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mrneighbourlove · 4 years

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Fall of a Dynasty: Ch 1. No Negotiations This Time

Emperor Zannah of the Kikai Empire had seen better days as a ruler. The start of winter, years after her children’s terrible accident at the earthquake did political turmoil sprout in her Empire. Many started to vocally denounce her rule. Many from the Romtan tribes and the newest of the colonized islands included this. When she tried to quell their protests with non violent means, they quickly sprang violence against her, surprising her militia. A man by the name of Jaster Fett appeared, almost out of nowhere, as a voice of the Hasai people, and those who felt themselves oppressed in the Empire. She found this odd, seeing as he held so much political power and had so many supporters, yet she never heard of such a man before. Over a magic mirror gifted to her from Hyrule, Zannah was currently in communication with Annuciata regarding assistance. “My dear. Is there nothing Danjur can do? Fighting has broken out across the islands. This Fett fool is citing the people to overthrow me. To overthrow monarchy and the Empire for the sake of a little peasant democracy.”

"I can send more supplies if you need them, my love, but as far as war goes, I have to abide by the treaty signed so long ago." Annuciata spoke to Zannah by the magic mirrors provided to them as a gift from Queen Zarazu. "Your only hope is to take out this Jaster and make an example of him. Besides, if I moved my forces there, I would risk hurting your people. How could my men and women tell the difference between the foes and the innocents?" She sighed, running a hand down her face. "I'm so sorry, Zannah. I honestly do not know what to do."

“Listen. You’re looking after the twins. In their current state, I couldn’t risk their safety with me.” Griffith seemed to naturally burn any attachments given to him, and if Athena wasn’t wearing her bandages, she always had a simple mask on to hide her face. Least her son was more vocal from time to time. Athena said nothing any more out of choice. It broke Zannah’s heart to see them both so hurt.

"And I'll continue to look after them, but let me tell you, they're more stubborn than you are, and if Griffith burns this next prototype, I'm dunking him in an ice bath. Or giving him a spanking one." Annuciata sounded more annoyed than she did threatening. "He even made Eleonora cry cause she tried to help him and he was acting like a jerk. At least Athena is still being nice to her baby sister, even if she's not talking. Eleonora played a game of checkers with her, and it seemed to lift her spirits a little. She ate more for lunch that day from what the servants noticed from her tray."

“That’s good. That’s very good progress indeed.”

Her boat rocked, and she jumped slightly. “Ah, sorry. I’m currently sailing to Hyrule. Too stormy for flight, but my ship can power on through. I’m going to try and appeal to King Covarog’s sense of ego to assist me. Jaster Fett has proven ever elusive.”

“Emperor Zannah?”

“Not now.” Zannah shook her head. “I’ll message you at another time my love. Need to address an issue I take.”

"Be safe, Zannah, and do be sure to contact me as soon as you hit land." Annuciata watched as Zannah's image started to fade. "Don't worry about the twins, I'll take care of them." Then the Queen of Danjur looked at the clock. It was a little after lunch. Griffith's new prototypes were to be delivered in fifteen minutes. So, she decided to take the task upon herself to get his legs fitted correctly. Walking down the hall, she stopped at the entrance to his room. "Griffith, darling, it's me, I'm coming in."

“Oh. Don’t worry. I’m decent.” The Prince sounded bored behind the door.

Good goddesses, did all young people like to keep their rooms dark? All the curtains were drawn. Nonetheless, she was here to ensure that this meeting went well. The young man had melted his prototypes, tossed one off the balcony, and other he used as a weapon to threaten the physical therapist. This was going to stop right now.

"Good, today, I'm going to help with your new prototypes that I designed for you." Annuciata opened a couple of the curtains. "Then, we'll go to see your sister."

Griffith’s features immediately frowned. “No. I don’t think we will. I appreciate you looking after us, but I won’t endure anymore failures.”

"Griffith, they're not failures. You keep tossing them away, the prototypes never had a chance." Annuciata then approached his bed. "I promised your mother that I would take care of you and that's what I'm going to do. As your mother's bonded one, that means you're my responsibility too. My kid. You're going to put on a smile and be on your best behavior. Athena is at least being nice, and trying what her sister comes up with. Eleonora is working hard trying to find a solution for your sister." She told him firmly, "You're going to be cordial and listen to the therapist. Do I make myself clear?"

“Athena doesn’t speak a word. She doesn’t smile. She doesn’t show her face.” Griffith grunted as he picked himself off the bed and into the wheel chair. “My body won’t play host to your mechanical monstrosities. Being T0-D 2 is not my idea of an ideal life. And they are failures if they burn so easily.”

Annuciata reached down and pulled the brakes on his wheelchair, giving the young man a hard stare. "I'm not turning you into Tod. I'm making you new legs so you won't be stuck in a wheelchair, being a grump for the rest of your life." She put a finger on his nose. "And Athena may not do any of those things right now, but at least she isn't being an ass to her baby sister or her stepmother. Now, you're going to listen and you're going to try these new legs. I worked very hard on the design, just for you."

When there was a small knock on the door, Annuciata answered to let the physical therapist inside the room.

Griffith tensed, his hands gripping the chair. “They better not hurt.”

"The legs won't hurt, Griffith, they'll just take a little of getting used to." Annuciata took the prosthetic legs from their case. All the necessary gears were in place for proper bending. The neurotransmitter pads were in place to pick up on Griffith's brain signals. She held up the first leg. "Lightweight, sturdy titanium. Easy to learn how to use and look," She held up the leg so Griffith could see. "Eleonora designed a soft, comfortable neurotransmitter pad. It's more comfortable than the itchy sock that protects your skin. Let's give it a try."

“If it hurts me, I’ll burn it.” The crippled man was already mentally defeated, not even thinking of a possibility where he could walk again.

Annuciata gave him a swat on the hand. "You. Will. Not." The Queen of Danjur scolded him, "I have worked tirelessly on these for you, wanting to take care of you. You will stop acting like a teenage brat and try these legs that I crafted for you without a temper tantrum."

“If they hurt than they were shit legs.”

Getting very tired of Griffith's attitude, Annuciata decided to take one from Zarazu's book. It worked with her children. Maybe it would get Griffith's attention. So she flicked his nose. "Stop being a jerk. Or next time, you get a spanking." With that done, she put on the first leg. Then carefully placed the second one. "There. Now, slowly try to stand up. Here, hold my hand."

“I’m in my thirties. You can’t spank me...” With the legs strapped on, his stumps tried to burn through the connections. It was like white blood cells trying to fight off the new and unknown limbs.

"I can if I so like, I'm your stepmother, and you're acting like a child, so I might as well treat you like one." Annuciata chided Griffith. "You can do this. It's just like putting on armor over your legs. Just think of it as an extension of your body."

“It’s unnatural!” Griffith’s pads started to overheat now. He was becoming angry with how awkwardly he was walking.

"I know it's unnatural, but it will be something you will have to get used to!" Annuciata smelled the pads burning and immediately set Griffith back down into the wheelchair. She tried to remove the legs but, in her haste, forgot that metal heats very rapidly. Yanking back her hands, the Queen of Danjur was frustrated. Standing suddenly, she grumbled under her breath. "You know what? Fine. I'm not going to waste my time with someone who won't even try. Use the legs, or don't use them." She wheeled Griffith over to the balcony so he could enjoy some fresh air and the sights of the evening sky. "I'm going to go check on your sister and maybe when you're in a better mood, you can see your sister."

With that, she slammed the door.

“I AM trying! Go to hell! My life is ruined anyway!” Griffith tossed one of the legs at the nurse maid. “Get out!!!”

Annuciata hoped the Eleonora was having better success. She heard her daughter talking to Athena from outside the door and decided to listen.

"Okay, so I just figured out how I can clone some skin cells, it's in the beginning stages, but maybe I can create an artificial layer of skin for you." Eleonora was cheery as always, sitting on her sister's bed, talking to her. "I know you can't see it too good, but here, feel of it." She gently took Athena's finger and stuck it against the putty goop in the petri-dish. "Gross, I know, but those are healthy, growing skin cells."

Athena felt them carefully, her thumbs massaging the goop. Currently, she had a mask almost sealed to her face. The princess gave her little step sister a nod of approval.

"I don't know how long it will take, but I'll keep trying until I have healthy layers of skin for you. So you can’t give up, okay, sis?" Eleonora held Athena's hand tightly. "I keep trying for Griffith too with the neurotransmitter pad, but... Mom says he keeps burning through them. I don't know what else to do."

Athena once again, could only nod. Looking to her right, she meekly tried to reach a sketch paper and pen.

"Here, I got it." Eleonora handed Athena the very gaudy, glitter covered, unicorn sparkle notepad. "... okay, I know it's silly, but I still think stuff like this is cute." She placed the pen in Athena's hand and held the notepad steady for her.

Carefully, Athena slowly drew. While slowly, and almost lifeless in her movements, it dawned on Eleonora the wrath that was bubbling with in. The subject of the art was Zizi and her spirit Patheon being cut apart into pieces and set on fire.

"... um..." Eleonora was silent for a moment and then sighed. "Sis, you do know that Zizi is the one that pulled you from the ground? She didn't cause the earthquake. Earth Sages don't have that kind of power." She spoke very quietly. "Besides, Zizi and Mama have bad history, yeah, but I don't think she'd ever try to hurt you. You didn't do anything to her. Neither did your brother. Mom said Mama was on her way to Hyrule to talk to King Covarog about some diplomatic issues. Maybe... maybe they might have a healer that could help too. I sent a letter to Naira in Uskar... maybe we'll hear something back."

Athena stabbed the paper, her hands shaking with fury. Moving the pencil with a fist, she wrote out one sentence. “Why aren’t I dead?”

"...?! Dead?!" Eleonora looked at her sister. "You... wanted Zizi to leave you there?"

Noises left Athena’s throat. It was if, despite a small part of her wanting to speak words, she was forced to talk in a beast’s tongue, with light angry gargles leaving her throat. All she could do was continue to write. “Her god could have done more. I have lost all my beauty. Zizi humiliated my families honour. A peasant wench. Curse her and her gods. She should have killed me. My mother should have killed me. Death. Death. Death. Death. Death. Death. Death. Death-“ Athena was in a trance now, not writing any other word.

"I... don't know much about deities." Eleonora carefully took hold of both Athena's hands, snapping her out of her trance. "I only know to be fair, Athena. That's what Mom taught me. Even she has to see both sides of the story." She felt pity for her sister. The princess felt even worse when she knew there was nothing she could really do to ease her sister's pain. "But... I don't think you should have died. I would have missed you. Mom would have missed you. Your brother, Mama... besides, Hasai don't give up that easily, do they?" She said softly. "I don't want you to go anywhere. I don't care what you look like. You're still my sister and I love you."

