Fallen Stars
Mystery Forty-Nine
What It Means To Be King
[Flashback: Eleven years ago…
In a location called “Olympus”]
In the rocky mountains, on the side of it, trains thirty-plus young boys: all are doing karate techniques and training. In the same uniform, with a symbol of a wolf howling on the back.
Constantly doing straight punches, in unison. They shift to triple kicks, in unison also.
HAH! HAH! An athletic, muscle-bound examiner walks by, checking the students.
Magnet: (Hm.)
She continues walking by, stopping and paying attention to a certain student. He has a little fang tooth and a little afro. Left eye blue, right eye orange. He tries not to get distracted by her brunette hair, eyes staring, and focus. She watches him for a minute but then walks away.
Zepheus: (Whew.)
Magnet stops the session and ends the class for the day. Most of the students disperse and Zepheus is picking up his stuff, being one of the last ones leaving.
Lynx: Yo, Goofus! I mean Zepheus! Wait up!
Zepheus turns around slowly.
Zepheus: (Oh no…)
Lynx is a young teen, a bit older than Zepheus. He has scruffy mid-length red hair and lighter skin, he’s wearing the same uniform. Lynx’s hair resembles a lion’s mane, having mint green eyes. Lynx strolls over with his two friends. Lynx’s expression is always an intense grin.
One friend is a bit chubby, the other is slim. Their uniforms have a symbol of a tiger’s mark.
Zepheus: Not today, Lynx. I have to go.
Lynx: C'mon, Zepheus! Let's play a game!
Zepheus: All you ever want to do is play games!!
Lynx: It'll be quick. I'll flip a coin. If it lands on heads I get to hit you as hard as I can.
Lynx pulls out a golden coin, and Wrath is worried.
Wrath: Wha- *Lynx flips a coin*
Lynx: Too late. *winks*
In the air, it rotates and lands in his hand, he reveals it to Zepheus, not trying to look at it.
Lynx: What is it?
Zepheus: ... Its tails.
Lynx: What? Really?
As Lynx is about to look at the coin, Zepheus takes off running, but he's caught by Lynx's two friends.
Lynx: There was no need to lie, Zepheus. But, a bet is a bet.
His two friends hold Zepheus while Lynx winds up a punch, and punches Zepheus in the chest as hard as he could!! Making him cough up!!
They laugh and let go of Zepheus, he can't stand and falls over.
Lynx: That’s what you get, son of a whore.
After laughing, the three of them walk off.
Zepheus grabs his chest, looking up in anger.
Lynx and his friends chatting.
Sprites: How did he not know it was a double-headed coin? Lynx has been flipping that for a while.
Jets: Zepheus is too dumb to pay attention. Why do you like messing with him so much?
Lynx: That's my little brother, who else would mess with him besides his big brother?
[The Next Day.]
Same location, same training, in unison. Magnet watching Zepheus again, closely. Training finishes for the day and they disperse again.
Zepheus and his two friends get their things and are about to leave.
Lynx: Yo! Doofus! I mean Zepheus! We got out at the same time again! Let’s play a game!
Zepheus: (...) Fuck off, Lynx.
Lynx: Whoa, I thought you liked playing games? This is a new one.
Zepheus: I don’t-
Lynx puts his arm over Zepheus’ shoulder.
Lynx: Ok, hear me out. It’s a number game, guess a number between twenty and thirty. And if you guess right, I get to punch you again!
Zepheus: …Why would I participate in that?
Lynx: Well, if you don’t I’ll hit you anyway, and my friends will join in.
Lynx’s two friends crack their knuckles. Zepheus sighs loudly.
Zepheus: Twenty-three.
A brief pause happens with Lynx.
Lynx: … Correct!!
Zepheus: No way that was right!!
Lynx’s two friends hold onto Zepheus.
Lynx: You won, a bet is a bet.
Lynx winds up. Zepheus struggles and breaks free from the chubby friend (Sprites).
Zepheus: I’m after you first, fatass.
Zepheus leaps while still being held by Jets, and elbows Sprites in the nose!!
Lynx stops the chaos by kicking Zepheus in the face! With the bottom of his shoe. Zepheus and Sprites yell in agony.
