Chapter 16: Crimson Spirit
“Alright, we’ll meet back at the Reign Mansion later. We gotta get back to that party before Vulkan realizes we’re missing.” Darius said and all of them agreed. Raizo and Zeeq slid back through the hedgerows the same way they came in while the other three quickly went back in towards the party where everyone seems to be enjoying a good dance while the orchestra played a sturdy tune.
“Darius, why do you call it that?” Igniz asked as they sat back down at their table.
“Call what a what?” Darius returned.
“You call it the Reign Mansion as if you are a stranger. It is the house of your father which essentially makes it yours as well. Why would you treat it any differently?” Igniz said. Darius didn’t answer at first but thinking back, this was sort of true but there was only one real answer he could give him.
“Because I wasn’t raised in that house. I may have been born in it but it was never my home... My home is on top of the hill.” Darius answered.
“And we understand that but it is time to recognize what is presented to you. Even If we were all to permanently stay in the Pantheon, my home will always be in the caps of the Tundra Spear... You should have a place to call home, too.” Igniz said.
“Yeah, but your home will always remain. Mines got burned to the ground.” Darius said, Igniz wanted to retaliate but he was cut off when Lord Vulkan suddenly appeared behind him.
“Ah, there you boys are, I thought I had lost you for a moment. Care to dance on the floor? There is a plethora of beautiful madame to dance.” Lord Vulkan said as he gestured to the floor where pairs of men and women dance elegantly with the music.
“Thank you for the offer, Lord Pyro, but we must decline. The Queen is said to have already returned and wishes to see us first thing tomorrow morning. We must beg for your leave, Lord Pyro.” Igniz said eloquently.
“Is that so? I did not receive word that her majesty has--” Lord Vulkan was interrupted when a messenger hurried to him and whispered something to his ear.
“Did you seriously just make that up?” Duke said to Igniz in his thoughts but Darius was open to hearing it as well.
“No, Gunther just informed me... And it looks like our esteemed host is about to find out as well.” Igniz returned and sure enough, Lord Vulkan returned his attention to them.
“It seems you were quite right, Young Master Igniz, but how on earth did you receive such news faster than even myself?” Lord Vulkan asked.
“My apologies, Lord Pyro, but that is a trade secret.” Igniz smiled. Lord Vulkan didn’t seem to like that reply but was not unsatisfied with it.
“Of course, Master Psyon, you may leave but I do hope you will be able to attend my private events again soon.” Lord Vulkan said as he bowed slightly and took one step back. The Fleshbornes bowed slightly as well and left for the main exit.
“Smooth words like the ice,” Duke said.
“At least my words are smooth.” Igniz returned. As the three stepped out to the main yard, guards clad in white and gold formed two lines and marched accordingly as their three important guests walked forward. The three Titans were escorted out of the mansion as if they were royalty themselves, the guards pushed away from the people that were still making protests at the gate and almost broke into a fight until Darius, Duke and Igniz broke free and quickly ran off into the night after waving farewell to the guards as well as the people but Duke couldn’t help but stare back at the struggling protests.
“Hey, guys, don’t you think we should do something? I mean, those people are down there for a reason.” Duke said.
“We cannot act upon it or else we will be branded as enemies against the state,” Igniz said as they hurried past a few more blocks, “for not only quelling in affairs that have nothing to do with us but also supporting a protesting dissent. We will be charged with violation of neutral rights and public disputes against Pyro himself. And by all repute, gentlemen, I am not going to be persecuted by a corrupted man in a foreign country whose problems only seem to surround itself.”
“We’re Psyons, remember? We can kick all kinds of asses if we wanted to!” Darius retaliated.
“Yes, but we are also Fleshborne! There are out there Mortals that can out-power us and easily outnumber us until we have achieved transcendence and that is not possible within a short time frame.” Igniz returned.
“Will you two just shut up?” Duke snapped. They reached the mansion after a few jumps but not out of breath and not a single sweat dropped but the tension between them is nearly boiling.
“Do you know what’s the problem with you? You don’t trust anybody else but yourself!” Duke snapped.
“The only one that I distrust here is you, Duke! Of all of us here, your motives are the easiest to read and the simplest to take care of!” Igniz returned.
