games you want." Kahli growled a low thum. "You honestly think you can keep me for long?"

"I think I'll be able to keep you long enough, Hasai." Ralnor had been instructed to use whatever means necessary to obtain a confession from Kahli. Covarog was sure that the man had an ill intent. He was not going to let his family get hurt a second time. "Tell me, Hasai... why are you here?"

"To leave my enemies behind."

"So your own people are your enemies? That is hard to believe." Ralnor stood from his chair and ran his fingers over the items on the table. He stopped at the ruby and selected it. "This whole idea of genocide could be a lie to simply get everyone to let their guard down, to gain the sympathy of Zizi..."

"My tribe was wiped out. Legend says we strived to use the power of Dragons. Other say it was Demons. Some believe the Emperor was just angry our tribe could produce potentially equally powerful blood." His orange and black eyes burn at him. "I thought the Gerudo would understand that."

"The Gerudo can sympathize easily with those who have lost their tribe, their family, their friends, however, you made the mistake of making an enemy of us." Ralnor tossed the pendant to one of his guards, who had a rather large sledgehammer. He would start small, then use more drastic measures. "The Gerudo tribe was at war with Hyrule until my mother sought for peace. The Hasai refused to entertain such a notion, therefore we are still wary... now, tell me truthfully..." Ralnor held up his hand to signal the destruction of the ruby if he did not like the answer. "Why are you here? Did you deliberately target Zizi?"

Kahli was grateful he choose the ruby. The jewel would not shatter. But someone like Ralnor did not need to know that. It would only bring new questions Kahli wanted to avoid.

"My tribe didn't take part in the war because we were already nearly extinct. I came here because I heard Hyrule was fortified, that it had Dragons. Zizi was a random coincidence....but not unwelcome."

So he really was looking for a safe place from those assassins. Ralnor decided that answer satisfied him for now. However, there was still the lingering idea that Kahli could secretly be a spy. Maybe the assassins were an added touch to make it believable. There was the fact of Kahli becoming too close to Zizi. Covarog mentioned how the Hasai held her closer, and was displaying very strong signs of protectiveness. Hasai guarded their mates closely, and hated to be apart from them. His brother intended to keep the two of them away from each other before something happened.

"Are you spying for the Empress?"

"No. And that is the only answer you will get."

"Why stay?" Ralnor decided to press further. "You must know of the dangers here. Why not leave? Why stay in a nation that is seen as your enemy?"

"Because I'm trapped here now. And I like it."

"Trapped? You had the chance to run after Zizi attended to you." Ralnor's spies had reported every single detail. “No one likes a cage. Why are you really staying?"

"You aren't going to get an answer that will give you the clearance to hurt me."

"Who says I need clearance to hurt you? You threatened my brother, the king of Hyrule... that is treason." Ralnor put the ruby down and then selected the locket. "Normally, it calls for immediate death. Though Covarog was nice enough to waiver your death until I received answers."

Kahli furled his brow. "Your brother threw me racist remarks, wanted me taken by blunter hunters to be slaughter later. He insulted me multiple times."

"An insult is nothing compared to what your people did to my poor little sister." Ralnor was not interested in opening the locket. "I'll ask you again. Why are you staying?"

Kahli felt his angry rise. "I told you! What do you want me to say?!"

"You and I both know there is another reason. I'm beginning to believe your intention is to get close to the queen's sister." Ralnor frowned darkly, dangling the locket over a fire, heating up weapons of torture. "Why are you staying?"

"Stop that." Kahli rustled his chains.

"Last chance." Ralnor let the locket slip a little further down his fingers. "Why are you staying?"

Kahli growled. "To gain secrets I need to protect myself. Stop!"

"Elaborate."

"Stop it and I'll tell you!"

"It doesn't work that way, Hasai. I'm the one in control here. Whether or not you die is of no concern to me." Ralnor had the piece of jewelry dangling by one finger now. "What secrets?"

"Don't. My mother...." Kahli just watches the locket dangle, the last of piece of evidence he had connecting him to family. As trained as he was in discipline for most scenarios, he was still young, and torture was only shattering his concentration. "I'm not an enemy to Hyrule!"

"And how would we know this for sure? It could all be a ploy. What I think is this," Ralnor knew he had the upper hand since the locket obviously was a treasure of Kahli's. "You knew who Zizi was, you're simply using her kindness to get close to her, therefore get close to her sister, get the queen close, and harm her to get to the king."

"NO!!! I am not! I'm not a psychopath like you, like your brother! I like Zizi because she is a good person. I don't know anything about the Kikai Empire that's of use! Let me go!"

One of Ralnors assistants let him silently know the fiery marking poker was ready.

"Psychopath? Oh, I'll take that as a compliment." Ralnor had a demented grin on his face. "I don't think I could ever compare to those who hurt my innocent little sister. And unfortunately for you, I don't believe your words. If you were truly not an enemy of Hyrule and simply wanted to leave behind your enemies as said, then there was always the option of seeking asylum. Or even running to a different kingdom than this, one you knew would hate you for your actions in the past. I say... you burned us once, blindsided us with goodwill nature and then got us to drop our guard." He then dropped the locket into the flames. "And now, we have you exactly where we want you."