Sprites: AHHH!! My nose is broken!!
The slim friend checks on him.
Jets: Let me see.
Sprites move his hands and his nose is already swollen and a different color than him.
Jets: Uh… it doesn't look too bad.
Sprites: I’ll kill him!
Lynx: No you won’t, don’t kid yourself. That was a dumb move, Zepheus. But, we can’t fault you, what do you expect from someone with a dumb name too! Lyhahaha!
Zepheus holds his face, in anger, balling up a fist.
Lynx: Let’s go guys.
Lynx laughs and walks away.
Zepheus’ friends who were watching came over to his aid.
Electro: Are you alright, Zepheus?
Zepheus: No, I'm not fucking alright! Why didn't you two help me??
Circuit: Those kids are above us, the older kids would've beat us too.
Zepheus: So you decide to just sit there and watch?!
Electro: You getting a busted lip, and us getting one too will not help us get home.
Watching Lynx walk away, Zepheus' canine teeth start to get larger, and his anger is beginning to show a dangerous side.
Zepheus: (I have to control it.)
Zepheus gets up mad and storms off to a certain place.
Making it to the room, and before that, someone stops him.
Wrath: Want to see your father?
Zepheus: (angry) Yes!
Wrath: Let’s clean you up before that.
Wrath is a slim dark skin woman, with brown hair and highlighted features. She takes him to another room, and cleans up his wound, placing a white bandaid on his face covering up a mark.
Wrath: Karate was tough today, huh?
Zepheus: …
Wrath: Well, some days it’ll be tough, but your auntie is cheering for you, regardless!!
Zepheus has a slight blissful smile about him.
Zepheus: (Aunt Wrath is always there for me when Lynx plays around.)
Wrath: I know you’re training hard to become a sin. One of the seven mighty warriors of this kingdom. And I know it seems tedious, but you will get stronger from it.
Zepheus looks down with a bashful expression but looks back at his aunt in the eyes.
Zepheus: When I do get stronger… I want your name.
Wrath: *chuckles* HmHmHm. Well, you’ll have to beat me for it. Are you ready for that challenge?
Zepheus: I am!
Wrath: I believe in you, nephew! *smiles* But I won’t go easy on you!!
She gets him out of the chair and takes him back to the door.
Opened it and let him walk in.
In the background is Lynx watching Zepheus walk into the throne room. Balling up a fist.
[Olympus Throne Room]
Sitting on the throne is the king, a tall, fierce figure. Zepheus is not able to see it, but the cosmos around him is strong, giving off harsh energy. The throne room has an azurite blue floor, and azure steps, before the throne. A white quartz ceiling and the throne itself is golden, with red diamonds and sapphires. A voice begins to speak.
Kronos: Welcome, son.
Zepheus: (heated) Dad! Lynx keeps making fun of my name! And beating me up!
Kronos: Making fun of your name…?
Zepheus: Yeah! I’m tired of his shit!
Kronos: Come over here, Zepheus.
Walking over, Zepheus gets to the top step and sits down. Getting closer you can see Kronos’ features. He’s a dark skinned man, with a mustache and goatee, a charming individual. He has blue eyes and still has a fierce look to him. He has a crown of precious jewels, in the middle, there’s a double Z.
Kronos: Don’t listen to your brother. I never liked his name anyway. His mother gave that to him. But your name, I picked that myself.
Zepheus: Y-You did?
Kronos: Yep. Do you want to know how I got it?
Zepheus: Yeah!
Kronos: My father, your grandad was a great king, an amazing conqueror. During his conquest, he went on grand adventures! Conquering all the lands!
Kronos gets loud laughing!
Kronos: The man who conquered sixty percent of the world!!
A portrait of a man is seen above Kronos. He’s a young adult man with brown skin and golden hair. Sitting on a golden throne in a red robe, surrounded by lions.
Kronos: His name was Zenous Alexanderus!!
And the throne room rumbles!!
Zepheus (amazed): I’m… the grandson of someone like that…
Kronos: Sometimes referred to as Zenous Alexanderus The Great. And that’s how I got your name, if you remove the “phe”, and add “no”, you get Zenous!