Athena reached her arms out around Eleonora. Like a zombie, she let out a small moan of comfort as she hugged deep around her. This moan turned into raspy tears as she cried. The crown prince and princess would never be the same. Or at least, they wouldn’t recover in time for the sake of the Empires future.

"Please don't cry, Athena, I'll find a way to fix this for you. That's what sisters are for, they help each other." Eleonora held tightly to her elder sibling. "You're safe here with me and Mom. We'll take care of you, okay? Please don't be sad."

Zannah’s ship had finally arrived at Zora’s Domain. Taking a horse carriage escort, the Emperor was accompanied by her elite honour guards out of the domain. The storm over the ocean had carried into Hyrule, rain pelting the landscape. Her mind weighed heavily on how she was going to approach King Covarog. The man still held a grudge, probably more so if he knew what she did to his sister in law by now. It would certainly make negotiations far more difficult.

Events of Fate, however, would fall into place momentarily. Viewing her cart from not to far away, a cloaked man peered at her escort with a telescope. “That’s her alright. This dark winter evening will mark the day the Revolution will land its greatest victory. Today is the day the false Empress dies. Execute them.”

Zannah sighed, tapping her finger on the arm rest of her cart, wishing how she didn’t have to take the long way. Suddenly she heard a thunk at the back window, followed by a tick. Wisdom and instinct told her run. She was just barely both feet out the cart, when her carriage suddenly exploded into pieces. The force launched her into the dense forest, and her guards caught up in confusion. This chaos suddenly made them easy targets, as arrow fire launched outwards, striking her honour guard one by one. They were blown apart by blue light, with them trying to launch bolts of fire back. “Protect the Emperor! Protect her with your lives!”

Zannah stood up, ready to fire lightning at her assassins, when she felt a spike of pain and one of her kneecaps snap. A bolt found its mark, and it sent the Emperor limping to find cover. It was closer inspection, when she noticed who the identity of her attackers was. They were her strike force, the Theron Guards. A scream of fury escaped Zannah, disregarding her need to keep hidden behind cover. “T-traitors!”

She felt her leg worsen with every step, and knew that escape was becoming her best option. No honour in it, but living was far more valuable than honour at the moment. Eying a panicked horse, she hobbled towards it with the firefight worsening around her. Her guards gave their lives so that she could flee. The Theron killed all the Honour Guard, but they gladly gave their lives so she could survive. Hosting herself on a white stallion, she took off down the muddy road to central Hyrule. She turned to intercept arrows with magic, her fire detonating projectiles aimed at herself and her steed. The Theron knew that they failed in the initial attack, so when she disappeared down the trail, they didn’t follow with haste. They maimed her, caused her to flee. That alone was a form of victory. Besides, they could follow the trial soon enough.

Zannah traveled fast and long into Hyrule from the West. Soaked to the bone, and bleeding from her kneecap and a lucky shot in her back, the Emperor found herself in country territory, not too far from Castle Town. Could find salvation from this terrible fate?

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Next Ch. https://mrneighbourlove.tumblr.com/post/614055858328977408/fall-of-a-dynasty-ch-2-friends-in-high-places

Crossover with @ridersoftheapocalypse. Shared world with @s-kinnaly. Enjoy a new arc! Will feature @figmentforms Rinku more prominently.

#Crossover #ridersoftheapocalypse #Zannah #Annuciata #Rinku #Zizi #Covarog #Bonegrinder #Leere #Ralnor #hasai

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mrneighbourlove · 4 years

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Fall of a Dynasty: Ch 4. A Family Made Whole

It was nighttime when Annuciata felt Zannah nearby. She blinked, rolled over, and looked at the clock. There was no way that kind of distance could be covered in that timeframe. Fumbling to put on a nightrobe, the Queen of Danjur stumbled to her bedroom door. Zannah was in... Athena's room?

Zannah raised a hand to her own mouth, a signal for Annuciata to be quiet. “My dear. I’m going to have to ask you not to scream or alert your guards.”

"How did... what..." Annuciata was fumbling for words as Zannah approached her. "How did you get here? You told me portal magic was not within your capabilities, and no dragon could possibly... possibly..." Her gaze traveled up to the two glowing red ones in the dark. Her breath hitched. "Wh-What is th-that behind you?"

Zannah grasped Annuciata by the cheeks, having her look directly into her eyes. “Events have transpired that I didn’t think possible. Can you listen to me and trust my word? This is very important.”

"If th-that's a d-d-demon---"

"It's not a demon, Queen Annuciata," Manaco stepped from the darkness to reassure her. "It's a friend. Please."

"... I trust you." Annuciata managed to quiver out a few words to her lover.

“I recently suffered an assassination attempt inside Hyrule’s borders from my own people. My enemies are advancing their resolve.” Zannah took a quick breath and interrupted before Annuciata could speak her worries. “I almost died. I would have if not for stumbling upon Princess Rinku and the Slatki residence. At Hyrule Castle I made agreements and new treaties with King Covarog and his allies. One of these allies includes the creature with red eyes that is not a demon. He’s just a powerful sorcerer. One that will heal my children and will help kill my enemies. But with that...” Zannah exhaled, feeling a weight on her chest pressure her. “I have to give up my throne. Effective immediately, and unofficially to my people, I am no longer Emperor. That will fall to Manaco and my daughter.”

This was a lot of information to take in at once. Annuciata honestly did not know what to think. She had no dealings with magic, her art was with machines. Yet, from what she could tell, Zannah had little to no choice in the matter. This was what her lover had to do to ensure the future of the Kikai Empire. For now, all Annuciata could do was nod.

"Our... our babies will be all right?"

“They will. It’s why I do this. There are other ways to kill my enemies, but not to give our children better futures.” Zannah parted the frazzled hair out of Annuciata’s face, leaning in to give her a light kiss. “Can you come wheel Griffith in?”

"I... I can do that." Annuciata swallowed thickly, thinking that she suddenly felt very thirsty. "Would your... um... guests, like some drinks? Food?"

"A whole cow would be fantastic, goldie." Bonegrinder spoke from the shadows. Zannah was rather insistent about him not frightening her lover anymore than necessary. "... and if that is in short supply, whatever else will suffice."

"Bonegrinder, we talked about this, you can't keep eating cows, it's bad for your health." Manaco groaned at the huge snake. "You need something other than red meat."

“You can provide wine, bread, and any left-over steak. Please hurry.”

As Annuciata left, Zannah pulled off her royal hair pin, letting all her dark hair loose and downwards. Taking a seat by her daughter’s bed, she took her hand. Even with all the talking, she was still asleep. “You know, I’m still not sure if the Lorleidian spirits didn’t plan this for what I did. Tell me Manaco. Are they known to be crafty?”

"The spirits are not malevolent, but they will protect what they deem theirs; we are their children, Zannah." Manaco knew all the stories that his mother told him. He knew all the tales from his Aunt Zarazu as well. "Lorleidians are magic incarnate. Without the presence of magic within us, we die. Our leader, Queen Zarazu, is our strongest tie to the Seven Siblings. When Vul'kar threatened the world, harmed our people, and tried to wipe us out, they helped us. Yet, they do also punish us for our failures," He said, "The disaster caused by the old king, Ganondorf, on Lorleidi, was due to the failure of Queen Yolandyi to keep the powerful artifacts from his hands to be used for evil. Thus, the calamity unleashed upon the islands. Though, they were warned what would happen if they should let one source of such magical power fall into the wrong clutches. So, to answer your question, Zannah," Manaco took a breath. "Yes and no. Yes, to the point of fighting darkness. No, to where they care for us. I am a Vatra, but also half Waku. Fire runs in my veins. If I were to go around cursing Vatra, I'm quite sure she'd appear from thin air to set my ass on fire to teach me a lesson. If I called on her for help to protect my loved ones, I'm sure then as well, that she would help me. It's what they do... they help theirs. They will help others too," Manaco told Zannah. "Yet... you have to have a humble heart. While I am strong, I do know that I cannot stand on my own two feet without aid sometimes. And you have to be humble to admit that. It's hard to do so... but necessary to show humility."

“You think they punished me for the hubris your mother claims I have by hurting my children? You think fate orchestrated this final outcome?”

After he finished speaking, Bonegrinder then said, "The children of Balance and Maker are protective. The children of Balance and Destroyer are tenacious. The bonds of Chaos will always cause havoc... what he speaks is truth, green, little lady. He knows... he has seen these gods and goddesses. He knows their words, their stories..." He hummed the age old rhyme, "Darkness and shadow bring nothing but dread, two can keep a secret if one is dead..."

"I cannot say for sure. Only my aunt might be able to provide that answer if she asked them directly, but... if I'm being completely honest," Manaco took a small inhale. "I don't think it was the spirits themselves. I believe this was part of the grand plan of the highest of high beings... not to punish you or your children. But maybe... simply to get your attention. Even you are not invincible, Zannah... though you may act it, you cannot, will not, ever be undefeatable."

“I’m not invincible Manaco. I simply wished to be the strongest. But no ones invincible.”

When Annuciata eventually came back with food, drink and Griffith, the prince was groggy, his eyes still closed. “Mother? Is that you?”

“Yes my boy. I’m here. I brought a friend who’s going to take care of you. No robot legs.”

“Good... they were shit and hurting my joints.”

“Come now. Be a little nicer to your prettier mother.”

"They were not shit, you were being the little shit." Annuciata gave Griffith a little swat on the back of the head. "I will have most fun telling your mother about your attitude later. For now, you are going to be the utmost polite to... to..." She faltered for a moment. "Manaco did say your name was... ahem... Bonegrinder?"

"Yes," He finally, slowly slithered out of the shadows. The Anagari was so large, he had to keep his coils wrapped to avoid taking up too much room, "Bonegrinder, at your service..."

Griffith shuddered in his chair, terrified by the appearance of the snake. “What is that?!”

Athena awoke at the sound of her brother’s scream. She could smell her mother’s scent. Why was she here?

"He is a boogeyman."

"Bonegrinder!" Manaco chided the shaman. "Stop trying to scare him!"

"What? You used to call him a boogeyman when you were little."

"Because you liked to scare me too."

"Hehehe, your father told me to do so cause you were being a naughty brat."

"Will you please behave?"

