Elementia

Chapter 1 - Part Xenon

-18 YEARS LATER-

"You can't catch up to me!!"

Two young men on top of their horses raced on the plains of the kingdom. The one leading had short black hair, fair complexion and a descent build atop a brown horse while the one tailing had long blond hair, same complexion and build and is atop a white horse. Both are wearing their proper gear.

"Come on, Xenon! It's not fair that you have proper equestrian training!" shouted the man tailing behind Xenon. "I can't catch up to you, you know!"

"What are you talking about Lucio? You're doing great for a rookie!" shouted Xenon in reply.

"If this is your way of training me in horseback riding, it is not working!"

As both horses reached the edge of a cliff, they both stopped.

Both riders got off their horses. Lucio said, "Horseback riding is good and all, but you should go easy on a beginner like me. It takes a while before—"

"Isn't it beautiful, Lucio? Look at the vast plains that encompass the whole kingdom of Elementia. The beauty, the majesty..."

"Oh boy. Here he goes again."

Lucio then mockingly mouthed the words that came out of Xenon's mouth.

"The Kingdom of Elementia is truly a wonder to behold. One day, I, Prince Xenon of Elementia will be able to rule this majestic kingdom with fairness and just. It is in my blood to lead. It is my destiny!"

"Seriously Xenon, you do this almost every day that it is starting to get annoying." Lucio said.

"Come on, Lucio. I need to have motivation for myself to have hope that my father will finally recognize me as a future King."

"You do know that your father indeed trusts you to be the future King, Xenon. After your brother died, you have been automatically chosen as the heir of the throne. But there is no need to rush, you're 18. You still have years before you reach 21."

"But it won't be long until I reach it. Just imagine it, I would be finally be included in the kingdom meetings and do more things that I have never done before."

"I know you're eager to rule but sometimes things needed to be done step by step so you would learn."

"I know. I just felt that my father's doubted me lately. He does train me sometimes but most of the time, all that he ever talk about are his accomplishments as king."

"Well, I guess that could be your father's way of motivating you."

Just then, a sound of an owl caught their attention.

"Is that what I think it is?" Lucio asks.

"The kingdom's messenger owl? Yes, yes it is." Xenon answers. "It must be for something important."

Xenon raised his right arm and the owl lands on it. He inspected it and the noticed the scroll attached on its talons. He took it and the owl flies away. He gave another look at the scroll and saw the royal seal on it. Eager to know the message, he unfurled the scroll and started to read it, his face slowly morphing into an expression of happiness as he goes on.

"I know that look. Something good is going to happen, I presume." Lucio said with one eyebrow raised.

Instead of replying to his statement, Xenon gave the scroll to him to read.

"I have been thinking hard on what I would let you do next as preparation on your role as the future King of Elementia. After long hours of contemplation, I have decided to let you be an audience to the kingdom meeting happening this afternoon at the palace. Be aware though that you are just an observer and would not be allowed to disrupt the meeting in any way. This would be a way for you to know how the kingdom operates on the inside. I am expecting your arrival."

After Lucio finished reading, Xenon said as he starts to climb on his horse, "Isn't it great? It will be my first kingdom meeting! I waited my whole life for this!"

"You are still going to be an observer, though." Lucio replied.

"Who cares?! Father recognizes my need of knowledge of the kingdom's operations. That just proves that he is molding me to be a great king. I am not going to let him down!"

And with that, Xenon's horse started galloping to the direction of the castle.

"We'll meet again later at the taverns!" shouted Xenon as he is starting to get farther away.

After hearing that, Lucio grinned and said, "Now that is one excited man."