Zepheus: …That’s very… forced…
Kronos: Contrived in a sense? Of course! But it works! Kro-hahaha!
Zepheus laughs.
Kronos: But forget what Lynx says, you're the heir to this throne. So just wait patiently.
Zepheus: The heir…
Kronos chuckles and reaches into his pocket, pulling out some fluffy candy.
Kronos: Don’t tell anyone about this now.
Handing over the candy to Zepheus and eating it with a smile.
Kronos: You have a sweet tooth just like me.
Kronos takes out some candy for himself and eats it with Zepheus.
Kronos: I know during your training you were on a strict diet. But here, I’ll sneak you some. *shushing gesture* But keep this quiet.
Zepheus: I won’t tell anyone.
Zepheus and Kronos eat the candy and laugh a bit.
[The Next Day.]
This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.
Zepheus bursts through the throne room doors. Heated.
Zepheus: UGHHHH! He made fun of my name again!!
Kronos: C’mon and sit.
Zepheus makes his way over to his dad, and his dad hands him some candy worms.
Kronos: Don’t fret.
Zepheus eats the candy worms.
Kronos: Zepheus.
Zepheus: Hm?
Kronos: To really make Lynx mad, there’s one more thing about your name.
Zepheus: ?
Kronos: It means one simple word… the word…
Kronos holds up one finger.
Kronos: King.
Zepheus’ eyes start glistening in awe.
Zepheus: (I am King.)
Kronos: And with that, you can become a better king than Lynx could ever dream of. A better king than me and your grandfather. You should go after the title he sought after so harshly, one he or I couldn’t obtain, the title: King of-
The throne room doors open.
Wrath: My liege, the Fates are requesting an audience with the king.
Kronos: …Fine, send them in. We have to cut our conversation short, Zepheus. But we’ll talk again.
Zepheus: Alright!
Zepheus gets up and dashes out of the room with a smile, while three women come in.
Lynx who’s standing to the side watches Zepheus run out of the room, staring on with his green eyes.
Lynx: (...I should be the one chatting with Dad… I’ll show you, doofus.)
Lynx follows Zepheus.
[In The Throne Room]
The Fates are all pale young women, wearing dark clothing over their heads too. Only seeing faces. Each plays with a single thread, shared between the three. They all talk in unison. Wrath stays in the room.
Fates: My liege. *bows*
Kronos: Go on, speak.
Fates: We have seen another prophecy, our king. A cruel one.
Kronos: …What is it?
The Fates smile.
Fates: We’ve seen your death.
The intensity changes in the room, they feel the presence of the king’s anger. Kronos stands up.
Kronos: How?
Fates: Are you sure you want to know? It’ll change you forever.
Kronos: You three helped me before, before my fight with Acrux, and I was able to change that fate. So tell me how now, so I can avoid it again.
Fates: But this is a different fate than just losing a battle, our king. This is a set fate! This is you dying!
The Fates give off a chilling snarky laugh.
Fates: The one who will kill you, is your son!
Kronos is coldly silent.
Kronos: ….
Fates: Bet you didn’t want to hear that.
Kronos: Which one?
Fates: The prophecy didn’t tell us. All we saw was your son killing you.
Kronos: …
Kronos begins to think, sitting back down on his throne. He starts to reminisce.
[Flashback, within a flashback
Years ago…]
Kronos stands in front of a blue spatial portal. He has a trench coat on, covering his face with a mask. He enters the portal.
Entering it is dreamy land, of all colors. The skies reflect all different types of wavy colors. In extreme cold, and snowing, he walks to a certain village and is confronted by the ninja townspeople. They stealthily dash in and remain silent and drop a baby in a basket in front of him.
Kronos: Where’s-
Shou: She left. She was exiled from here. She knew the consequences of having an affair with a being on the outside!
Kronos: So this is…
Fulmen: The child left over. We allowed her to stay until she gave birth, she could've left with the child. But she decided to leave it for you.
The baby coos, looking at Kronos.
Kronos: Did she name him?
Shou: No, she did not.
Kronos goes to pick up the child in the basket. He coddles the child, smiling at it. Whispering a message to him.
Kronos: She left you all by yourself. Your mother was a wonderful woman. Her name was St. Elmo. You would’ve loved her.