"Behave and Bonegrinder never go together in the same sentence." He dismissed Manaco's scolding and his scales flexed, moving his enormous body over to Griffith. "Hrm... lost his legs? Funny, Bonegrinder never had a use for them." He tapped the stump with a claw. "Can you feel that?"

“Feel what?! Get away from me!”

Athena could make out what Bonegrinder was after squinting in the dark from behind her bandages. Immediately, she shot a bolt of fire at the back of his hair. Zannah had to grab her by the arms and hold her tight. “No! Not the boogeyman. He’s an ally. It’s ok dear Athena. Mother is here.”

"You have terrible aim, Bonegrinder was at least another foot to the right. No, wait, he means, your left."

"Bonegrinder, she can't see like you can in the dark and due to the bandages."

"Oh... well then, you have satisfactory aim. But you should know that he cannot be killed by such a measly blast of fire, he is thousands of years old."

"Stop bragging and get to work."

"Hrm, well, little humpty-stumpty will have to be still." Bonegrinder tapped Griffith with his tail. "And his fireball sister needs to cool her head. This is delicate magic, regrowing limbs."

“Regrowing my-! Oh my god!” Griffith screamed as he saw his flesh mould and sprout slowly to new life.

"Will you hush, young child? You are squealing like a swine, and he does not care for it." Bonegrinder's tail slapped over Griffith's mouth to keep him quiet. "Hold still." He kept his magic work, slowly molding and shaping the first leg. The only oddity was the color of his skin, it was rather dark in color instead of matching his usual tone. "There... now, let's move onto the second one."

Annuciata held firmly to the back of Griffith's chair, trying not to shake. "This will be over soon, Griffith. Just stay strong."

Griffith’s brain couldn’t process his legs growing back without freaking out. How could any person? The mere fact was unnatural.

"Hmmm... not bad, though the discoloration should not be permanent. Give it a few days. New flesh tends to behave the way it wishes." Bonegrinder, then for testing purposes, poked Griffith's new big toe. Hard. "Feel that?"

Griffith answered by wildly kicking him. “Get away from me!”

"Hm, Bonegrinder stands by the goldie queen's observation; he doesn't like your attitude either."

"...! The legs... your legs work, Griffith!" Annuciata exclaimed, having never seen anything like it. "Goodness, Eleonora would love to know how you did that."

"Magic, goldie."

“Please Bonegrinder. Stop antagonizing my son with your monstrous presence and help my daughter.” She had only known him for less than 24 hours, and he was already growing on her nerves.

"Maybe he should show your son the trick he does with all the new ones; see if his head fits inside's Bonegrinder's mouth---"

"No." Manaco simply took the shaman's hand and pulled him over to the girl he crushed on for several years. "No more unlocking your jaw, that's creepy enough as it is. Now, can you help Athena?"

"Delicate little thing, are you?" Bonegrinder gently stroked Athena's hair, trying to calm the poor girl "Fixing a face is different than replacing lost limbs. The other brat didn't have any nerves to feel pain due to his absence of appendages. She does."

"... so you're saying this is going to hurt?"

"If he is being honest, that is what you humans called 'sugar coating' it. There is still rock embedded in her face. First, that will have to be removed." He carefully placed his huge hand on the side of her bandaged face. "And this side of her mandible is... it's crushed. Fusing bone back together will hurt the worst. Perhaps he should lull her to sleep to do this magic, spare her the pain."

Zannah took hold of her daughters hand, giving it a squeeze. “Us Ocho are Royal Hasai. Hasai fight any struggle with determination. We don’t fear pain, do we Athena?”

The younger woman nodded her head, committed to any solution.

"Hrm, something tells this old snake that you have never experienced pain like this. Though, whatever he says, you will not be swayed." Bonegrinder then told her, "It will go faster if you remove the bandages so he can work more so diligently. If you do not wish to remove them, it will take a little more time."

Zannah turned to Manaco and the other humans. “Can we please give my daughter privacy?”

Manaco was hesitant about leaving. He did not like the idea of leaving Bonegrinder alone with Zannah and Athena. The Anagari was loyal to the royal family of Hyrule, but he was twisted. His mind was warped after so long of living and the events he had seen. Two souls in one body had to be hell. Yet, he followed Annuciata out of the room with Griffith.

"Now, now, little one," Bonegrinder used a claw to rip one side of the bandages, to allow her to remove them. "It will be over soon, he promises. Just take a few breaths first."

Athena took a few silent breaths, readying her will to take on the pain.

"Now... breathe out and do your best not to move." Bonegrinder held both sides of her face and flooded her bones, facial muscles, and tissue with magic. The hardest was to reset her jaw since there were bone fragments everywhere since her mandible had been shattered. Pieces of rock embedded in her flesh slowly fell out of her face, dripping blood. After this was done, he melded her face together once more. The tissue stitched itself together, leaving naught but a few white lines. Once he had finished his work, he removed his hands.

Annuciata, Griffith, and Manaco could only hear the torturous gargles of pain from outside. As Athena’s jaw was fixed into place and her throat cleared, those gargles turned into screams. Yet she never asked for it to stop.

"Catch your breath," Bonegrinder instructed the young girl. "Now, try to move your jaw up and down, back and forth. Try to wiggle your tongue. Blink for this old snake."

Athena slowly did each step as instructed one by one. Zannah waited by her side with held breath. It broke her heart to hear her daughter in such pain, yet she held visibly strong for her.

"Any pain now?", the old snake asked.

Athena shook her head. Despite her face being healed, it was still mental trauma that kept her from speaking.

"You will have these small marks on your face due to the magic," Bonegrinder used his long tail to grab a hand-held mirror from the vanity in the room. "Yet, it is the best he can do. Even your brother will wear the effects of this old snake's magic. Now... one last thing, repeat after him." He hummed lightly, tapping his claws to the rhythm. "Don't laugh as death passes you by, for you might be the next to die. The grim reaper walks beside of thee, she comes for all, for you and me..."

Athena didn't mimic his words when she saw the mirror. Instead, she was merely transfixed by her image in the mirror. For years now she lived in total disfigurement. Zannah gently held her daughter's shoulders as the mother looked up to Bonegrinder. "Give her time to recover."

"Remember, little one, your magic's price has already been paid." Bonegrinder then looked at the meal that Annuciata had brought him. He took the tray's contents out into the hallway to eat... barely squeezing out of the door. The Anagari relayed the news to Annuciata, Griffith, and Manaco. "You can go in now"

Griffith was still mentally adjusting to the feeling of walking on legs and standing up, so he used Annuciata as a crutch. "Athena? Are you well?"

His sister looked towards the others. She felt a voice rise up in her mouth, but they got caught back in her throat.

"Careful, careful, watch your steps... take your time." Annuciata held steadily to Griffith. "No need to rush and fall."

"... Athena?" Manaco looked at her, feeling hopeful.

"I... do I know you?" Athena spoke in a small, parched voice. The handsome man seemed familiar.

Zannah and Griffith felt wonderfully relieved to hear Athena speak. Carefully, they embraced in a group hug. "Oh my children. I'm so grateful to see you both well. This is a happy night."

"Heh... it has been a while..." Manaco figured Athena might not remember him. It had been years, after all, since the two of them had last seen each other.

"Oh!" Annuciata squeezed the three members of her family tightly. "Eleonora will be so happy to know you're both all right. I ought to go wake her, but I know she's been up all hours of the night working. Let's surprise her in the morning for breakfast, shall we? We'll have a big pancake feast, like we used to when both of you were smaller."

"Yes. I assume that Bonegrinder and Covarog isn't so cruel as to tear us away so soon." Zannah hugged all three of them tighly.

Once done, Griffith was curious about Manaco's presence here. "Tell me Manaco, it is Manaco isn't it? Why are you here? You aren't a master mage, and you certainly aren't of noble stature."

"I'll let your mother fill you in on the details." Manaco figured it would be better coming from Zannah herself. "I am glad you are well... I'll give you some time." He opted to wait outside with Bonegrinder.

"...? Love? What did he mean by that?" Annuciata needed answers as well.

"I'm not going to be Emperor anymore. That will fall to Athena and Manaco to lead the Hasai. They will become Emperor and Empress."

Both the adult twins were stunned, mouths dropping with shock. Suddenly, Athena's voice rose from quiet to very loud, all in ear shot of Manaco. "I have to marry and share the throne with him?!”

"... that sounds like it is going over well, yes?" Bonegrinder ate another ham, bone and all. "Judging from her shrill voice, it seems my magic worked."

"Not funny, Bonegrinder." Manaco had an inkling that Athena would not be pleased, nor would Griffith. He felt a little bad about the way he had to obtain this position of power to help his family back home, but he would never again receive such a chance. Not to mention, when he did tell his mother, she was going to strangle him.

"... that sounds like it is going over well, yes?" Bonegrinder ate another ham, bone and all. "Judging from her shrill voice, it seems my magic worked."

"Not funny, Bonegrinder." Manaco had an inkling that Athena would not be pleased, nor would Griffith. He felt a little bad about the way he had to obtain this position of power to help her family back home, but he would never again receive such a chance. Not to mention, when he did tell his mother, she was going to strangle him.

"He is not going to lay a single finger on my sister! He's a peasant!"

"Don't I get a say in this?!"

"SILENCE!" Zannah boomed her voice, and her children fell quiet. "I sacrificed much as to give you both a functional future. To have the throne not fall into enemy hands, I have formulated a plan with Hyrule. Griffith. You will remain prince. As prince, you will assist your sister first and foremost in helping her and her knew husband lead the Empire. Athena, you will bring peace to our people and bare Manaco's children."

Griffth hissed at the idea while Athena's cheeks blossomed like a rose "W-what-"

"This is not negotiable. This is for the future of the Empire. Am I clear to you both?"

Both children looked to each other, thinking silently among themselves. Finally, they both nodded to their mother. "Yes..."

"Good."

"... he thinks that conversation went very well."

"Bonegrinder..."

"At least you know what they think of you."

"They think that way of anyone who is not them."

"Hm... you have a point. Royals are conceded that way, except for Mother."

"And...?"

"Your aunt is a close second, she used to be a peasant too, didn't she?"

"Oh good goddesses..." Manaco ran a hand down his face. "Now I understand why Uncle Ralnor calls you annoying."

"Bonegrinder takes that as a compliment, it takes a special person to be able to annoy your uncle."

Zannah called out to Manaco, wanting him back in the room. "Manaco. Come back here."

Annuciata was equally stunned at the news. She could not believe that Zannah made a deal like this without considering her childrens' feelings. She could not imagine doing the same to Eleonora. Still, she said nothing.