“Oh yeah, well, if you think I’m a spy or a traitor, why don’t you take that little cold tongue of yours and shove it up to my ass!” Duke shouted as he jumped a few yards back and held both hands in front of him and bellowed in a language only a Psyon could understand, “Rule the Dark, Dragulia!”
The Darkmatter, now glowing with violet aura and light, now quickly took form into a weapon Darius has never seen before: it was a double-sided sword. The edges of the blades made it look like half of a jaw of a beast with spike-like teeth on each half, it was thin and smooth like a normal sword but the very essence of it spooked Darius. This twin-headed sword or whatever it is had a very powerful aura to it and Darius has never felt such a feeling before which could only surmise to one thing and Igniz was quick to respond.
“Well said, Duke. Freeze the Heavens, Cryonix!” Igniz bellowed. The air around him froze and out of the very water particles about him, Igniz pulled out from in front of him a long, silver spear that glowed blue much like how Duke summoned his weapon. The spear itself wasn’t very long but the shining silver blade of the spearhead took up one-third of the spear itself. It was a forked edge so it had the form of a two-blade at the top and in between the edges, Darius could hear a whistling sound.
“What the hell is that?” Darius asked but none of them were listening and fear already froze Darius on the spot.
“Let’s see how well you dance blind!” Duke said and raced forward.
“Ladies first!” Igniz snapped and rushed forward.
“Guys, stop it!” Darius shrieked but he was too late as the two Psyons were about to clash blades--
A spark of light flashed and blinded everyone, Gunther appeared out of thin air and grabbed both weapons by their center, and swung them across the front yard after a faint shockwave that knocked Darius off his feet.
“Well, this is rather disappointing; two Psyons drawing their Catalysts at each other and not the enemy. How brilliant of you.” Gunther said simply as he stood tall and strong with both of Duke’s and Igniz’s Catalyst in his hands.
“Catalyst? Those are Catalysts?!” Darius shakily asked as he stood up. Duke and Igniz tried to stand up as well but they were shaking just as much as Darius was. He couldn’t keep his eyes off of the strange weapons that Gunther now holds. Gunther struck both Catalysts in the ground and calmly walked towards the mansion.
“Have you forgotten who you are, gentlemen?” Gunther said, “Psyons should push aside petty differences like what country you are from or what faction your loyalty affiliates with. In the end, we are Psyon, there is no better cause than ours.” he said and entered the house, leaving three Psyons silent on their feet.
“What the hell just happened? You guys struck up a fight and you didn’t invite us?” Raizo said as he and Zeeq appeared from the beyond, they were able to sneak out of Pyro’s residence undetected.
“It was nothing,” Igniz said as he stretched out his hand and the spear disappeared under a puff of icicles and appeared back in the hand of its master, “just a small spat.”
“Yeah, a tiny glitch... No biggie.” Duke said and did the same as Igniz when he summoned his weapon.
“Gunther must be something else to just stop ‘em like that,” Zeeq said, “he didn't even blink when he did it.”
“You guys were trying to blow up half of the mansion and you say it’s nothing? What the frock, man!” Raizo snapped but Zeeq pointed out to Darius because he was still frozen on the spot.
“Darius, are you alright?” Igniz asked as his spear dispersed like snow.
“Those were Catalysts... The sacred weapons that Choose Psyons...” Darius said to himself as he fell to the ground.
“You’ve never seen it before?” Duke said as the four of them approached Darius slowly. It was weird for them to see him like this because Darius has been through rigorous situations before but to be frozen before a Catalyst must be different for him.
Darius couldn’t comprehend what he had just seen. He knew it was just a weapon but at the same time, it didn’t look or even feel like anything he’s ever experienced. Even when he had the dream, the feeling wasn’t the same or as surreal.
“Yeah... Let’s, uh, let’s all go inside...” Darius said as he got up and turned around to enter the mansion without speaking another word and the rest followed silently.
***
As the sun rose slowly from the east, the light crept in every corner in Arcadia, through every window and door crack. Men and woman everywhere begin their newest day in the city, especially those who serve in the Royal Palace. A special ceremony will take place today that no one has expected until recently announced the night before by the Queen herself that a group of heroic individuals has emerged and that they are to be rewarded for their great services to the kingdom.
