Another Side Of The Universe

Chapter 90 : Determination

"Flavius, it's good to see you," said Stravenkov. 

"Above all, I'm happy you're safe, your highness," Flavius replied. 

"Rum is still in the security room. Giving directions to the knights. They're taking over the palace," said Kaizo as he gives Axion a hand to stand. 

Shortly later, a few knights came. 

"Your highness! You're safe," said a knight.

"Sir Tirion and Sir Flavius are here too!" said another knight.

"You guys... I'm glad you're safe," said Stravenkov. 

"Yes, sir. We're happy to see you safe too."

"What's the status?" Stravenkov asked.  

"We managed to take down the soldiers inside the palace. But the soldiers who were defending the gate are now trying to enter the palace."

"We barricaded the door. But it will be a matter of time until the soldiers use their turrets to enter the palace."

"What about the soldiers that scattered around the city?" Stravenkov asked. 

"We don't know. But let's assume that all soldiers outside are returning to the palace."

"Ramenman and Virion are leading an army to fight the soldiers. I'm sure they can take care of the soldiers around the city. All we have to do is hold our ground until they come with reinforcement," said Kaizo.

The prince walked to the balcony and looked out to his kingdom. 

"The soldiers are big in numbers. Are you sure Ramenman and Virion can win?" he asked. 

They all looked at the city. Smoke soars the sky. Battleships fight everywhere.

"I can go down there and fight the soldiers. Defeating them is not hard. But the question is, do you have the determination to stand?" Axion asked. "That ring that your mother asked me to deliver, is more than just a decoration, isn't it?"

Prince Stravenkov flinched. 

"Those soldiers may be big in number but compared to my team, they're weak. We can defeat them. But there's no point in saving your people, if the Prince himself is fighting halfheartedly," said Axion. "You understand what I'm trying to say, right?"

"I am grateful for your help in this battle. But what you said to the Prince is insolent," said Tirion.

The Prince raises his hand. "No. She's right." He lowered his head. He pulled out the royal ring. 

"That ring should have the power to turn things around. All you have to do… is wear it," said Axion.

"I don't understand. What's with that ring?" Kaizo asked. 

"I don't know the details but I can sense great magic power from that ring. Big enough to tempt me into wearing it myself," said Axion. 

"You can sense the ring's power?" Stravenkov asked. 

"You're not the only one who has such... magical artifacts," said Axion. 

"Did you try to wear the ring?"

"Not my call. That ring doesn't belong to me and it doesn't have the kind of design I like," said Axion.

'Oh? What kind of ring design do you like?" Kaizo asked. 

Axion is silent for a moment. She looked at Kaizo. "What? Are you going to buy me a ring?" she asked with a smile. 

Kaizo slightly blushed. "N-no. I'm not buying you anything," he answered, slightly flustered. 

Axion lightly chuckled. She turned to the prince with a serious face. "The greater the power the harder it is to bear. That's why you've been hesitating, isn't it?" 

Stravenkov is flustered. "I-I…" 

"Should you dare to use that ring, Prince, then I'm willing to join your war," said Axion. 

They all looked at Prince Stravenkov expectantly. Strain filled the young Prince's face. 

"Your highness, whatever your decision is, we will stand with you, always," said Tirion.

Stravenkov looked at Tirion. Witnessing the determination in Tirion's eyes, he slowly nodded. He clutched the ring in his palm. He took a deep breath and slowly put the ring on his finger. Suddenly, a big light emerges. Everyone in the room can sense the force of the ring. Like a big gust of wind, swooshing out from Stravenkov.

Stravenkov falls to his knees. He breathed heavily as he groaned in pain.

"Your highness!" Flavius exclaimed. He tried to get closer to Prince Stravenkov. But the force blocked him.

Axion steps closer towards Stravenkov with ease. Making everyone wonder how. She put her hand on Stravenkov's shoulder. Flashes of images hit her mind.  

Stravenkov tried to keep his composure. He takes a moment to feel and let the power seep in inside him. His eyes glow blue as he's filled with determination. After a moment, Stravenkov stands up.

"Your highness…" said Flavius with concern.

Stravenkov breathed out. "...I'm fine," he calmly answered. 

 Stravenkov looked out to the Kingdom. From the palace's defensive wall, something begins to move. Giant statues that were a part of the wall begin to rise and walk out from the wall.

They all looked at the giant statues. 

"... the legend… is true," Tirion mumbled. 

Stravenkov nods. "I think I know where Versatel took my mother and where we can find more knights."

"Then, we should go," said Tirion. 

"Yes," Stravenkov replied.

Stravenkov walks out, followed by the others. 

Axion looked up on her way out. On the ceiling in the Queen's chamber. There painted an image of the sky and the symbols of Gods. A picture of heaven where God looks down on the world. A moment where the Gods gave their blessings upon the living. 

"I was never a believer, am I?" she mumbled before she walked out of the room.