Kronos gets a glance at his eyes, and they’re shades of orange and blue. Kronos looks at the ninjas.
Shou: Yes, he is a rare case and inherited it from both of you, your side, and his mother's side. We researched the child's eyes, to find the combination. But there were no records in the bestiary, between these two colors. He's a special kind, he's a Beastial; Chimera.
Kronos: A special child deserves a special name. Zepheus Olympus Alexanderus.
Zepheus coos again, opening his eyes to be seen clearly. Kronos is stunned.
Kronos: (His… eyes..!!)
Kronos makes his way and leaves the portal. The ninjas dash away from sight.
[Back to the Fates and Throne Room]
Kronos is shaking…
Kronos: (This is karma. I don’t want to die. It has to be Zepheus, maybe Lynx, no, Zepheus, no it's Lynx…)
The Fates have a chill around them.
Fates: Our king, if we are allowed to speak up.
Kronos: …Go ahead.
Fates: Your first son, Lynx, is possibly a threat, he’s half Rufus, half Voltaic. You can best him, but your second son, Zepheus, he’s half Voltaic, half Beastial. He cannot survive.
Kronos: (What if I kill one, and it was the other one the whole time who would kill me? I can't exile them, they'll eventually come back to kill me. Imprison them? The prophecies are set, they'll break out somehow and kill me.)
Wrath sees Kronos visibly concerned.
Wrath: (Kronos…)
Kronos: (I don't want to die. I don't want to die.)
A brief pause happens…
Kronos: (I know it's gonna be Zepheus, he has those Apeiron eyes…!!)
All his thoughts stop.
Kronos: I have to kill them both.
Fates: Wise decision, our king.
Wrath steps up.
Wrath: Wait, Kronos. Think about this before you act!
Kronos looks at her, with a cold demeanor.
Kronos: ...
The Fates give off an eerie chuckle.
Fates: A sin. One of the king's mightiest warriors is questioning him? How odd.
Wrath: Shut up you three wannabes.
Kronos: I’ve made my decision, Wrath.
Wrath is irate.
Wrath: Do you not have any sympathy for your sons??? You piece of shit!
Kronos: I’m doing this for my own sake. The calm before the storm.
Wrath: You fucking coward!
A strong gust of wind and lightning spawned from his body!! Wrath sees the king getting angry and takes off, running out of the throne room!! The Fates giggle and laugh!
Fates: I wonder where she is going!!
[Zepheus’ Location.
Open Dojo Field.]
Zepheus is walking back from the throne room and encounters Lynx and his two friends.
Lynx: Yo, Zepheus!! Where did you go? Ran off and cried to “daddy” again.
Zepheus is visibly angry, he balled up his fist. Lynx and his friends laugh at him.
Zepheus: I am king.
Lynx: You? Being king? Lyhahaha! Imagine that.
Zepheus: …
Lynx: You think someone with a dumb name like yours can be king?! Zepheus!! So stupid!
Zepheus’ mind goes haywire. The intensity around Zepheus changed into fury. Zepheus' fang teeth start to grow more prominent, and his nails grow longer. Brown fur grows on his body, his eyes become bloodshot. Wings spawn from his back, and a tail and horns come out too.
His true beast form is covered in shadows.
Jets (shocked): Wha-What the hell is that?!
Sprites: What’s your brother, Lynx?!
Lynx: …??!!
Zepheus blitzes and slices Jets!!! Ripping his body in half! He quickly turns to Sprites and slices him vertically in half!!
Electro and Circuit walk out and see the bloody scene. Seeing Zepheus looking monstrous.
Electro: Zepheus?! What’s going on?!
Circuit: He’s a feral beast!?
Zepheus sees them both and rushes over, slicing them both down too!!
Leaving Lynx by himself.
Lynx: (Is he out of control…??)
Zepheus makes his way over to Lynx. Lynx is frozen.
Lynx: I-I..!!
Strangely enough to Lynx, Zepheus begins to speak.
Zepheus: What, got nothing to say now?
Lynx slowly back peddles and falls to the ground.
Zepheus (dark tone): I will be king.