Naturally, this is nothing new to Altarians as there are thousands of skilled warriors out there that are being recognized for their great deeds. However, this time is one of few exceptions as the newest hero to emerge is said to be Psyon, which is rare in itself... And something of this magnitude must be met with anticipation and excitement.
Although dawn has barely cracked, the Royal Palace has already been flexing its muscles to the max to ensure this ceremony is perfected as demanded by their Queen. Soldiers and royal guards march in their hundreds as they prepare drills for the most anticipated event of the year. Even the Queen herself is pacing in her room with anxiety as the hour draws near that she meets the heroes of the Mountain Wall. Even while she already knows all of the reports being told, she still cannot comprehend that she will finally meet them. She hasn’t felt this nervous and excited since her wedding day or when she first gave birth.
In her residence, Evelyn rushed into her room as well as stormed her wardrobe to find the perfect dress for the occasion that she was invited to thanks to Gunther. Normally, Altaria doesn’t make these ceremonies public and Evelyn doesn’t fully understand why the Queen wants to do such an event; after all, it’s only a ceremony to thank a small band of fighters for being at the right place and the right time.
In the end, she chose the traditional crimson dress of Altaria like all nobles wears except with a few extra golden accessories but vows to wear something much nicer next time. If only the Queen didn’t make the announcement so suddenly, she would’ve had more time to prepare. But of all the anticipation, she can’t wait to see what Darius and the others will look like when they wear the most handsome of garments later today.
***

“There’s no way in hell am I wearing this!” Raizo shrieked as he looked at himself in the mirror. He was wearing a white suit and pants with a beige overcoat that gives him a rather skinny appearance and Raizo despised it the moment he saw it.
“You guys cannot expect me to wear this to a ceremony! I’m a Wanderer, man, why in the world do I have to dress up like some of those noble pricks? I even have to comb my hair for all this...” Raizo snapped.
“Look at it this way, Rai,” Darius said as he buttoned up his red coat, “you only get to wear that once to impress a lot of old and rich people and I promise, once we the party’s over, you can burn that suit in public and do whatever you want.”
“Meh, good enough... Although that ain’t what you call a sweet deal.” Raizo returned as he buttoned up his coat.
“There’s never a sweet deal. If it were sweet, there would be a lot more heroes being awarded today instead of us.” Darius said. But those words struck both of them silent as they paused for a moment. He took the picture of himself, Aunt Joe, and his mother and father from his other coat and looked at it sternly before putting it in his breast pocket.
I’m finally going to meet the Queen, Aunt Joe, He thought, the bedtime story of a lifetime... If only you were here.
“Do you need to carry that with you?” Raizo asked as he noticed the worn-out picture.
“It’s the only memento I have of my family. At the very least, it would be like they are with me when I meet the queen… Come on, let’s go. Gunther hates to wait.” Darius said.
***
Igniz strapped on an Icerian coat with colors of brilliant blue and silver. Razaius Reign had this in his storage but the design is very old. Although rarely worn even in Iceria but at the very least, he is far more comfortable and satisfied wearing this compared to the cloth of Altaria. Not to mention that last night’s clothes do not even breathe properly.
As he straightened his hair, Duke zipped up his jacket and buttoned his overcoat with all of the ordinances provided by Gunther earlier. The two haven’t been on good terms ever since the beginning but through thick and thin, they have been together and have always backed each other up during a crisis. Duke didn’t say anything as he suited himself up but his mind was racing on the past the same as Igniz.
“I don’t think you are a spy or a traitor although you did betray your comrades before joining us...” Igniz said to Duke’s mind.
“Yeah, well, those pricks have a lot of anger management issues... What about yourself? Still think Altaria is the enemy?” Duke replied.
“Somehow, it is not Altaria that I fear for now... But someone who was born here...” Igniz said. Duke finished fixing his coat with seven buttons vertically and headed downstairs. As he reached the bottom of the staircase, Duke now faced Igniz for the first time since last night.
“You and I both know that something is gonna go down later. It’s gonna be big and it’s might be rough so for the sake of our new friends, I say to hell with whatever we used to have and help them fix it.” Duke said with his chest high.
