Chapter 1 (Part C)

[As the coming of Age Ceremony commences, a crowd of nobles from all over Eku gather in the throne room. Kings and Queens from the outer provinces make their grand entrance; and greet both Emperor Marius and Empress Gana.]

*Trumpets Echo in the throne room*

[The doors open. Bavarius and the Imperial Knights walk toward the Emperor and Empress. The Imperial Knights and Bavarius bow honorably before them.]

*Silence fills the room*

Emperor Marius: Citizens of Eku, Nobles of the Outer Province - let it be known this day, as my beloved brother, Bavarius, will no longer be Manaan; but Kardaan of the Isles. We gather today to witness such a glorious transition, for the Isles and for all of Eku!

(A boy servant brings the crown to Marius. Marius picks it up and holds it above Bavarius.)

Emperor Marius: My dearest brother, so strong and true - although it pains me to see you make your exodus from Darwathu, I wish only the best for you on your new journey. May you have peace, prosperity, happiness, and all that your heart desires. Yet, let it not only be for you, but also the citizens of the Isles, your children, and your children's children. *carefully sets the crown on Bavarius's head* May the Great Dragon of Eku smile favorably on your behalf, Bavarius - Kardaan of the Isles!

*An echo of cheers and claps fill the room*

[The ceremony lasted throughout the night.]

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[The night sky was filled with floating lanterns of various colors. As the people of Darwathu continue the celebration, the servants and maids prepare for Bavarius's early morning departure to the Isles. All of his belongings are loaded onto the imperial transport caravan. Even some of Vespa's toys are fastened securely onto one of the caravans. As Bavarius watches from his room window sill - with Vespa sitting on the ledge, looking out the window - Emperor Marius walks in.]

Emperor Marius: You have a long journey ahead of you, brother. Let's hope they have all of your belongings packed before the sun rises. *smiles*

Bavarius:...You knew about Gilo the Destroyer running rampant on the Isles, didn't you?

Emperor Marius: *becomes serious* Who told you?

Bavarius: Nevermind that. *looks at Marius* Tell me, what do you really think I am to you? An Emperor? A Dragon-Whisperer? Or, some half brother you wish you never knew?

Emperor Marius: *deep sigh* Of course you'd react this way. I was going to tell you after the ceremony ended.

Bavarius: Yeah right.

[Emperor Marius sits next to Bavarius.]

Emperor Marius: If you think that I'm trying to get rid of you, you're clearly mistaken. If Gilo isn't stopped, a whole population of the isles will be wiped out. An entire generation, built on the ancient chronicles of the Great Dragon, will cease to exist.

Bavarius: So, what do you want me to do about it?

Emperor Marius: Perhaps, negotiate a compromise of peace.

Bavarius: *Bolts up in utter frustration* Are you serious right now?! You seek peace with a dragon, whose last name is "Destroyer"?! You send me to a violent and barbaric country. You expect me to clean up their own mess. And now, you ask me to confront Gilo the Destroyer with a compromise of peace?! If you think diplomacy is going to change his mind, then you clearly have no clue how to deal with dragons like him; nor a country like the Isles! Now, how do you expect me to handle all of this?!

*Silence*

Bavarius: You know, it's always been like that, hasn't it? I'm always there, cleaning up after someone else's mess.

Emperor Marius: Bavarius….

Bavarius: Whatever. It's just...whatever.

Emperor Marius: ….

[Dalamus stands at the entrance of Bavarius's room, bowing.]

Dalamus: Bavarius - Kardaan. Your royal caravan awaits.

Bavarius: Thank you, Dalamus. Come, Vespa.

[Vespa flutters to Bavarius and lands on his shoulder. Bavarius makes his way out the room -]

Emperor Marius: *walks toward him and places his hand on Bavarius's free shoulder* Allow me to at least accompany you. I don't want to part ways in this manner.

[Vespa looks at Marius, then at Bavarius, who hesitates to give him an answer. Then…]

Bavarius: *sighs* Fine.

[In the early hours of the morning, both Bavarius's and Marius's Royal Caravan Depart from the castle. Empress Gana accompanies Marius, whose caravan follows behind Bavarius's. Soon, both caravans arrive at the port, where the imperial ship awaits them. All the soldiers and servants load the ship, while Bavarius, the Emperor, and the Empress stand in front of the ship's entryway. With Vespa resting snuggly in his arms, the dragonnewt and Bavarius gaze at the vastness of the Ivory and gold imperial ship.]

[Empress Gana approaches Bavarius.]

Empress Gana: Bavarius.

Bavarius: *turns toward her*

Empress Gana: *tenderly places both hands on his face* May your journey be safe; and your reign be prosperous, Kardaan of the Isles. Even though you are my brother-in-law, I cannot help but see you as my own blood relative. *sheds tears, steps back, and bows*

Bavarius: *Smiles and nods* Thank you, Gana.

Emperor Marius: Bavarius….

Bavarius: *looks at Marius with a less-than-saddened gaze*

Vespa: *opens one eye, partially listening in on the farewells*

Emperor Marius: May all that you do for the Isles succeed, my beloved brother. *smiles and bows*

Bavarius: *Not saying a word, he nods and bows.*

Emperor Marius: Oh, and one more thing.

Bavarius: *looks up*

Emperor Marius: *walks up to Bavarius and places his hand on top of Bavarius's head. He smiles* Make sure to write to us every now and then. I'm looking forward to hearing of the woman you will marry and the many offspring you will have.

Bavarius: *blushes and cracks a smile* Oh gosh. Really, Marius?

Emperor marius: *playfully messes up his hair* Hahahaha, yes really!

[The Ship's bell rings, signaling the final boarding call. The three Royals give their final goodbyes. And Bavarius, Kardaan of the Isles, strides up the ramp to the Imperial ship.]

[The gigantic ship finally sets sail toward the Isles, to the capital city of Unioh. Bavarius and Vespa - along with some of the Imperial Guards - set sail along the calming seas.

Three hours pass by. The lookout of the ship announces their arrival towards Unioh's port. Suddenly, a thick fog darkens the sky and surrounds them. Streaks of lightning flash in the midst of the fog. The encompassing, mysterious phenomenon causes Vespa to shriek.]

Bavarius: Vespa, shh! *Tries to calm the cautious dragonnewt*

[Silence envelopes the atmosphere. Out of nowhere, the bow of the ship gets hit by lightning. Fire quickly spreads throughout the ship, consuming everyone and everything in mere moments. Now, Bavarius and Vespa are surrounded by engulfing flames. Smoke fills the air. As smoke fills his lungs, Bavarius's breathing shortens, hsi vision becomes blurry and he faints. Before succumbing to unconsciousness, he barely sees a dark, winged figure, hurling toward him.]

[Then...everything turns black.]

End of Chapter 1