Chapter 1 (Part A)

*Ringing of bells resound throughout the Kingdom Isles*

(On the continent of Eku lies a Kingdom Isle called Darwathu. As of this day, the kingdom Isle of Darwathu celebrates the coming of age ceremony and crowning of the new Emperor-to-be. However, this young Emperor-To-Be is...somewhat reckless.)

(In the Palace halls on the second floor.)

*Women scream in panic*

(In the room of the Maid Servants Quarters, women in bathrobes run around frantically, as a small dragonnewt scurries about. A few of the Maid Servants grab a vase and some plates to chuck at the dragonnewt. The dragonnewt dodges their ammo quickly, as he makes his way to the top dresser, where there lies a mountain of freshly picked strawberries.

Without hesitation, the dragonnewt flaps his tiny wings and flutters towards the biggest strawberry he could fit in his mouth. Out of nowhere, a Maid Servant grabs a stool and swings at the dragonewt, knocking him to the ground. As the dragonnewt comes to, he chomps down on the leaf of the strawberry and makes a mad dash to the door.

The Maid Servants shrieked and yelped. Yet, the dragonnewt did not pay them any mind, as he climbed up the floral wallpaper, slipped into the vents, scurried down its corridor, and popped out of the vent. He fluttered his tiny wings and flew towards a young, teenage boy, who was elaborately decorated in a royal green and gold robe.

The young boy held out his hands for the young dragonnewt to land on. As the dragonnewt settled into the boy's hands, the boy gently patted the dragonnewt's head.)

Boy: Good boy, Vespa!

Vespa: *Makes a tiny pur sound in relief*

(Vespa, the dragonnewt, set the berry down on the palm of the boy's hand. He looked up and wagged his tail in adoration.)

Boy: Hahaha, no Vespa. This one's yours. You've earned your keep this time around.

Vespa: *eyes widen in excitement*

(Vespa chomps on the strawberry.)

Boy: *Pets the hungry Vespa* Strawberry season is over. Can you believe it? *walks over the farthest window sill and sits down. He sets Vespa and the half-eaten strawberry on his lap* If only it could last long, though. It's about the only season when everyone's not so uptight.

(Vespa looks up at the boy's solemn face and nudges the strawberry closer to him. He gently nibbles at the boy's hand to get his attention. The boy looks down, lightly chuckles and smiles, and picks up the half-eaten strawberry.)

Boy: Y'know, I can always count on you to cheer me up, lil' buddy.

(The boy is about to take a bite at the strawberry when…)

*Clank, clank, clank*

(Vespa snarls as his tail slowly rises. He stands in a fighting stance on the boy's lap. The boy looks over.)

(Imperial soldiers, armored in charcoal and silver, approach the boy.)

Boy: *Sighs* Of course.

(The front Imperial soldier, Dalamus, stands in front of the boy. His burning gaze glares at the boy. With a spear in hand, Dalamus taps the floor twice, as an honorable gesture.)

Boy: *from frown to slight grin* A pleasant afternoon it's turned out to be, huh, Dala-

Dalamus: Bavarius *Manaan, his majesty seeks an audience with you!

(*= Manaan is equivalent to Prince. It's an honorary expression used often by those lesser in class).

Bavarius: *stands up, with Vespa crawling to his left shoulder* Yeah, about that...I kinda need to go to the library to prepare for my studies. So, if you don't mind, I really need to get going - *Is about to slip past the knights*

Dalamus: *stops him* The matter is urgent!

Bavarius: *is silent*

[The ivory-colored doors leading to the throne room open up, as the knights and Bavarius enter. Marble-Rose flooring, a plethora of swords decorating the left and right walls, and beautiful ivory and silver tapestry embellish the throne room. Ahead sits a pagoda-like throne chamber, where the Emperor and Empress sit, awaiting Bavarius's arrival. Above them is a carved symbol of the Great Dragon of Eku, protecting the land's royal subjects.]

(Dalamus and the Knights kneel before the Emperor. Bavarius, too, kneels. The Emperor raises his voice, creating a thundering echo, in the humongous throne room.)

Emperor: Leave us.

(He motions the knights to leave. As they leave, Bavarius tries to blend in and sneak out.)

Emperor: Bavarius!

Bavarius: *stops and sighs in annoyance*

(He turns around, facing the Emperor. He then proceeds to act like a lowly commoner.)

Bavarius: Oh, great and radiant ruler of Eku. I pray that ye have mercy on this troubled soul -

Emperor: Save it!

Bavarius: *under his breath* Heh, of course you don't buy it. *stands erect with an annoyed expression on his face.* What do you want now?

(The Emperor descends from the throne and walks toward Bavarius.)

Emperor It's kind of obvious what I want...Little brother.

(Emperor Marius, age of 33 years, has become Eku's youngest Emperor in Imperial history. Now, he is requesting a new emperor for the neighboring Isles countries. He towers above Bavarius.)

Emperor Marius: If I am to crown you as *Kardaan of the Isles, I need for you to prove to me you are leader-Material. But, here you are, 15 years of age, acting like a fool-hardy 8 year old, playing pranks on noble Maid Servants with your pet lizard. (*= Kardaan is title honorific for Emperors)

Bavarius: Okay, first of all, can you truly consider me the next Kardaan of The Isles? Because last time I checked, I was your half-brother. And second, Vespa is a dragonnewt, not a lizard!

Emperor Marius: *sighs* Bavarius, half-brother or not, you're next in line to rule the Isles. I need you to step it up.

Bavarius: Why? Because you can't get the Isles to bend to your rule?

Emperor Marius: *raises his voice a little* You know good and well that the Isles are in desperate need of a suitable ruler. While I'm over here in Darwathu governing my people towards the upcoming age of peace and prosperity, those hooligans at the Isles are running amuck, like a bunch of wild hogs!

Bavarius: Right, and whose fault was it to leave them like that?

(From the pagoda - )

Empress: ENOUGH BANTER!

(Silence befalls the room. The Empress, Empress Gana, descends from the throne and approaches the two.)

Empress Gana: Since when, in human history, has an infuriating debate ever settled a matter?

(Neither Bavarius, nor Emperor Marius, answer. They both lower their heads in embarrassment.)

Empress Gana: *walks over to Bavarius.* Bavarius…

(The Empress gently raises his head so he can meet her gaze.)

Empress Gana: The Isles are in dire need of you. You have been given a great honor to rule a kingdom that can, at last, make peace with other nations. And with your expertise in dealing with dragons…*smiles at Vespa*..the Isles will greatly appreciate your ability to make peace with one of Eku's Winged Guardians. Although bearing such a weighty title comes with responsibility, both I and Marius believe in you. Hence why we plead with you to assume your role in the great Annals of Eku history. Do you understand, dear?

Bavarius: *looks at Vespa*

Vespa: *nuzzles against Bavarius's neck and makes a small squeak.*

Bavarius: *looks back at the Empress and nods.*

Empress Gana: Good. *Turns to Marius.* Is there anything else you need to add, dear?

Emperor Marius: *long pause. Clears his throat.* Just...be prepared for the ceremony tonight.

Bavarius: Alright. *Is about to leave -*

Empress Gana: Oh, and one more thing!

Bavarius: *stops but doesn't turn to meet their gaze*

Empress Gana: Lady Rianon will be awaiting your presence in the Aurore Gardens. Be sure to accompany her.

Bavarius: *mutters under his breath.* Oh joy.. *rolls his eyes and sighs*

(Bavarius leaves the throne room.)

To Be Continued