“I agree. In terms of our profound arrangement, we need to keep the rest of the group in check as seeing we are the only ones experienced in live combat and political intrigue... The others have been through much but they have yet to learn anything,” Igniz said as he stretched out his hand, “For the Titans.”
“For the Titans...” Duke said as he nodded and shook the hand. There were noises upstairs as if someone was running Zeeq appeared with just his head in the doorway, his hair was combed neatly but his face wasn’t as recognizable without the snowcap that he always wears.
“Is everything alright? Are we ready to go?” Zeeq asked.
“Yeah, we’re good. Let’s go.” Duke said and picked up his cloak.
***
All five of them now assembled in front of the mansion with Gunther already waiting in a shiny grey suit and overcoat except without all of the extra ordinances. Zeeq wore a dark green suit and a bow tie with a black bowler hat but Raizo snatched it right off.
“Hey!” Zeeq shrieked.
“Stop wearing these hats, little man. And besides, it looks better on me anyway.” Raizo said as he put the hat on (“Ouch, man, cut it out!” Raizo snapped as Igniz slapped him in the arm).
“Well then, gentlemen, since we are all handsomely assembled. Let us go to the Royal Palace and finally meet the Queen of all Altaria.” Gunther said and waved his hand in the air. A moment later a massive carrier appeared accompanied by two dragons, this carrier wasn’t like any of the ones Darius has seen before as this one was cast with golden bearings and red flags of Altaria’s Phoenix.
“Now that’s what I call a ride,” Raizo said with a sneer. They got on board and the carrier instantly lifted off the moment the door closed and flew northward towards the palace. No one spoke a word during the flight as the carrier approached the palace airspace. Initially, the group saw nothing at first but they could feel a wave of energy as if they traveled through a bubble shield.
Zeeq looked outside the window and lost breath momentarily as he watched the magnificent beauty of the waterfalls surrounding the Royal Palace. If by foot, there would be an elevated drawbridge that remains suspended in the air for those about to enter the palace. But today, no bridge was drawn as the carrier went directly to the front gates of the palace itself. Raizo commented that since castles normally have moats, this waterfall is an extremely overrated version of one.
“So, Gunther, anything in there that we shouldn’t do?” Darius asked as the carrier slowly descended on the ground.
“I thought the normal question was what to do once you are in?” Gunther replied with a smile.
“Yeah, but did you forget? Our team tends to get into trouble without realizing it.” Darius said (Duke gave a slight knuckle to Darius’s shoulder with a chuckle).
“Then it won’t matter what I say, you’ll get into trouble anyway,” Gunther returned with a broader smile, “but fret not, there’s very little you could do here that will land you in any bad situation... Just walk in line, avoid inappropriate words, don’t break anything and you’ll be just fine.”
“And that’s everything. Alright, gang, we’re outta here.” Raizo said and the others laughed lightly at it as the door opened and Altarian soldiers stood at the ready for the reception of their guests.
“Alright, guys, let’s try not to screw this one up this time.” Darius said and took the first step off the carrier (“I hope they have a good grub in there, I’m starving.” Raizo said).
Gunther led the party forward and greeted the escorting soldiers, Darius couldn’t hear anything but knew that like all people that he’s met so far, they all know Gunther as if he’s their best friend from childhood years. The squad leader gestured them forward while yelling something to the troops that made all of them stand at attention, turned around, and marched forward towards the palace.
“Welcome to Royal Palace, gentlemen, home of the Queen of the Blazing Kingdom,” Gunther said proudly. They walked forward with soldiers forming lines from the gate to the palace entrance. Darius looked around and could see small plains of clean-cut grass as well as gardens filled with flowers of all kinds of colors, there were blossom trees with their pink flowers already in bloom and most of the petals have fallen and blown all across the courtyard like snowing blossoms.
“Hey, you guys made it!” squeaked a voice from the side. The Titans turned their heads to see Evelyn walking past the soldier lines and joining them as they walked on, she wore a crimson red dress with golden garments on her abdomen, arms, feet, and neckline. But the most curious of all her garments was what she was wearing on her head.
“Why, hello, Ms. Evelyn, a pleasure to see you again,” Raizo said as he bowed down, took her hand, and kissed the back of it.
