◇◇◇◇
War is upon us. Altáir intoned coldly. His hand was hovering over the table.
The room froze for a while as holographic images formed. A recount of events, through the eyes of the Emperor.
A new 'body' appeared at the edge of known space. A violent swirl of mystic energy. Small at first, then expanding, releasing vast amounts of energy as it formed something.
A planet, newly formed, its surface seemed still unstable, continents half-knit together like wounds that hadn't finished closing. Strange energy signatures rippled across it, bright enough to make the room's lights dim in comparison.
"This," the Emperor said, "is why we are here. Xenovia, a newly formed planet of Origin grade.
As he spoke he waved his hand over the hologram and it displayed a message. A system missive so to speak. Or a Cosmic SOS as some may like to call it.
Not a distress call but a challenge and a warning in one. Not for just one Cosmic Faction, but for anyone powerful enough to answer.
Silence followed. Not the respectful kind, but the kind that came when everyone understood the implications at once.
The blue-haired Duke, Argus exhaled slowly. "A newborn world screaming into the void," he said. "That alone would draw all sorts of beings in this universe." He said coldly. A glint in his eyes.
"And Beyond," Morgaine added dryly. "Depending on who wants to pretend they're saving it."
"Beyond?" Adrian asked tilting his head. Confusion was written all over his face.
"Yes, other universes," Euryon interjected casually.
"But isn't it almost impossible to make such multiversal trips?" Adrian asked, intrigued at the concept.
"Not for beings of certain power little prince". The duchess replied. Winking at him. "With the right motivation and resources, anything is possible." She concluded
Lorien studied the miniature planet, eyes narrowing. "The system doesn't issue a Cosmos-wide SOS unless something has already gone catastrophically wrong. Or unless it wants attention." He remarked dryly.
Argus tilted his head. "Either way, it's working."
The Emperor nodded once. "The planet did not exist a while ago. Now it does—and every power worth naming has felt it wake up." He said. Shooting a knowing look at the Dukes.
Morgaine tapped her fingers on the table thoughtfully. "A reformed world destabilizes balance." She looked up. "Someone will try to claim it. Someone else will try to destroy it. War is the natural consequence."
"And we," Adrian said lightly, "are standing inconveniently close."
The Emperor allowed himself a thin, menacing smile. "Precisely."
The hologram shifted again, as a host of other planets in relative proximity to Auron were projected.
The blue-haired Duke spoke without looking away. "Preventive action is required. We secure our borders now, including conquered territories." He said coldly.
"Hold on, even conquered territories?, Wouldn't that take a lot of....resources?" Adrian enquired.
"If you think we would propose something without having the required 'work force' you have a lot to learn your Highness" Euryon interjected. Leaning back into his chair.
The other Dukes nodded at his words.
"Will you bring this to the Council?" Lorien spoke up again. Carefully. Finally asking the question that had been hanging over the room. Knowing the history between Altáir and the Council.
The lights dimmed slightly, as if the room itself was listening. As if it was holding it's breathe.
The Emperor's expression did not change. "I will. He said after a moment, "They should already be in the know by now.
They may be fools but they aren't entirely hopeless. I think.
And frankly, I do not care what they are planning. Auron is an interstellar faction mostly because of Astoria and not the other way round".
A low chuckle escaped Adrian before he could stop himself. Familiar with his Father's ever-growing pride in his people.
"Refreshing," Morgaine said, smiling faintly.
"Dangerous," corrected Argus. "But honest."
The Emperor turned back to the hologram mapping the different planets under the Astoria Empire. "I will give them a chance to work together. One. After that, I secure my people with or without their 'blessing'."
"Then we prepare for all possible outcomes," Lorien replied as his tab appeared back in his hands.
Silence returned—but this time, something was missing.
Adrian noticed first. "You've avoided one variable, Eden. He's still out there" He said glancing at Altáir.
Everyone's gaze returned to the Emperor.
"Haaa. Right." Altáir said as he leaned into his chair. "If war is inevitable, we should bring him back. You never know when someone would be foolish enough to try something funny." He concluded.
"And if he refuses?" asked the Duchess. We can't exactly force him. He wasn't exactly a fan of us like this one. She added pointing at Adrian.
"Who could blame him? We practically ignored him most of his life". Euryon remarked with a casual shrug.
Which made everyone give him a sharp look.
"What?, he isn't exactly a prodigy." He added.
"Wasn't". Altáir interjected.
"Excuse me?" Said Euryon.
"Last I checked he could somewhat match Adrian's power output. Though he would've still lost."
His words stunned the Dukes. They knew about Eden's reputation as a failed genius but they weren't aware of his recent changes.
"Ha ha.... Damn...He's a monster huh. Knew an Astoria couldn't be normal. Euryon replied with a chuckle."
"As expected," Argus added from the side.
Lorien just nodded. Seemingly not surprised.
"Well someone's got competition. Isn't that right your Highness? Morgaine said. A sly smile graced her breathtaking features.
"Wouldn't have it any other way. It just seems like he gave me a headstart and that pisses me off. I'll just have to remind him why I'm his big brother."
"By only a few minutes." His Father interjected.
"Still older". Adrian retorted. A wide, carefree grin on his face.
The Emperor sighed for the nth time. Having had enough of Adrian's antics for one day.
"So, send a few of your shadows to bring him back." He said glancing at Morgaine who responded with a nod.
"No Father. Let him do what he has to do. He'll come back home eventually." Adrian said. In a rarely serious tone.
"You saw something?" His father asked curiously.
"Something like that". Adrian replied. His casual smile returned.
"Fine. Just tell them to tail him. And only interfere if he's in danger." He said to the Duchess.
"As you wish." She replied with a bow.
"That would be all for now. Go. Prepare. Because I intend to take full advantage of this war". The Emperor intoned coldly.
The Dukes got up, bowed, and disappeared in flashes of light one after the other. Leaving the Emperor and Prince with the ever faithful Butler.
"And it's just you and me again. Oh and old man Tom. Adrian said. Breaking the comfortable silence. A grin etched on his face.
"It seems so." Altáir replied dryly.
"Haa, well I'll leave now. Have to go train." Adrian remarked as he got up and made his way towards the exit.
"Someone's eager." His Father retorted, an amused glint in his eyes.
"Of course old man, got a little brother to discipline." He said with a wave as he walked through the huge double doors.
◇◇◇◇