Manaco entered the room once more. He could feel Griffith glaring at him and Athena... seemed embarrassed?

"It's very, very late at night, and I am very tired. Here's whats going to happen. Griffith. You're going to go to bed in your own room. I will go to bed with Annuciata. Manaco, you will lie in bed with Athena. Any questions on your minds will be answered in the morning."

Now it was Manaco's turn to become flustered.

"Wh-What?!" He shook his head. "That's... I don't think Athena would like that too much. I mean, she just recovered. Maybe she wants some time to herself. If you want me to stay with her, I'll be glad to sleep on the floor."

"Like a dog? No. I'm not saying to have sex, but you will both sleep in the same bed. You're going to be a husband, a monarch, and lover to her, will you not? This is a start. Athena. Is this satisfactory to you?"

Athena felt so hot and dizzy, but she nodded. "Yes."

"Good. Everyone. Let's leave them to a good night’s sleep."

As Griffith walked past Manaco, the young man could feel a wrathful growl sent his way as well as see the death glare given to him. "I'll burn your tongue out if you hurt her farm boy."

Soon enough, it was just Manaco and Athena in the bedroom as Zannah shut the door behind them.

Manaco waited until Zannah was out of the room to speak to Athena.

"... do you even remember me?"

Athena slowly nodded her head towards him, speaking slowly and lowly once more. "You would come over to the palace during Hyrule's winters. You liked asking me questions and following me around. You were an annoying kid back then because it felt like babysitting. I once had to catch you from falling from a height that most certainly have broken your leg, all because you wanted to 'do something cool'. I'll never forget that."

"Heh... I could be persistent, couldn't I?" Manaco, ever since he was small, adored Athena. He thought she was beautiful, strong, and had such a love for her family. Yet, their two worlds were so different. His mother and father were not royalty. Her mother was an empress. He worked on a plantation all of his life to earn his living. She had a silver spoon in her hand since day one. They were opposites that way. "I... I know this is not ideal to you. Or your brother, for that matter. I know the two of you are very close." He spoke quietly. "Yet, this was one solution to a problem between our two countries. My uncle, Covarog, would have never allowed one of his children to marry you due to past contempt. Yet, I am his nephew... and I knew you..."

"You proposed this? ... oh." Athena blushed, looking at Manaco more closely. He certainly wasn't the worst choice. Physically strong, very forward with his intentions. "Did you have a crush on me Manaco?"

"I thought that was obvious since I followed you around like a lovesick puppy when I was a child." Manaco did not seem too embarrassed by admitting such a fact. More so, he seemed... sad. "However, even back then I knew, as I know today, that our worlds were too different to obtain your hand in marriage by usual means. Your mother would have said no."

"Was she blackmailed into this Manaco? Please tell me the truth."

"Yes and no." Manaco was not going to lie to Athena. "She was given a choice. If she wanted my family's help in securing her kingdom and healing you and Griffith, then this was part of the price. She did not have to accept, but she did."

"Oh..." Athena didn't know what opinion to have on that. "If she did it to heal us... then that's noble." Athena took a few deep breaths. "So... Manaco. Do you sleep in your undergarments or n-n-naaaa-not with clothes?"

"Clothes! I mean, I sleep with some clothes on. My... underpants." Manaco answered quickly, "I don't sleep in the nude. Though I don't have to sleep beside of you if you are not comfortable. Your mother might have insisted, but she's not my priority. You are." He then realized how forward he was being and actually did turn a touch dark in the cheeks. "I-I mean... you know what I mean."

"Very well..." Athena crawled into bed, patting for Manaco to sleep right behind her. God, she was a woman in her thirties and she had no experience in sleeping with another man. "She's right that we need to become more... comfortable."

"... I am a man of my word. I will not try anything that you do not wish now, or in the future." Manaco slowly slipped off his shoes and then his pants and shirt. Then, he released the tie holding back his thick dreads. Slipping into the bed, he sighed at how comfortable the mattress was.

Athena's needed to work out again and become properly fit once more, but she hadn't eaten too much since coming to Annuciata's, so she was rather thin. Inching back, she became little spooned against his body, she too, only wearing lace pajamas now. Their bodies were rather hot together. Athena immediately regretted it, because she became paralyzed against his body with embarrassment. He was a thick man.

"... if you're not comfortable, I will move." Manaco felt her stiffen on the bed. "Neither of us will be able to rest, and you need it after what Bonegrinder did."

"Oddly, I'm not too tired and, well, I feel if I move I will run away, and I will never be able to come back to you. Let's just get through this. You're not the worst possible partner you know." The Princess took a deep breath, taking hold of one of his hands. "You will have time to woo me with time."

"... what if I gave you a year?" Manaco asked Athena as she took his hand. He gave it a small squeeze in return. By the spirits, she looked so tiny. "Of course, I know we'll be wed, but... a year for us to get used to each other. We won't do anything you do not wish to do. A year of courtship. I guess, you could say we'd do it a bit backwards."

"You want sex now?!" That jolted Athena off his body, grabbing the blanket to cover herself. That was usually the last step for normal couples after all.

"No!!!" Manaco sat up just as equally fast. "No, sorry, damn it, I'm a fool with words. What I meant was, we'll still have a period of courtship. I know we'll have to be wed to appease your mother. Yet, during that time we don't have to have sex, or a kid, or anything like that. It will just be about you and me."

"You are terrible with them. God. You're lucky you're handsome or I would have no idea how we'd start off this courtship." Athena slowly settled down, opting to look him in the eye as she laid down to sleep instead.

"Sorry... I'm not much of a poet. Then again, my father isn't either---wait..." Manaco arched an eyebrow at Athena. "Handsome?"

"Yes?"

"... I think that's the first time you've paid me a compliment. Other than 'you're an annoying brat', that is." Manaco grinned. "Have to be annoying to get the attention of a beautiful princess."

"Beautiful?" Athena blushed, throwing a pillow at his face. "You're an embarrassing young man, you know that?"

"Hey!" Manaco laughed when she hit him with the pillow. He said in good humor, "If you start a pillow fight, I assure you, you most certainly will not win. I am the undefeated champion of pillow fights, you know. I have ten sisters and four brothers."

Athena had the first fun idea prop in her head in a long while. She replied by standing tall and smacking him with another pillow. "Less talk, dear 'husband'. Show me your Hasai warrior spirit!"

"Oh, you're going to regret that, 'wife'." Manaco picked up another pillow and hit her across the side with it. "Let's see how many hits it will take for you to go down."

Meanwhile, as both the young adults play fought, Zannah sighed as she went to bed with Annuciata.

"... I think you have a lot to fill me in on, my love." Annuciata was still rather frazzled by having a giant, snake monster in her castle. "Though I will be patient enough to wait until tomorrow."

"... at the risk of sounding selfish, does that mean you get to stay here with me?" Annuciata asked her lover. "I do think Athena is well groomed to be a great leader. I also believe Griffith will help her in any way I can. I'm just... really surprised that Manaco was the choice. I thought he'd have certain qualms against your family due to what happened in the past, yet... he does have that little twinkle in his eye when he looks at Athena."

"That he does. They'll be good for one another in time. And me?" Zannah answered Annuciata’s selfish desire by suddenly turning to her. With deep passionate kiss, she held Annuciata first. "How tired are you?"

"... I don't think I'm going to sleep another wink with that snake monster roaming my halls." The Queen of Danjur shuddered. "I've never seen such a monster. I heard Ralnor speak of stories concerning Omisha and the 'Echidnan' race that live there, but I always thought he was trying to scare me. And he was telling the truth, and I feel unnerved."

"How about I help you relax." Zannah went low under the covers, grasping Annuciata by the thighs to eat her out. "Think of all the things we can do now that we aren't separated by obligations to our own countries. Well, at least me to mine."

"OH!" Annuciata nearly jolted off the bed when Zannah's talented tongue suddenly made contact with her nether regions. It had been a while. Too long, in fact. "You know, if you stay here full time---oooh, that's good--- there's a chance---FUCK, that we may never leave the bed!"

"I'm fine with that. Would it be frowned upon to make our relationship public now?" Zannah's tongue dug deep, lifting Annuciata's lower body off the bed as she lapped her up.

"Seeing that E-Eleonora is of age to take the th-throne, I could---shit, shit, shit..." Annuciata was having a hard time forming words as Zannah teased her. "R-Retire and we could just---ahhh, right there..." She took a sharp inhale. "Spend our days together."

"You should convince her then." Zannah's pussy was already wet. Dropping her pants down, she positioned herself over Annuciata, and with hard friction she started to scissor her. "Public or not, you're gonna--- fuck--- be my wife."

"O-Oh... I-I'm already... c-close!!!" Annuciata was gripping the sheets tightly, already about to unwind. It had been so long, and the touches were already making her head spin. She was trembling, her legs shaking from the overload of pleasure. "Please, please, please..."

“Please what?” Zannah was teasing, pulling just a little away to play the role of dominatrix. She’d get readjusted to being a prime physical lover in short time again.

"Quit t-teasing me!" Annuciata pouted at her lover, trying to wrap one flexible leg around the woman's waist to pull her closer. "Please... just l-let me cum."

Zannah pushed deep again to feel her clit over load her senses. With a deep, satisfied growl she came with her lover. “Oh fuck that’s good~”

Annuciata's toes curled as she climaxed with a soft cry, her head pushing back into the pillows. Breathing heavily, she had a flush on her cheeks. "Th-That... was... was very nice."

Stamina to spare, Zannah picked up Annuciata bridal style, giving her a little swirl on the bed, and finally planting a kiss on her. “I’m glad that you found it so.”

"Do you think you'd be happy here, Zannah?" Annuciata asked her lover. "In Danjur? It's... very different than what you're used to in the Kikai Empire."

“I’d be happy with you.”

"We, of course, would visit Griffith and Athena as often as we could." Annuciata then sighed and said. "I am a little worried for our babies... Griffith seems to resent the fact that a 'farmer boy' is supposed to be his sister's husband. You don't think he'll start a brawl, do you?”

“Imagine he might. If Manaco is a proper Emperor he will have to face adversity.” Zannah settled nicely behind Annuciata, her tiny perky breasts poking into the woman’s back. “There will be much adversity, but they will prevail. They must prevail.”

"... you do realize this makes Zizi..." Annuciata cleared her throat. "Athena's mother-in-law. So no matter how much you might still would like to... you can't kill her."