“Hee, hee, the pleasure is all mine,” Evelyn said with a giggle, “well, are you guys as excited as I am?” she said although her attention is towards Darius alone now.
“We would be if we knew what’s to be excited about. We’re just gonna have lunch with the Queen, right? Unless we missed something?” Darius said.
“Lunch? Not at all, some of you will be inaugurated with title and recognition for your actions and services at the Mountain wall.” Evelyn said.
“Wait, what? Oh, hell no! We did not come here for this--” Raizo snapped but he was restrained by Duke and Igniz.
“Oh, will you just suck it in, man!” Duke hushed, “you weren’t even invited to the party last night, what makes you think the Queen is gonna give you anything today? Just cool it.”
“Yes, and besides, there is something fishy going on around here,” Igniz whispered, “This ceremony or whatever you wish to call it is too sudden and such short notice. If things begin to go south, by all means, wreak havoc. Just not now!”
“Alright fine,” Raizo said as he released himself from their grasp and fixed his coat, “but I swear, once this is over, we are so getting out of here! No more surprise parties and visits.”
The group walked past the courtyard and finally reached the entrance which was a tall gate of wooden bronze. As they entered, soldiers were no longer in guard but the Royal Guard itself clad in platinum armor more distinguished than those of Vulkan’s house guard. Handmaidens and butlers alike all line up to greet and bow down to their guests which made Darius feel a twirl in his stomach. Somehow, to him, all of this looks and feels familiar especially the decorations of the corridors.
“Igniz, does being back here make you feel a little weird?” Duke asked quietly as they made a turn to enter the massive library that took up four flights of stairs.
“Not at all, the last time I was here was about two years ago. But it does add a little melancholic mood since I’m entering it as Psyon now and not as the Icerian prince.” He replied. The library itself, although massive, had very few tenants except for those who wish to take a rest and read in the palace. It was only after they made a turn to exit the library did Darius finally realize why everything was so nostalgic: the decorations were similar to those in his house on the hill.
“Evelyn, may I ask, is that a tiara that you’re wearing? Like, a princess’s tiara?” Darius asked.
“Oh, this silly old thing? Yeah, it’s mine, I just wished mother allowed me to make it myself instead of fashioning it from designers from across the kingdom. I swear, sometimes those people have no taste.” Evelyn said as she took her tiara and twirled it with her fingers.
“Wait a minute, if that is your tiara and you casually walk around this place like it’s yours, then that means--” Darius said but Raizo stole the moment first.
“Yo, you’re a princess? As in, the princess of all Altaria?” he snapped.
“Princess Evangeline Psionyde, heiress to Altaria’s throne,” Gunther answered. The response left all of them in shock and Raizo was blabbered in his attempt to trying to say something but couldn’t.
“Of course,” Igniz sighed, “no wonder she was not recognizable when we first saw her. I have never seen her dress so casually or bare-faced before.”
“If you’re the princess this entire time, why didn’t you tell us?” Darius asked.
“Because a certain Gunther thought it would be wiser to keep my identity outside a secret. Evangeline was too obvious to the world and so whenever I leave the palace, I have to go by my nickname, Evelyn... I’m sorry if you feel disappointed.” she said.
“Are you kidding, you haven’t disappointed anyone at all, Your Superbness,” Raizo said as he moved up front and walked beside Evelyn, “If anything, we should be disappointed to Gunther for keeping his mouth too tight. Makes you wonder what else he has in that brain of his, right?”

“Igniz, do you know her from before?” Duke asked quietly as they turned into another corridor but this time, it was empty and only has one door at the end.
“Not entirely,” he replied, “when first I visited, I never met her in person. Only portraits like the ones you see on the walls. To be fair, the pictures made her look much younger than she is. Or perhaps it was taken years ago and never replaced.”
“Okay, guys, this is where we separate because I must sit next to mother. Good luck!” Evelyn said and turned to leave through a secret door behind a vase next to the wall (“And that’s the only part I hate about palaces, the secret doors... Tch...” Raizo said as she disappeared).