"NOOOOOO!!!!!" Kahli screams with pure rage. Once was done his voice grew more deep with wrath. "I'll kill you.  I'll gut you like rat and watch you burn."

"Oh? And what would your precious Zizi think of that?" Ralnor extended his arms in a dramatic flair. "You must think me ignorant. My men have told me how you fancy her. Hasai males are extremely protective of their mates. You think I haven't noticed the small touches and constant desire of yours to be near her?" He gestured to the guard with the hot poker. "Again... what secrets?"

"Once I burn your flesh, your soul can burn in Hell." Kahli spat on the prince’s face.

"Ah, Hell is too afraid to take my soul." Ralnor chuckled as he simply wiped away the spit. "You'll talk after a bit of pain."

With that, the guard shoved the hot poker against Kahli's back.

Kahli grounded his teeth together, incredible moans of pain vibrating his mouth.

"It seems like we have a stubborn one, men." To Ralnor, this was nothing new. He had assassins and mercenaries, spies and traitors, all men in the past that refused to talk. Yet, all of them broke after a bit of pain. "Again, what secrets? You have the power to make this pain last or have it cease at any time."

Kahli said nothing in return.

"Very well, have it your way." Ralnor waited for the guard to select the next weapon. With a whip in hand, the guard twirled the cat-o-nine tails and slashed it across the Hasai's back.

Kahli groans in agonizing pain. Huffing and puffing as each lash drew blood. "I-....won't confess."

"Oh, you won't? Maybe I'm going about this the wrong way." Ralnor did not cease talk as the guard continued his creal administrations with the whip. "Perhaps I should bring Zizi down here."

"Kill you."

Another guard let Ralnor know the magic electric spears had been charged for use.

"Hmm... it seems you need a touch of reconditioning." Ralnor returned to the chair in the middle of the dungeon, taking a seat. "Go ahead and have your fun." The prince said to the guard. "He'll talk sooner or later."

The guard nodded, and with a wag of his reptilian tail, shocked Kahli.

The Waku screamed at the top of his lungs.

~

Meanwhile, in the blink of an eye, and scaring the shit out of Zarazu, Skull Kid appeared suddenly in front of her as she was making her way slowly back to Hyrule. He wore Majora's Mask to amplify his powers; as while it held no demon, it still had dark magic that could be of use. Zizi came to him, worried out of her mind. She begged him to try and find Zarazu as fast as he could to bring her back to Zizi.

"Come with me. Now."

Grabbing her hand forcibly, he teleports her back through darkness to reach Zizi in the blink of an eye.

Zarazu was in the middle of reading while riding in a carriage through a town on the outskirts of Danjur. Business took a little longer than usual. The lord and lady of Danjur were having trouble trying to find new trade routes ever since a giant earthquake had shifted the tectonic plates.

As soon as Skull Kid appeared in front of her, the queen nearly jumped out of her skin. She was ready to call for Ba'puu who was flying nearby when she realized it was just Skull Kid. Before she could even ask what was going on, he teleported her to one of Zizi's greenhouses. The queen of Hyrule was looking a little pale in the face from the sudden magic, her stomach flip flopping terribly.

"...? I..." Zarazu bleched from feeling nauseous and tried to will away the feeling of sickness. "I assume... something is important?"

"Zizi. I found her." Skull Kid left to take the mask off. It was a useful tool, but it brought him great paranoia, as if he were to wear it for too long, he'd snap back to his wicked ways.

"Oh, thank the spirits!" Zizi rushed over to her sister, having been pacing back and forth the entire time. "You have to do something, please! Ralnor took Kahli to the dungeons!"

"...?! What?" Zarazu figured there would be any possible excuse to throw Kahli to the curb, but to put him in the dungeon was highly unlikely. The man wanted to stay here and live in peace. There was no way he would try to jeopardize this possibility. "Why?! What happened?!"

"He and Covarog were arguing and he threatened Covarog and they just dragged him away---"

"Okay, okay, calm down, calm down..."

Skull Kid tilted his head right before taking his mask off. He listened for a moment, his senses having been tuned up to unnatural levels. Turning to them, with those burning orange eyes on the Purple Heart, his next words held a terror for Zizi. "He's being tortured right now."

"He didn't do anything!" Zizi felt her heart sinking, knowing that Kahli was innocent. "Zarazu, I swear, I'm not trying to make you pick sides and I'm not trying to make you challenge your husband, just please, please believe me when I tell you this!"

"Zizi, I believe you, I believe you, just give me some time to sort this out." Zarazu assured her sister, putting her hands on Zizi's shoulders. "I doubt anyone even knows I'm back here yet. I'll put a stop to this, I promise, all right?"