Zannah actually laughed mockingly at the thought. “My dear Annuciata. If anyone wants to kill anyone, Zizi would try to kill me at the marriage recital. Such a thing is beneath royalty to kill the common folk.”

"... speaking of which, does Zizi even know this is going to happen?" Annuciata envisioned a beautiful wedding turning into a bloodbath. "You know what? I don't want to know if she does or doesn't. We can take Athena shopping tomorrow for her dress!" She thought of all the famous shops on Main Street. "Oh, she's going to be a vision."

Zannah could only warmly smile at the Annuciata’s positivity towards the future. “But first you need proper rest. Don’t want heavy bags under our eyes, do we now.”

"If anything, you're keeping me from proper rest with these nocturnal activities of pleasure." Annuciata accused with a laugh. "And we'll tell Eleonora, first thing in the morning."

“Then you can follow my example.” Zannah took a deep breath, closed her eyes, relaxed, and fell into a slumber shortly after. It was the best sleep she had in ages.

________________________________________________________________

Previous Ch. https://mrneighbourlove.tumblr.com/post/614058125382844416/fall-of-a-dynasty-ch-3-signing-the-fine-print

Next Ch. https://mrneighbourlove.tumblr.com/post/614857600919568384/fall-of-a-dynasty-ch-5-god-of-war

Crossover with @ridersoftheapocalypse. Please enjoy!

#CrossOver #ridersoftheapocalypse #contains adult themes #This Chapter #When a woman and a woman love each other very much and haven't seen each other in a looooong time #Zannah #Annuciata #Bonegrinder #Manaco #Hasai #Rinku

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mrneighbourlove · 4 years

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Fall of a Dynasty: Ch 9. New Lineage

At Danjur, a summit was held between different royal representatives. Zannah was adjusting Manaco’s brand new royal suit before the meeting. “Hold still. Have you never worn a suit in your life?”

"No. Never saw a reason to---ack! Do you have to make it so tight?" Manaco felt like he was sweating a waterfall in the suit. "Why do I have to wear this? I'm not Danjuran, I don't have to be so prissy like your lover."

“You have to look fearsome, bold, daring. You’re Hasai royalty now.” Zannah finished tying his sash. “Athena is dolled up already. Now. I will lay down the law. You will stay with my pace. If I was to be feared and respected, you will become loved and respected.”

"I feel like you're serving me up on a platter to the hounds in this suit." Manaco remarked dryly. "And Athena is lovely just the way she is." When Zannah demanded that he keep up the custom, the man was tempted to role his eyes. His aunt and uncle made this 'royalty' nonsense look so easy. "I'm half Lorleidian, shouldn't I just walk out there all smiles and waves like Zelda used to do? Pageant wave?"

“Any other meeting but today. I don’t think it’ll be a happy experience.” Zannah barely told Annuciata the details of murdering her brother. The queen must have still thought it was Nihilus who was murdered. Even Zarazu and Covarog didn’t know, yet. She sighed, turning him to look at her. “I suppose a wave and smile can’t hurt. I’m sorry. There’s a lot on my plate. Promise me you’ll have my back, even against your Uncle if you would. You’ll find that their are rulers who will feast upon your weakness. Those who own slaves and harm the innocent. You have to be fearless.”

"I will do my best to be good leader, Zannah, but I will make no promises about taking sides. That is for Athena and I to decide together. Yet, we will not go against family." Manaco told Zannah, having no reason to lie. "I know from what my uncle and my aunt have told me, there are those who are snakes in the grass. I am like my mother; I know who intends me harm and who does not. I suppose I inherited that talent from her." He paused and then added, "Though, I am also going to take a page from Annuciata's rule book. I do not intend, and I will never support another all-out war against a kingdom. We want peace... and peace we will have."

“But keep your father’s warrior spirit. If you need to fight, to protect others, do not hesitate to kill. And to kill quickly.” She patted his back. “Now let’s go.”

Making their way to the round table, Athena was in a fine dress, sitting on a couples set, waiting for Griffith to take his seat.

Manaco was uncomfortable. These clothes, all the finery, the pompous customs... he really was not used to such life. His family were farmers, running a massive plantation. Maybe he should have spent more time at the castle despite his father's objections. At least then, he would not feel like a fool in front of a crowd. He was not the best at public speaking, but at least he had a talent to pull people together like his mother.

On the Hylian side of Delegations was Zarazu and her husband Covarog, making a rare appearance for anything Hasai related. Still present was Lord Malik and his wife, Lady Asakonigei. To Malik, he cared little about how Zannah used Kahli. In fact, he secretly praised her brilliance in reviving the Waku. Finally, there was Kahli and Zizi, making their first meeting since the secret came out. They wanted to be here in support of their son, however. They waited for Annuciata to welcome every one who came, since she was graciously being host to this gathering.

"I'm glad to see you all here," Annuciata sat beside of her daughter, Eleonora, both dressed in the finest silk gowns that Danjur had to offer. "I think this is a day that we shall all remember. We have two new rulers ascending to the throne and not only that, but we once again have stability within a nation. Peace is what we should all thrive for."

Athena waved kindly to Kahli. He was stuck between a look of frustration and genuine impressiveness that his son landed such a catch.

Malik whispered to Covarog, curious on his thoughts. “How do you see this change in the seating of power?”

"I'm glad that we have someone who knows better than to challenge me." Covarog admitted to Malik in a hushed tone. "That, and regardless of what I think of his origins, the boy is my nephew. My wife would throttle me if I tried to lay a hand on him. Yet, at the same time, I think we had a mutual understanding when we struck the deal that since the empire is now an extension of Hyrule, we are both going to have to do things we do not like. For example, being here instead of being at home." He then said with gritted teeth. "And the fact that he's going to be wed kin of Zannah's..."

"My king... be nice." Zarazu hushed the both of them. "We're here to be supportive."

“Look at it this way. From a certain point of view, you finally conquered the Empire.”

Zannah thanked Annuciata, giving a light bow to her for respect. Rising, she smiled to the others gathered. “Good afternoon everyone. This is a glorious day today. This is the day that my daughter, Athena, will be recognized as Empress, along with my son in law to be, Emperor Manaco by the rest of you. Carrying both the titles of Emperor and Empress all these decades has been a heavy crown. But we all know what the tensions of ruling can bring, don’t we all?”

"It's awfully hot in here..." Manaco whispered to Athena, tugging at his collar. He was sorely tempted to rip the damn thing down the middle so he could breathe. Was this what women felt like when they had to wear corsets? No wonder his aunt deposed of hers.

"Maintaining alliances and friendships take hard work." Annuciata agreed with her lover. "But at some point in time, we have to have faith in the new blood on the throne to be able to manage things."

“That we do.” Zannah looked dead on at the Hylian seats, smiling lightly. “Now, Queen Zarazu, I don’t want there to be any bad blood between us. I’m sorry for how I treated you sister. Even now, we’re working to be on good terms again as friends. I hope you and I can maintain pleasant relationships, even with myself off the throne. You’ve always been the smarter of the pair as the face of Hyrule.”

Covarog scoffed at Zannah's slight insult but said nothing. He promised his wife that he was behave to the best of his ability today, for Manaco's sake.

"Zizi is much more forgiving than I am, that is for sure. Maintaining a relationship, a pleasant one for that matter, will remain to be seen." Zarazu's tone of voice held no malice or contempt, yet it did hold disappointment... and bitterness. The queen was heartbroken for her sister when she found out how Zannah used Kahli. Yet, there was nothing she could do, lest risk war. "Since the Kikai Empire is now a territory under Hyrule's extension, there will be a few changes. Nothing major, just a few requests from my nephew." The queen of Hyrule gently handed the documents to Athena. "He has proposed a way to connect the closer islands via bridgework. After speaking with Queen Annuciata, the Kovinas under my rule, there is a possibility of construction with the right kind of framework. However, this would be a year long project or more, dependent upon the resources required." She then pointed out the second objective. "Next, there is a massive amount of land being unused. There, Manaco has expressed his desire to bring some of the plants from Slatki Plantations to begin a branch of the business. He wishes to create more jobs and teach the Hasai how to cultivate plants that can be used as medicine, food, or for infrastructure purposes." She then addressed the last issue. "Last but not least, he wishes to open schools; not a combat school or military school, but one to learn about various cultures and subjects across our alliances. You should be proud of him," She then added, "He has given this a lot of thought."

"... I'm better at putting my words on paper..." Manaco cleared his throat. "Though these ideas of mine, I do think could help the Empire."

“It will be their Empire now. I’m sure they do wonders. That said, I’ll be watching.” Zannah looked towards Covarog. “King Covarog, I know that you have a disdain for Hasai. I have one last message, I’d like to share with you.”

"Disdain for your past actions, Zannah, and for some current ones as well." Covarog had to bite the inside of his jaw to keep from growling. "Speak your words, yet remember... I will not try to harm your family as you once did mine. Manaco and Athena are to be wed. We will be... distantly... related then."

“Good. That goes for my people as well Covarog.” Zannah put a box on the table. “You should know, I care deeply about my people. Even after my daughter takes over, I will continue to watch out for their well being.”

"Hopefully your daughter will be a more adequate---"

"We believe that Manaco and Athena could use any guidance, both from you and his parents as well." Zarazu interrupted Covarog before his mouth could get the best of him. "That being said, we will be here for them, and offer any advice either of them need."

“Adequate? Better then your lack of competence. Now. To all the rest of you. If you think you can enslave or harm Hasai citizens under the gaze of Manaco and Athena, know that I’ll be on to you. And I’m willing to go to any length to punish any crime against Hasai citizens.” Zannah opened the box, taking the head of her brother out. “I had to protect all your kingdoms as well as my own by killing my own twin brother. I doubt any of you would have the stomach to do so. It nearly broke me. So know that I am serious that I will not hesitate to end anyone that will bring harm to my family or people. If anyone of you has anything to say to me, now is the fucking time…”

Kahli and Malik, both hardened warriors of various degrees were absolutely shocked. Malik physically back a little away from the table seeing the head be pulled out. His first motion was to keep his wife back. Kahli solemnly nodded no.

Zannah threw the head back in the box. “All hail Emperor Manaco and Empress Athena. May they have the fortune to bring prosperity built upon my sacrifices.”

Annuciata, who never in her life had been exposed to battle, paled at the sight of the head. She fanned her face furiously, but ultimately her nerves won... and she slumped to the side in her chair. Eleonora was not too stunned, having done autopsies on cadavers before, but the head still unnerved her. She managed to keep her mother from falling out of the chair entirely and silently looked at Zannah for help.