Zepheus raises his claws, but suddenly a powerful hailstorm comes out of nowhere!! A strong gust of wind, and heavy rain!! Dark clouds loom over them, and a hand of clouds reaches out.
Kronos: Come here, my sons. Fate is telling me I have to kill you.
Lynx and Zepheus: Fate…?? Dad…??
Wrath comes running towards them and karate chops Zepheus in the back of his neck, knocking him out cold! He depowers and reverts to his original body.
Wrath picks him up and looks at Lynx.
Wrath: Sorry.
Wrath turns and takes off running with Zepheus in her arm. Behind her are heavy dark clouds, following her.
Lynx desperately reaches out to them running away then looks back to the oncoming clouds.
Making it from the dojo, she encounters six people and slides while trying to stop.
Pride: Look at Wrath, guys. She’s standing up to the king.
Wrath: … I won't fight you all.
Pride: That's fine *shrugs* we were letting you pass anyway.
Wrath: (...!!)
Pride: One thing, before you go. Denounce that sin name and go by your name. I always liked it.
Wrath: ... I will.
Pride: Been a long time without it, and since you've been called by your name, huh... Joules.
Joules: It has. See ya, Charge.
Joules continues to run with Zepheus out cold.
Charge: I hope the future King Zepheus appreciates what we did for him.
Amps: Indeed. And things of that nature.
Watt: We aren’t going by sins anymore? Wathaha. I never liked being called Envy.
Charge: Brace yourself. The king is here.
The clouds reach the six warriors.
Kronos: Move.
Coulomb gulps. Fulmen shuffles into a fighting stance.
Fulmen: Facing the king head-on…
Coulomb: This is the fight of our lives.
Hertz: A fight we’ll win!!! AHHHH!! CHARGE!
The six try to engage the eye of the storm.
Joules finally makes it off the rocky mountains, seeing the surface of the land is black. Joules pulls out her bank card phoning someone.
*Ring* *Ring*
Amalthea: Hello?
Joules: Amalthea. I don't have time. Listen to what I'll say. I'm sending my nephew to your location, he'll arrive in five minutes. Take good care of him, I won't be around any longer.
Amalthea: ...Ok. I understand.
Joules is about to hang up.
Amalthea: Joules. Make sure you say your goodbyes. It’ll be tough for him to miss someone strong like you.
Joules: I know.
Joules hangs up and makes it to the edge of the veil. She opens her inventory and pulls out a dagger, and some protective gear. She wraps Zepheus in it, as he snores.
Joules: Zepheus. Grow up big and strong.
Tears come down her eyes, and the storm behind her rages on and comes closer.
Joules: Be a better king than your father. Come back and claim this throne.
Joules takes the dagger and slices the cosmic veil!! Opening a hole, picking Zepheus up, and sending him through it!! In protective gear, he floats amid space. Joules watches as he speedily floats away from the moon she’s on.
[Instantly… On Another Moon
Named “Satsuki”
Location: Ancient Life]
The scenery was breathtaking, the surface of the moon is green with life, and the green vegetation grows abundantly. Waterfalls and streams of clear blue water surround the land. Compsognathus, stegosaurus, triceratops, velociraptors, deers, and other creatures saunter, eating in peace. Brachiopods and Crinoids emerge from the water.
A creature reacts "?!"
The ground starts shaking, and splits in two!! Something large rises from the ground!! Almost completely out, the entity stands over twenty meters tall!!!
The entity has caramel skin, long black hair, and no shirt flexing its brolic muscles. It has a fur coat wrapped around its waist, with skin-tight pants. No shoes, no socks. It has an x scar on its face and a few scars on its body.
The entity balls up its fist, and rages into the sky!!!
Atlas: AHHHHHH!!!!
Pushing all the living and nonliving things from around him!! Only with his voice!
**Atlas**
Epithet: World Breaker
Race: Titan
Raz: Wait, what happened?? What woke Atlas up?!
Jaz: The cosmic veil covering Kronos' territory was broken. Atlas sensed it.
Atlas crouches and looks into the sky, and leaps into space!!!
Raz: And… he’s gone.
Jaz: Noone can stop him now.