Skull Kid leaned back in his chair. "You better hurry."

~

Kahli was crying, spitting up blood, and moaning in pure suffering. His hatred had been stamped out from all the pain. "S-stop. I beg you."

Covarog and Zarazu exchanged heated words. He was sure the Hasai was up to no good. She wanted peace between the two, not hatred. Arguing of her people forgiving Ganondorf, Covarog insisted this was different and Zarazu demanded the reasoning of why. Revenge was revenge, plain and simple in Zarazu's book. Covarog wanted to see the Hasai wiped off the face of the earth for what they did to Kanisa. Zarazu countered that she felt the same way about Ganondorf and his kin before she met him. The two were debating for nearly an hour before Covarog finally relented, letting Zarazu go into the dungeon. The king followed behind his queen, and Zarazu felt her stomach lurch at the sight of Kahli. The queen was not going to let her sister into such a vile place, seeing her heart was pure with good intentions. This was a place of darkness, not for the faint of heart.

"Ralnor," Covarog's voice rang through the dungeon. "The queen demands an audience."

"Does the queen not see that I am working to get answers for the safety of our kingdom?" Ralnor jested. "She doesn't want to dirty her hands with this one, brother."

"I want an audience with Kahli. Now." Zarazu was leaving no room for argument. "This has gone far enough."

Kahli took a few briefs to try and catch his breath. Barely lifting his head up, his orange eyes burned with primal feelings. Fear, pain, hatred. "Help me."

"You honestly don't think I'm going to leave you alone with this filth?"

"I'm not asking, I'm ordering you as your queen." Zarazu's expression promised a stern lecture later, perhaps even a punishment. Pointing to the exit, she commanded. "Take your guards and leave. I'm not asking again or lest you'll be the one behind those bars."

"Hm... testy today, is she not, Covarog?" Ralnor walked to the door with his hands behind his back, clasped together. "Do let me know if you need anymore of my famous interrogation techniques."

Saying nothing, Covarog trailed behind his brother, the two of them heading to a conference room to talk. As soon as the men were gone, Zarazu yanked open the cell doors and started to undo the chains with the keys. Kahli was struggling to breath and needed serious medical attention.

"I'm sorry, I'm so sorry, I had no idea they would do this." Zarazu apologized softly as she carefully undid one arm and then the other. "I'm so sorry..."

As soon as his magic sealing bonds were off, he grabbed her weakly by the collar, flames burning out his mouth and cartelizing his lashings. Fire burned up the chamber in small sparks. He looked her deeply in the eyes, contemplating what he should do. "You let them do this to me. I just wanted to be left alone."

As soon as Kahli's fingers touched her, Zarazu's instincts were in overdrive. Before she thought, ice covered the entire dungeon and nipped at the Hasai's hand. She should have expected a reaction like this. He was hurt, scared, and felt alone in this kingdom. Trying to keep her cool was not easy.

"I stopped them from hurting you further. Do you think I would simply 'let' them do this? Do you truly think I am that kind of queen?" Zarazu questioned him with a stoic expression. "I argued on your behalf, for your sake and my sister's. Do you believe I want you to suffer for a past indiscretion that I know little of?"

Kahli's face burned fury at her. However, tears feel from his face. "He took the last piece of family I had left and destroyed it. My mothers locket Zarazu. You let me suffer by not taking action over your husband. I-" He slinks to his knees, his wounds overbearing him. "I want to have peace, but instead you only fuel my hatred more."

"... do you think I can control what he does, Kahli? If you do, you're sorely mistaken." Zarazu did not let the emotion she felt get the best of her. "Covarog has many faults, but he is my husband. I have to stand by him, but I do not have to agree with him. We argue and squabble like any other couple, however, the one thing I cannot do is control him." As Kahli slumped to the floor, the queen took a slow breath. "... if you only feel hatred it will eventually consume you. I hated Ganondorf and the Gerudos for what they did to my old home. Yet, if I had acted on that hatred, then I would not be where I am today." Slowly, Zarazu bent down onto her knees beside of the man. "I am sorry that Ralnor did this to you and that Covarog turned a blind eye... if you are truly so unhappy and so full of nothing but spite, I will arrange for you to leave Hyrule and live elsewhere with us far behind you."

"Then I will act not out of hatred, but self preservation." Standing up, every step burned as he took a step, melting the ice underneath so he would not slip. Grabbing his ruby and his dagger, he started walking away. "I'm going to see your sister. If I see your brother in law within 15 feet of me, I will kill him. If anyone ever again tries to hurt me due to my race, I will kill them. If you let your husband torture me again, I will kill everyone. Now leave me alone." With that he limps his way back to the plantations.

"I understand how you feel, Kahli.. Yet as a queen, I have an obligation to protect my family," Zarazu reminded him quietly as he started to exit the dungeons. "My friends, and my kingdom... I urge you not to act upon those feelings. I don't want to hurt you and I don't want to see my sister sad, however, I will do what I must."

“As…will I.”