"I'm just glad you're off the damn throne and that your daughter has more sense than you do to agree." Covarog bluntly stated, earning a swift arm in the jaw from his wife. Still, not deterred, he said, "Emperor Manaco, Empress Athena... we look forward to helping you build the Kikai Empire into a noteworthy kingdom. May the goddesses and spirits smile upon your efforts to better your country. As my queen said, we will do what we can to help you."

"... damn." Asakonigei muttered under her breath to her husband. "I could have sworn they would have fought. I guess that means I lost the bet. Do you want lace or leather tonight?"

“I...” Malik patted his wife. He had other things on his mind. To the shock of Covarog, he gave a respectful bow to Zannah. “I can’t even imagine what you had to do. Killing one’s own flesh and blood… You have my upmost respect as a warrior. Despite how my king feels, you were a wise and strong leader. I hope you enjoy retirement.”

Zannah was carefully getting ready to cradle Annuciata. “...Thank you, Lord Malik.”

Covarog frowned when Malik bowed to Zannah. The ex-commander should remember what happened all those years ago - he was there and saw it all. A snake could change her colors, but a snake was still just that; a snake. He would never forget nor forgive what that bitch and her people did to his sister.

"This meeting is concluded." Covarog stood from his seat. "We have our family to attend to back home. You should attend to yours as well. We will notify our other allies of the change within the empire." He held out his hand to Zarazu who took it and stood alongside him. "Manaco, Athena... we will see you when the wedding occurs in the empire."

Athena nodded. “The wedding and final coronation will be in two weeks. We’ll send certificates soon.” Athena brushed her hair, her face incredibly pale from the sight of the head. “W-we... We look forward to seeing you then.”

As soon as the other visitors were out of sight, Manaco could not stand it anymore. He ripped open the impossibly tight suit and took a deep inhale. Zannah would fuss, but he'd deal with it.

"... you get me. In this. For one hour. A day. For meetings like this. Nothing more." He told Athena, and then added, for extra measure. "And if this is the usual royal attire, there are going to be some changes."

"Manaco, honestly, it just takes practice. Literally and figuratively, suck it up." Athena was heading to the bathroom. Once at the toilet, she hurled.

"Practice? This is torture, even my judgmental uncle doesn't have trouble moving or breathing in his clothes----" Manaco had followed Athena, thinking the two of them would discuss the empire's expansion plans when she shut the door in his face and he heard... her throwing up? "...?!?! Athena? Are you sick? Do you need me to call a healer?"

"I'm sorry. I just- god. I'm a terrible Hasai. I can't stand the sight of bloodshed. I fantasied it about your mother, but to actually see such violence now with my own eyes sickens me. Between my uncle's head and you cracking jokes about incinerating people alive…" Athena swallowed a breath of air, shaking as she picked herself up. "I've had enough of it. It's too awful for me. I can fight, but the killing? The blood? No more."

"... don't apologize for not being able to take such a thing." Manaco stood outside the door, waiting for her patiently. "I'd rather you never be exposed to it again. There were a few times when I was younger that I had to fight. I had to spill blood, or else, it could have been my blood that was on the ground. You... you don't have to be your mother, you know. It's okay to be different." He told her quietly. "Neither of us have to be a carbon copy of our parents. It's okay to feel this way."

"No one's ever told me that before." Athena carefully gargled down some mouth wash to kill the bad smell. When she was done, she looked back at her husband to be.

"I know your mother placed a lot of expectations on you, but now, this is our nation. We're going to do what we think is best." Manaco then, suddenly, swooped Athena off her feet, carrying her toward the bedroom. "But for now, you need to rest a bit. We can talk later about plans."

"Oh my. Do you do this often with other woman? Or have you simply practiced for me?"

"Only my little sisters when they wanted to play the knight rescuing the princess." Manaco chuckled. "So, I guess you can call that plenty of practice since I have ten baby sisters. Unless you prefer piggy back rides, that is."

"Manaco, I'd prefer to be set down. I can walk. If you're worried you can... hold my hand."

"What? I can't carry my bride-to-be and make her feel special for a moment?" Manaco asked with a grin, but respected her wishes and gently set Athena on her feet. "And I am a bit worried. Obviously, your nerves are making you feel a bit ill. I'd rather you rest and recuperate before we discuss anything further."

"I'm flattered you're so attentive and worried about me."

"It's what a good man, a decent husband would do." Manaco opened the door to the bedroom for Athena. "My father taught me that it's my duty to take care of my future wife, or any future children. It's what a family does."

Athena felt her heart putter at that. By instinct, she leaned in to kiss Manaco on the cheek. "Thank you for being so kind. Goodness. I've never kissed a man before."

Now, it was Manaco's turn to feel his heart skip a beat. He felt his cheeks burning, but was grateful for his darker skin not actively showing how bad he was blushing.

"... that's not how you kiss a man." He pulled her closer by the waist, and planted a deep kiss on her lips guaranteed to make her head spin. "That's... how you kiss a man."

Their contact was warm and sweet. The mouth wash the lady took made her taste like strawberries. Athena was indeed spinning at that kiss. Her brain was shooting singles that made her dizzy. Her heart was pumping, her brain was frazzled, and, by goodness, her loins were starting to fire up. "Manaco... you're so rough."

The newly elected Empress looked incredibly flustered. She hated the fact that she couldn't fight against her own biology. It seemed it didn't affect Manaco nearly as much to kiss her. "I didn't expect you to be so bold. That's what a kiss is like? I'm feeling rather hot..."

"Sorry, I didn't mean to hurt you if I did." Manaco felt a bit embarrassed. "I got a little carried away. I've wanted to do that for a long time." However, when Athena mentioned she was feeling 'hot', that really got his attention. "It... can make you feel that way."

"Yes, it most definitely can, but... it is lust that also makes us feel desire. Not just love." Manaco gently placed his hands on her shoulders. "And lust can make us rush into situations that we later regret. I... I want you to want me because you love me. Not because of a split second decision."

“Yes. Thank you. I’ve felt similar to this feeling before. Hasai bonding is complicated and a little scary.” Athena took a few deep breaths. “Are you ok with leaving the room for 10 minutes while I... unwind? There’s a ritual that’s helped me calm down in the past.”

"Of course," Manaco agreed, taking her hand and kissing her knuckles. "If you need me... call for me."

Zannah carefully cradled Annuciata, playing gently with the Queens hair as she waited for her to wake up. In the time she was unconscious, she dressed them both in more casual clothing.

Annuciata was starting to rouse from fainting earlier. She groaned slightly, rubbing her forehead. "... I remember... a certain displaced... body... part."

“All in the past now. The meeting went rather well.” Zannah gently leaned down to kiss her lover’s forehead. “No more body parts. I promise.”

"That is going to be glued to the back of my eyelids for a while." She sulked at Zannah. "Eleonora has her cadavers and now you with your body parts. My palace is going to be haunted."

“I have a way to make it up to you. And before you ask, it’s not sex. That’s why I took the liberty of changing you.”

"...? If it's not sex, then it must be that brand new pair of Le'Bordair shoes I've been wanting..."

“I’ll remember to get you that.” Zannah carefully stood Annuciata up as she walked to a table she set up. Pulling off the first tarp, she revealed an assortment of ancient Sheikah cores, gears, and metallic parts. “The battle against my brother had unforeseen consequences. I was wondering if you’d like to see my own mechanical skills. As well as help me.” With a second tarp removed, she revealed what was left of T0-D.

"...!!! Toddy-Gears..." Annuicata was surprised to see the great robot in pieces. She thought he was more durable than this. Some parts of his metal were even melted. "This is... fixable. Though, I've never tinkered with Sheikah parts. I've always constructed my own." She tapped his head. "Is his wiring still intact?"

“Mostly. He doesn’t often get damaged like this.” Zannah picked up a wrench, effortlessly twirling it in the air. With a swift motion, she bent over to pry open T0-D’s stomach. Carefully, she took out his core. “I have to manually replace his heart by connecting this core with the tubes.”

"... can you do that again?" Annuciata's eyes were wide and her cheeks were flushed. Any display of strength was certainly a turn on, but metal working was... hotter.

“Yes?” Zannah bent over, not picking up on Annuciata’s growing desire. “There’s a delicate matrix inside. So long as there is a single undamaged core in his system, I don’t need to worry about lost memory. He can transfer and copy it from core to core.” With a slight wiggle, she moved to what would have to become new legs. “I like giving him talon feet with digitigrade legs to stand upon. The arms are very complicated, needing to divide into four if need be. Can’t believe Manaco melted them into slag.”

"Hm-hmm..." Annuciata twirled a wrench on her finger, watching Zannah work with a flushed face. "Anything else about his... core?"

"They are very, very rare. Obtaining one is nigh impossible in this era. Had to invade a different countries treasury in my twenties to reactivate him after the war. I stockpiled so I wouldn't have to do something like that again." Zannah got a spray of oil on her face when she pulled one tube out, quickly fusing it to another. "Napkin please."

Annuciata pulled out a handkerchief from her bosom and wiped off Zannah's face.

"I could always reroute him another power source, if necessary, in the future." The Queen of Danjur offered as she took a peek at the robot's core. "Huh... I'm surprised Manaco's fire reached that far. To melt metal into slag like this, he had to be a walking furnace. Maybe he's more than a 'farmer boy' like Griffith says." She examined one of T0-D's arms. "Hrm... he really needs an upgrade with these arms. See this?" She pointed to the 'joints' which flexed the appendages. "These are going to wear out faster and get too hot if he spins the blades too fast. I could replace them with nickel alloy material so the heat won't be too much of a problem."

"Making him fire proof would be a huge source of relief for me. Unfortunately, the cores are what keep his precious mind intact. Also what he would call his soul. I'm lucky to have spares for now." Zannah and Annuciata got to work on fixing the limbs, making small talk on mechanics. Soon, both grew quiet, invested in their work. After snapping the last limb in place, Zannah took set, grabbing a bottle of water provided by one of the Queen's servants, guzzling it down. The Hasai was covered in oil, her hair was messy, and she had a cut from not being careful near one of T0-D's claws. Turning to Annuciata, she smiled. "What a day."

Annuciata was as equally as messy as her lover. The queen's golden blonde hair was streaked almost brown by the grime. She had set to work on the wires and joints while Zannah fixed his arms in place. Helping her with T0-D's feet were the worst, trying to get the claw like appendages to rotate properly with the correct angular movement. Yet, assembling a protective sheet around the core was the hardest task. She had to work very carefully, as to not damage the new vital piece.