“Alright, gentlemen, this is where we will meet them,” Gunther said as they stopped in front of the bronze door (“Wait, ‘them’?” Duke asked but was ignored), “now, you don’t have to say anything unless the Queen asks you to speak. Just follow what I do and everything will be just fine.”
“You say it like it’s not only the Queen we’ll be meeting in there,” Darius said.
“Highly unlikely,” Igniz said, “something on a scale such as this, I highly doubt it.” and Gunther opened the door. They entered a glass-roofed atrium where hundreds of people were sitting around in higher levels like an indoor arena. The moment they stepped inside, everyone stood on their feet and clapped as the Titans walked to the center.
“I don’t feel so good… I think I got butterflies in my stomach again…” Zeeq whimpered as he clutched his stomach (“chill, little man, I promise it won’t be so bad.” Raizo whispered).
“My Lords and Ladies,” Gunther said in an announcement tone, “I present to you, the heroes of the Mountain Wall, the Titans.” and everyone clapped again.
Darius, along with everyone else, had violent lurches in his stomach as nervousness began to flood him when he looked up to the full crowd of nobles and lords from across the land. Igniz smiled and bowed slightly while Raizo and Zeeq waved vigorously and Duke, like Darius, didn’t do anything but smile. Darius could see three golden chairs at the top of a stairway where Evelyn was sitting proudly with the sweetest smile she could muster while the other two chairs are vacant.
“Enter Her Royal Majesty, Queen Adryana of Altaria.” announced a man standing by the door. The entire atrium fell silent as they all stood up and bowed towards the vacant chairs, even Evelyn bowed to the chair next to her as Darius could see it: a woman clad in silver and crimson walking graciously in front of Royal Guards, the Queen has entered the Hall of Nobles.
“This is the part where you all bow,” Gunther said to the mind of the Titans and bowed with the others quickly following suit.
Queen Adryana’s dress was by far the most eccentric and beautiful out of everyone else. The Queen had long blonde hair with eyes as blue as oceans but with a glow that gives it the appearance of oceans, her dress was crimson like Evelyn’s but have silver drapes from the waist down and a crown that outshone any golden accessory in the atrium; a reason understood now why Evelyn didn’t appreciate her own. The moment she stepped in, Darius could feel that familiar ominous presence; there was no doubt that another Psyon has entered the atrium. As she sat down on the front chair, she waved her hand once and everyone sat down to succumb in silence.
“Welcome, Young Master Psyons, to my humble abode,” Queen Adryana said, “I hope you have found much comfort in our welcome.”
“Welcome home, young Darius,” the Queen spoke in his head; Darius paid full attention to her now but began perplexing over something, “I have waited a long time for this day... How have you been?”
Darius could see her lips moving so she was saying something else that made everyone else clap but Darius couldn’t hear a word of it except her whispers in his mind.
“I’m fine, thank you... Why did you call us here, Your Majesty?” Darius asked in his mind.
“--present to him, the title Crimson Spirit for incredible valor, heroism, and courage.” Queen Adryana said and the whole atrium was once again on their feet and cheered after such an announcement.
“This is the part where you have to go up,” Gunther said in the commotion. Darius looked confused but as gestured by the rest of his team and a rather grumpy Raizo (“Great, he only fought one crazy bitch and he gets the title.”), he moved forward and climbed the pearly marble stairs slowly and the atrium fell silent again.
“Follow my instructions exactly and we’ll get to high tea in no time,” Gunther whispered in his mind.
A single sweat dropped from his temple as all eyes are glued to him but Darius kept moving to avoid any unnecessary mistakes. He reached the top and looked straight into the eyes of the Queen but the feeling is like he is staring into the depths of the oceans themselves.
“When the Queen stands, kneel on one knee. Any knee is fine, don’t worry.” Gunther said.
The Queen stood up and automatically, Darius kneeled on his right knee and looked to her feet. But something didn’t feel right, something is different here besides the presence of the Queen; an emotion here is hidden but fighting to break free.
“I hereby bestow upon you the title Crimson Spirit,” Queen Adryana said as she placed her hand in front of him with her ring shining on her ring finger, “arise, Master Psyon.”
“Take the hand, kiss the ring only once, and slowly stand up,” Gunther said.