[Joules’ Location]
Joules wipes her tears and faces the storm. Kronos comes out of his cloud form, holding Charge and Amps’ lifeless bodies by their throats. His left hand is as frozen as a tundra, while his right hand is as dry as a desert.
Kronos: Wrath-
Joules: I don’t go by that name anymore!
Kronos: …Joules. Where is my son?
[Zepheus’ Location.
Floating Through Space.]
In the protective gear, he speeds up, turning into a fireball, a shooting star. Headed towards the red sea planet. Dark clouds follow it.
[In a certain country:
Amalthea]
In the country, the citizens see a shooting star headed right for them!! All of the citizens are wearing violet-colored garments.
Natalia: That isn’t good…
Flora: Shooting stars were always a bad omen.
Amalthea steps out, an elderly woman, with brown skin, and wearing the same violet garments. She has a diamond tiara with red jewels. She has goat horns going up through the tiara.
Amalthea: Clear out. Let it land.
Flora: Lady Amalthea?!
The citizens bow. Amalthea’s assistants come by her side.
Irene: What do you want us to do, my lady?
Amalthea: Clear out Mount Lyctos Facula. I feel a storm brewing.
Irene: Yes, ma’am!
They all clear the impact site. Anticipating the shooting star landing. The burning star comes in hot, brightening up! The citizens run for cover!!
With a strong force, it lands in front of everyone!! Dust is blown throwing everyone off!
Irene: ?!
Natalia covers her face from the dust spewing at her.
Natalia: What was that impact?!
The rest of the citizens cower behind buildings and inside their homes.
Amalthea sees the impact and is worried, the dust finally settles and she makes her way over to it.
The impact of the shooting star leaves a huge crater. Only the protective gear is in the center. Amalthea jumps down and sees the gear.
Amalthea: (Did he survive…?)
Scavenging through the rumble, she opens the protective gear and sees Zepheus is still breathing.
Amalthea: (Whew. Good.)
The dark clouds following the shooting star start to come.
Amalthea: (We have to get out of here.)
Amalthea takes the unconscious Zepheus and dashes toward the cave.
[In Space.
Kronos.]
After resealing the cosmic veil. Kronos looks to the right and sees his seven warriors' lifeless bodies floating through space.
Kronos: My own sins betrayed me…
Kronos looks at Joules.
Kronos: My own sister... No more relying on warriors. The Seven Sins system is disbanded.
Kronos looks to move forward, to follow and kill Zepheus, but is confronted by Atlas!!
Kronos: …Not you again.
Atlas remains silent, but his roar shatters the air, his arms trembling with uncontrollable fury and his face contorted in a visage of sheer madness!
Atlas: AHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!
Atlas rushes to fight Kronos!! Kronos looks to the planet and continues to send out his storm to finish chasing Zepheus.
**Kronos**
Epithet: Storm Sovereignty
The storm rages on, with hail, and thunderstorms, all conjured into a cloud. Kronos whispered something, before engaging Atlas!
[In Amalthea:
Mount Lyctos Facula]
In a cave hidden in the mountain, the country is hit with constant thunder strikes!! A rampage of hail! And flooding amounts of rain! Hearing that, Zepheus finally wakes up, in a lightly lit cave.
Zepheus rubs his neck.
Zepheus: Ow. Where am I?
Amalthea: In my home.
Zepheus jumps! Getting in his karate stance. The light reveals Amalthea.
Zepheus: Huh? Who are you?!
Amalthea: I’m your aunt. On your mother’s side.
Zepheus: My aunt? Wait.
Zepheus looks up.
Zepheus: Where is Wrath? That’s my aunt.
Amalthea has a frown.
Amalthea (saddened): She didn’t make it.
Zepheus: Didn’t make it?
Amalthea: She passed on.
And thunder strikes behind Zepheus!! He cowers from the outside sounds.
Zepheus: ?? You’re serious?
Amalthea: I am.
Zepheus looks down, his expression turns to gloom.
Zepheus: …How?
Amalthea: Your father.
Zepheus: ?!
Another lightning strike happens! It constantly strikes!
Zepheus, who doesn’t know how to control himself begins to hold his head, trying to stop thoughts from getting out, his anger is consuming him. He kneels, continuing to hold his head. And tears start to fall.