"I think..." Annuciata tightened the last bolt. "That will do it. Maybe he'll work now."

"Let's bring him back to life." Zannah kept his chest panel open. With spark of electricity, she channeled energy from her hands as she held his core. T0-D's eye slowly opened up, glowing blue.

"Tod. Can you hear me?"

It took the android a moment to answer, his voice almost lifeless. "Affirmative: I can hear you."

"Do you know what happened to you?"

"Affirmative: I had my systems over written by your brother. A god overtook my will. My mind felt blank."

Zannah pressed her temple to his head. "I'm sorry Tod. I should have protected you better."

"False: It is I who should have been more vigilant." The Android planted his feet, and Zannah stood back. The android closed his organ hatch and stretched his fingers out. "Scanning: Are we at Queen Annuciata's?"

"We are."

T0-D looked to the Queen, surprised by all the grease and gunk she was covered in. "Query: Did you rummage around my insides?"

"Yes, Toddy-Gears, I rummaged around in your insides." Annuciata winked at him. "Don't worry, I didn't fondle your nuts and bolts too much. Just gave them a good tightening. And you have better feet now." She pointed to his raptor-like appendages. "Better gear and less rust now too."

That seemed to bring more energy to his voice. "Caution: Hope you didn't do any funny business. Might have to rummage around your insides. However, that's more messy for meatbags."

Zannah sighed, glad to hear he was back to his dark, humorous ways. "Tod. My daughter and Kahli's eldest son have succeeded me as Emperor and Empress. I no longer rule the Kikai Empire. With that said, I want to know what you want to do with your life."

T0-D paused himself, calculating this new revelation. "Observation: I didn't think it possible. You giving up the throne, to Zizi and Kahli's child especially. And myself? I suppose you do value me as a Hasai citizen, and not a tool. The most logical sense would be to serve your daughter. However, with my own goals in mind, I don't serve the throne. I served you. Because you were a good master who valued my commitment and did the best for her people. I valued your dedication. If you relieved of your duties, than perhaps its time I should be relieved of mine."

"Tod?" Zannah suddenly looked sad. "Are you going to leave me?"

"Confirmation: Yes. Well, more accurately, I should ponder on what I wish to do. If it be staying at your side, or finding a different path to walk on. I will think alone on this. Thank you for reactivating me. Again. You are a special woman Zannah. And someone I'm glad to call friend. Now, I'll let you two enjoy yourselves. Between you and I, the Queen's heart rate is above average levels. I will be around." With that, T0-D walked out of the shop, leaving Zannah unsure of what to say or do.

"Way to rat out a horny woman, Toddy-Gears." Annuciata blushed ten shades of red when T0-D mentioned her elevated heartrate. "I can't help it that Zannah is hot when she does metalworking, okay? It's a turn-on for me."

That certainly snapped Zannah out of a funk. Hands leaned against the table, she looked at Annuciata in surprise. "You're turned on by me covered in grease and doing all this?"

"Yes, it's hot, okay? You're hot when you're talking dirty grease mechanics! It's my thing, you're doing the thing, and now, you got me all flustered, wanting to rub your tits with oil and eat you out against the toolbox." Annuciata admitted with a pout. "It's your fault. Talking like that."

Zannah's mouth went a gap, her checks a royal flush of shock. She was so stunned, that for once, she couldn't even walk forward to make the moves on her lover. "That's so dorky. You really find me that hot the way I am right now? I just talked about basic pumps, mechanisms and ancient tech."

"I can't help it, okay?!" Annuciata threw her hands up in the air. "It's like that time you told me I was hot when I did that split cause... flexible."

Zannah's breath was growing hot, and her mouth dry. "I'm no where near as smart as you. I was basically forced to learn how to build T0-D piece by piece. That's basic stuff even a jock can learn, right?"

"Basic components, yes, but still, to hear you talking even about tightening a damn nut would be a turn on." Annuciata decided she was done with waiting and simply snogged Zannah, slamming her against the huge toolbox. "Or even holding a screwdriver."

"Annuciata... I love you. I'm not going to leave you anymore if you don't leave me. I want to make love with you, be it in a shower, on a bed, or... covered in grease head to toe. Do you feel the same way?" The Hasai's hands ran up and down the Queen's sides.

"Of course I do, silly. For being an Emperor, you're awfully dense when it comes to when someone wants you." Annuciata purred at Zannah. "From the moment I saw you walk in like you owned my castle yourself, I wanted to get in-between your legs with my tongue."

"Well, come here than." Zannah pulled Annuciata by the girth of her hair, their lips locking together in deep passion.

"You know..." Annuciata had to part for air. "After Eleonora's coronation... we could always retire by my family's beach house. Quiet, simple... just me and you."

Zannah took a deep breath, thinking of the life she held up to this very moment. After all the suffering, peace sounded like the best course of action. "I'd like that. I truly would."

________________________________________________________________

Previous Ch. https://mrneighbourlove.tumblr.com/post/621742623013666816/fall-of-a-dynasty-ch-8-the-hardest-choices

Crossover with @ridersoftheapocalypse

#Crossover #Final Chapter to an arc of stories #Next up King Malik!#Zannah #Zizi #Hasai #Manaco #Annuciata #Danjur #Covaorg

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mrneighbourlove · 4 years

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Burnt Heart: Ch 7. Burning Bridges, Repairing Bridges

“It's a fine day

People open windows

They leave their houses just for a short while

They walk by the grass

And they look at the grass

They look at the sky

It's going to be a fine night tonight

It's going to be a fine day tomorrow.”

The Emperor sang in a soothing tone. Most would describe it as elegant. In her heart, she felt a sadness to it, however, her smile didn’t falter as she gardened with her sweet Eleonora. The flowers were in a lush bloom, cherry blossoms and natural white and red roses coming to life. Every moment she was able to spend with her and Annuciata was a special occasion. You couldn’t waste the time of others.

Eleonora was much like her mother in many ways. She appreciated finery, she loved to dance, and she had a weakness for anything fluffy and cute. The princess thought her mother's mechanical creations were wonderful, but Eleonora preferred to study chemistry. She loved experimenting in the laboratory and more than once, had burned off her eyebrows. The princess was determined to create an alternate source of fuel besides coal or gas. It would be cheaper but more effective. Yet, in her spare time, when her mother would take her to the Kikai Empire, it was lovely to be outside and experiencing the culture of the Hasai.

However, Elenora was just as she was in the garden as in the lab.

Messy.

Covered in dirt from head to foot, the princess was still digging deeper.

"I just know there is a bigger root I could take a tissue sample from down here..." Eleonora said, half of her upper body in the ground. "Are you sure there's not a Zemlja anywhere near here? This would be over in a pinch if I had one of them helping me. Since my elder brother and sister are too scared to get dirt under their nails." She emphasized the last part, attempting to use reverse psychology to obtain what she wanted. She was sneaky that way. "Or was it worms they are afraid of?"

"Dear, you're going to ruin your new dress." Annuciata sighed, knowing how persistent her daughter could be. "You can get a servant to do that."

"But the root has to be perfect!"

“I believe Athena is afraid of sharks, and Griffith of spiders, scorpions and the common house fly.” Zannah smiled fondly, clipping thorns from a rose bush.

The royal twins were adults themselves now, with obligations and responsibilities in the Empire. Neither had found a potential lover, despite being in their early thirties now. Whenever their sister from another mother came to visit, they were quick to follow. At the current moment, the twins sat on lounging chairs, frowning at Zannah outing them.

“It’s just that they have huge teeth and the blackest eyes.”

“Little sister, you never know what you can find underground in the dirt.”

Zannah looked down in the hole, patting Eleonora’s head. “Just behind your foot. Try there my deer.”

"Pfft, sharks have teeth and creepy crawlers creep, you should be afraid of something more lethal like the hemorrhagic fever. Not going to find anything but worms and bugs in dirt. Maybe an ancient skeleton if I'm lucky." Eleonora snickered and then tried the area her Godmother suggested. She dug around the area of the exposed root, and examined the thickness. "Hm... this might do. These plants produce a lot of oils I could possibly utilize."

"Darling, you're seventeen, you don't have to worry about creating an efficient biofuel right now, save that until you're old and gray." Annuciata assured her daughter. "You'll have time later. For now, spend some time with Athena and Griffith. I'm sure they'd love to play a game of hide and seek with you."

"You mean hide and 'cheat' they always sniff me out." Eleonora pouted with her arms crossed, looking just like her mother when she did so. "It's not fair."

“Oh, come now. It’s just that we’ve had more practice.” Griffith sat up, putting his magazine on new Danjur trends down.

“How about we share a nice cold beverage once we’re done together. After that, we can go down to the ocean and look at the coral together. That’s alright with you, right mother?”

When Zannah looked to Athena and saw the light bounce off her face, she faltered, if only for a moment, before she composed another smile. “As long as you three remain safe.”

"What about the shaaarks? Someone might be scared." Eleonora teased her sister with a wide grin.

"El, be nice to your sister."

"What? She teases me all the time for being a nerd."

"Nerds will rule the world one day, dear, go have fun."

"All right, all right, I guess I just got one last thing to say..." The princess took a sip of lemonade and then declared, "The last one there is a rotten petri-culture!" Eleonora darted away toward the ocean.

"... where does she get all that energy?" Annuciata watched as Athena and Griffith bounded off after their sister. "I wonder if she got into my coffee stash when I wasn't looking."

“Perhaps she did.” Zannah rose from the ground, watching the three bound away chasing and playfully calling each other names. Taking off her sunflower hat, Zannah looked up at the sun, deep breaths in and out.

"It is nice to be able to do this." Annuciata rose from her chair under the umbrella and joined Zannah on the grass, gracefully sweeping her skirts to the side. "Though I do think there is something we must discuss, my love. Sooner rather than later, despite the bitterness it brings."

“Yes.” Zannah spoke the word in a tone that made peace with what conversation was to come, that it would be foolish to run from it. Didn’t mean she liked it though.

"I'm getting older, love." Annuciata told Zannah, kissing her hand. "My golden locks are turning white and my skin is wrinkling. I'm 47 this year. Soon, Eleonora will be of age to take the throne in Danjur. Hopefully, she will find someone who has made me as happy as you have... but I must not forget the reality of the situation." She took a small breath, and said. "I will die before you."

Zannah turned to her lover, not a wrinkle on her face, nor an imperfection in her black hair. The only change in her emerald skin was a sad frown etched into her features. Her golden eyes were heavy and wet. Age it seemed, was no friend of hers. “You will die. Then my children will die. Then Eleonora will die. Except me.”