Darius kissed the ring once as instructed and slowly stood up. The atrium clapped as hard as they could without raising their voices save Raizo and Zeeq who seemed to be cheering at a sports game.
“Well done, Darius. Now, slowly you come back down but do not turn your back on the Queen until you reached the bottom steps.” Gunther said. But Darius looked back and stared at his friends and almost instantly, they all knew something was wrong. After quickly exchanging looks with each other, Igniz conjured small ice crystals in his hand and Raizo had one hand hidden behind his coat.
“Is something the matter, Master Psyon?” Queen Adryana asked. Darius looked back to her and stared at her intently, trying to think, trying to remember those eyes.
“I’m sorry,” Darius said as the atrium fell silent, “what was your name again?” Igniz slapped himself on the forehead as the whole atrium began to retaliate with murmurs and spitting insults of insubordinate behavior.
“It’s quite alright,” the Queen said as she gently waved her hand once and the atrium fell silent again, “My name is Adryana Psionyde, Young Darius.”
“Are you not familiar with my name?” she said to his mind.
Gunther now realized the sullenness from Darius’s expression. The Queen has entered his thoughts… Gunther slowly shook his head as he looked at her.
Slowly, the thought just came to him, this queen resembled someone, that someone that he’s seen so many times but it didn’t occur to him until now as he slowly took out the half-burnt photo of himself as a baby with Aunt Joe and his mother and father. He looked at the picture and then to the Queen and the resemblance is no longer deniable: the face is simply impossible to apprehend. That would explain everything, the feeling that she was trying to hide, the reminiscent aura of the halls and corridors of the palace, the feeling of watching himself when looking at Evelyn. He looked to Evelyn and like everyone else in the atrium, she was just as confused but Queen Adryana had fear slowly drawn on her face as she slowly took the photo from Darius’s hand and looked at it.
“Mother, that looks like...” Evelyn said as she looked over the photo, then to the Queen, and then to Darius; her face was instantly struck pale. Darius didn’t say anything, he didn’t want to admit it, he didn’t even want to be standing here right now. He quickly took back the photo and slowly took the steps backward but his eyes remained deadlock on the Queen. He turned around and hurried down the stairs but the moment he turned, the whole atrium rose to their feet and vented their anger and frustration as they called him ignorant and rude and undeserving of being on this stage.
“Guys, we need to leave now!” Darius snapped to his teammates and all of them nodded once.
“Darius, please wait and let me explain--” Queen Adryana said as she stood up and climbed down the stairs.
I told you, my Queen, Gunther thought as he closed his eyes, you shouldn’t have done this and you should have waited…
Darius could no longer keep his emotions in check. He would not let her even finish that sentence; he quickly turned and said the most poisonous words he ever had the strength to muster with fire etched on his shoulders.
“You have no right to say anything! I refuse... I REFUSE!” Darius roared and it sparked even more anger from the nobles. The Royal Guard burst in through the main entrance with spears and swords pointed at Darius but his friends quickly came to his defense.
“You dare speak to the Queen that way?” One of the guards spat.
“So much for discretion,” Igniz said as ice crystals began to form in his hand.
“Alright then, the worst-case scenario it is,” Duke said as Darkmatter began to formulate at his boots.
“Sorry, oh great nobles of Altaria,” Raizo announced sarcastically as he casually walked to the center of the atrium, “but this party’s over! Shock the Moon, Raikō!” and he struck the ground with both hands. Two bolts of lightning smashed the glass ceiling from above and struck the floor of the atrium where Raizo struck his hands. He slowly stood up straight and pulled twin blades from the floor, the blades were shaped like scimitars that had edge-like teeth on one side of the blade with a few rectangular holes in the center to leave behind a buzzing sound that’s sharp and painful to the ear.

Raizo swung his right blade once and the shockwave sent the Royal Guards flying. He swung his left blade and a lightning chain licked the glass ceiling, forcing everyone underneath to run for cover whilst glass shards rain upon them. The tenants of the Hall of Nobles scattered for their safety as the atrium is jeopardized indefinitely but the Queen and Evelyn remained where they stand.
“My son, please, please listen to what I have to say.” the Queen pleaded to his mind but Darius shook his head and turned to the rest of his teammates, “Let’s go.”