Zepheus: She saved me. She protected me. She was always there for me.
His fangs start to grow.
Amalthea: (Don’t worry, Joules. I’ll place a charm over him, he won’t transform until he’s of age.)
Amalthea does a few hand gestures, placing a charm over Zepheus.
Amalthea: **Blessing Style - Benign Cornucopia**
**Amalthea**
Cosmic Path: Blessing In Disguise (Positive)
Epithet: Tender Mother
[Blessing, she can bless anything including people, objects, etc, and produce positive effects. Granting who she placed the blessing on, charms and luck.]
His fangs revert to normal. But she hears him murmuring words to himself.
Amalthea: What are you saying?
Zepheus continues whispering, but Amalthea still can’t understand him.
Zepheus: Either you eat or you’re food.
Thunder continues to rumble. But the heavy rain stops, the lightning strikes too, and a fog emerges over the country.
Zepheus: Is it finally over?
Zepheus takes a step to look out of the cave.
Amalthea: Wait!
And all the fog disappears, and sunlight shines. Zepheus sees the storm has subdued.
Zepheus: It’s clear-
Dark clouds come back!! The huge thunderclouds form together to create a giant supercell!! The thunderclouds form into a hand and reach out to Zepheus!
A voice is heard in the clouds!
Kronos: Being king is far beyond what you can comprehend. Your mind cannot grasp even a sliver of the responsibility. You don’t know what it means to be king. Come here, boy.
Fear enters Zepheus’ heart, frozen in place, but Amalthea grabs him and brings him back, deep into the dark cave!
Uncontrollable tornadoes spawn in! Twisters of hail go wild!
Hearing lightning strikes and thunder rumble, Zepheus covers his ears in fear. The storms run amok, with no end in sight. Days upon days go by, and the storm continues.
[A Few Months Later.]
After a few months, the storm was still ongoing, but it died down a bit. Zepheus has been surviving off of what Amalthea produces, or what her still-alive assistants can bring them during the night. Amalthea feels the storm isn’t as hectic as a few months ago.
Amalthea: (Maybe that fight weakened him a bit.)
She sees Zepheus struggling in his sleep, trying to whisper to calm him.
Amalthea: We can’t stay here forever. We have to leave. I know someone in Cosmic City. We can live there. Far far away from your father. His storm could never reach us. We should make our way, and live there. Everything will be fine, you’ll make friends, and create great memories. Let’s go.
But other words keep entering Zepheus’ mind. The same phrases, over and over again, “You don’t know what it means to be king”, while the storm rages outside, crashing into the mountain. Then lightning strikes! Waking him up in a cold sweat.
Zepheus stands up, with a determined face.
Amalthea: …?
Zepheus: I’ve decided. I am going to claim the throne, and get back at my father!
Amalthea nods in understanding.
Zepheus: And I’m going to do it under the name, WRATH!
Lightning strikes!
Amalthea is stunned by the name, the confidence, and the commitment in his voice.
Amalthea: Alright, Wrath.
Wrath: Hmph!
The same phrases enter his head again. “You? Being king? Lyhahaha! Imagine that.” “Being king is far beyond what you can comprehend. Your mind cannot grasp even a sliver of the responsibility. You don’t know what it means to be king.”
Wrath's face is covered in rage, irritation, and displeasure.
Wrath: (Dad. Lynx. I know what it means! I know what it means!!)
Wrath gets loud to sound over the thunder!!
Wrath (heated): I KNOW! I KNOW WHAT IT MEANS!
Amalthea: ? Know what?
Wrath: WHAT IT MEANS TO BE KING!!!
Wrath erupts, while flashes of lightning sound off!!! Lighting the area on fire!!
As Wrath is about to yell again, several Superbolts strike!! And thunder rumbles and rolls! Echoing through the cave!!
Wrath: !!!
[End of Flashback]
Wrath faces Fear and DOOM’s bloodthirsty supercell head-on!! He starts to transform into a deadly beast!! Having a savagely fierce grin on his face!!
Wrath: I KNOW WHAT IT MEANS TO BE KING!!
[HE’S FINALLY UNLEASHING THE BEAST!!]
Mystery 49 Fin