"Are you truly going to live forever?" Annuciata asked Zannah. "Or will you one day join me in death?"

“Are you asking if I would commit suicide for you my love?” Zannah faked a smile, trying to reassure herself. “I truly don’t know if I’ll ever age again. When I was told the possibility of becoming a warrior that time could not kill or poison me beyond my prime, I relished the idea. I was still but a child. I thought I could use that kind of life to make sure my Empire was rebuilt to its proper glory. But... when I look at my own daughter, when I see my image like I would a mirror, I know a life being a god made flesh all alone is too high a punishment. I wish you could join me, that I’d hold you forever and have a partner through the most difficult of hardships time would throw at me. Otherwise... well, I don’t think we know many who would willingly try to kill me in open combat. Perhaps your parting gift in this life would to have me poisoned so that I might join you.” Zannah laughed darkly, the idea heartbreaking, but a possibility.

"Stop being silly, you know I would never ask a thing nor carry out such a horrid plan." Annuciata slapped Zannah with her fan on the arm. "What I meant was, would you be stuck here forever or would you join me in the world of spirits? It would be awfully lonely without you there... and I would love for you to meet my parents." She told the Empress. "My father and mother were total opposites. She was a fierce navy captain; he was a mega-dork. But they were so happy together. I can still remember my mother being so strong to defeat her opponents at sparring, but gentle enough to braid my hair." The Queen of Danjur smiled softly. "And my father always listened to my ideas. He helped me build the first Land Rider prototype, you know. It fell apart, but we tried again and again until we got it right. They have each other in the spirit world... I'd like to have you one day."

“I think I’d end up in whoever was correct in what version of a hell exists.” Zannah looked to the heavens, reaching a hand out. “I’ve done... so many things wrong. Killed people, betrayed friendships, be charged with war crimes. And although I’m filled with regret now for the lives I’ve taken and betrayed, there’s no salvation or retribution for me. I can feel my brothers taunting me, waiting for me in the afterlife.” Zannah continued on, not giving a chance for Annuciata to immediately rebuttal. “I love my people. I love my family of five with you, Eleonora, Tod, and the twins. I used power for the betterment of this Empire, to give peace of mind to the Hasai people. Every act of sacrifice I made on my soul, I did for all of them. But with you all gone... what will I become? What will I do if left with my power? This burning fire deep within. I wish there was a way to keep you here with me, but you are an angel who will eventually need to return to heaven. I’m afraid of living, but I’m also afraid of death and what lies beyond for me.”

"... everyone has done something wrong in this lifetime, Zannah. There are others out there who have made worse mistakes." Annuciata reminded her lover. "Though sometimes, there are a few that can be redeemed. Surely you know this too. Perhaps your love for your family, for me, for Eleonora... perhaps that can help you see that sometimes all you need is someone to believe in you."

“But that won’t stop you from eventually leaving me. I’ll never grow old with you. I’ll never---"

“My emperor.” A servant suddenly interrupted them, respectfully bowing. “T0-D has returned. But he’s brought along Sir Kahli instead of the runaway. He wishes to speak to you.”

Zannah looked at the servant with blank eyes that traveled through him. It seemed that one of her sins finally caught up to her. “Thank you for bringing this to my attention. Tell him to wait for me in the throne room.”

"Do you need me to accompany you, love?" Annuciata asked Zannah. "I'd be happy to help in any way I can."

“I should have a witness to keep me from doing any public violence I suppose.” Zannah rose from her garden floor, choosing to get changed into more formal wear for the occasion.

When she entered the throne room, Kahli wasn’t bowing. His eyes trembled with fury looking at her. In return, she gazed at him with shallow indifference. “Kahli. I don’t recall calling for you. Though it has been a while since we spoke face to face.”

“You haven’t aged a day... it’s over Zannah. Zizi knows about Grievous. She knows how you used me to revive the Waku. She knows how you used my life debt to further the growth of the Empire. It nearly tore us apart. Perhaps the damage has been done and the final crack is yet to come. Regardless, I demand you release me from the rest of my debt.”

“Demand? From your Emperor?”

Annuciata followed Zannah, making sure to smooth her skirts. Though as soon as the Queen of Danjur saw Kahli and the look on his face, she sensed something was amiss. Kahli avoided the Kikai Empire like the plague unless Zannah called him. It was all due to the debt... and she had an inkling that the secret was no longer just that; a secret.

“I tire of our relationship Zannah. I have a family to look after. Have I not given you enough?”

“A debt is a debt Kahli.” Zannah tilted her head at him, curious on what she should do with him. “You still have hundreds of flowers to help bloom into this world Kahli. The red garden of the Waku needs to be filled.”

"Dear," Annuciata placed her hand on top of Zannah's. She thought of the situation unraveling quickly. If Kahli's family knew, then Zizi knew. If news of this incident reached the royals, it could have a damaging effect on the trust between the kingdoms. While there would never be war, there would be much more strife... strife that had just been mended a short time ago. "Perhaps Kahli is right."

“And I just what, let him walk away free?” Zannah studied Kahli, wondering just what to do to him. A warrior of his caliber free from her machinations. He provided life to her... but perhaps his blood could be more of use. “Hmmm. I suppose. Zarazu would be angry, but she wouldn’t dare leave negotiations from this little saga. However, if we push the issue further after the truth has been discovered, I couldn’t be so sure what would follow. Kahli, do you truly want to be free of this debt to me? Free of the reach of the Empire?”

“I do.”

“I can think of only one substitute. You too, hold the blood line of the Dragon. You hold the fire of Exodrum. Give me that power.”

Kahli blinked, taking a few steps back. “What?”

“Give me the power you once acquired for the sake of your wife. Give it to me for her continued support. With it, I will provide for the Empire continuing from where you will now walk away.”

"Love, are you sure that is a good idea?" Annuciata appeared to be concerned. Such a power had already made Zannah unable to age. While she was still very much mortal in some ways, the Queen of Danjur had heard stories since she was little of too much power corrupting others. Power was a drug that could cause madness. That was the last thing she wanted for her lover.

“I will take the flame to the volcano to Fel. There, he will watch over its power until I know what to do with it.” She looked at Kahli, who seemed apprehensive about it. “I’m not going to use it to burn the world. Your tension is unwarranted.”

"Perhaps a sealed agreement would ease you further, Kahli? Ensure both parties kept their word?" Annuciata suggested to the Waku and to Zannah. "Bound by magic?"

“Another life debt? Another bond?” Kahli was unsure.

“What’s to be scared of Kahli. I promise to not use your flame to burn away the world. And if you agree, you and your family will never have to worry about political ties to the Empire so long as you wish for.”

"... Kahli, do you truly want to wish to be free?"

His family needed him. He knew Zannah always had a long game in mind, and he’d lose a great amount of power, but this is what he wanted. “I do.”

Zannah walked towards Kahli, extending a hand to his chest. “Kahli. Exodrum as my witness, you willingly release the flame of destruction within you. Your blood of the dragon, is gone.”

Lightning struck through Kahli’s body, illuminating his skeleton. Screaming upwards, fire roared from his mouth from the agony he felt. Zannah was taken aback by the reaction, feeling her wrists blaze with pain herself suddenly. Slowly stepping away from Kahli, a great flame flickered in her palm, whistling loudly and drawing every lit lantern in the room into it. The Waku fell backwards, his chest sizzling with agony. From the flame, two eyes looked down at Zannah, silent in its judgement of Kahli and herself. What’s more, it’s gaze spoke silently to the Emperor. Zannah took two steps back, struggling to keep the flame in control.

“It’s so warm. So powerful. The flame of a god. Yes. Oh yes. I can see so many possibilities from it. Annuciata. I could use this to make you immortal. Our children immortal. I could use it to annihilate those who bring darkness upon the world. If I don’t do something with this fire, it might kill everyone here. I want- it wants me to absorb it.”

Kahli's throat was completely parched, unable to speak. His eyes were dry, constantly blinking to see once more. Despite this pain, he heard the whisper of the fire that only the Hasai could hear.

“You disregard my power? Pathetic you welp. Perhaps the Waku aren't the champions I needed. Perhaps this Ocho is what I need for my chosen champion, as she always has been. My Dorami. No Hasai has taken two sacred flames though. Let us see if she burns.”

"Love," Annuciata was spooked by all this talk of magic and most definitely power. While the Queen of Danjur adored her lover, she also knew how seductive power could be to the Empress. She had to make sure nothing else would risk corrupting her. "You already have what you need. Give back this ability to heavens... please."

Zannah heard a voice warmer than the fire. No, it wasn’t quite that simple. The voice was softer, while the fire burned in her palm. Turning to Annuciata, Zannah made the choice when she saw the look in her eye. “I choose... I choose to release the flame of Exodrum.”

The eyes in the fire flared, and a voice echoed in her mind. “Interesting. You might not want additional power, but I will not take back my flame. This fire shall be housed in another.”

The flame howled loudly, exploding outwards, flying out a window in a torrent, disappearing from the palace. Zannah screamed, her right hand receiving three-degree burns. All of the light was taken from the room for a few moments, before the natural light of the sun illuminated everyone to normal levels.

The sudden burst of energy from the flames sent Annuciata topping backwards, skirts flying over her head. Once the air had settled, she huffed, pushing lace and petticoats from her face, downward to cover her legs. Her styled hair was an absolute mess, and she was not happy about it. Yet, the sulking would have to wait. She quickly got to her feet, noticing one heel was missing. Sighing in frustration, she kicked off the other and hurried down the few steps to her lover.

"Zannah?! Zannah, I heard you scream!"

“God- FUCK!” The Emperor keeled over in agony, her burns crushing her will to immediately stand.

Kahli had never seen Zannah in such pain before, and would never imagine seeing her on his knees. Perhaps his wife was channeling her spirit in him, because an audible smirk left his being.

Zannah looked at Kahli looking down at her, laughing at her. With her rage, she used her good arm, launching a lightning bolt at him. The electricity sent him skidding across the floor after hitting him in chest. “Don’t. You. Mock me.”

Kahli twitched from her electricity. His body felt far more brittle now.

As he stood, the Emperor was already on her feet, clutching her injured hand.

“The debt has been settled. Leave my palace.”

"EEEEEK!" Annuciata crouched down and covered her head when Zannah released a sudden burst of lightning. "Fuck a steam engine, was that really necessary?!" She could feel the static electricity in the air. Thankfully she was not wearing any jewelry which would conduct electricity. Rushing over to Zannah, Annuciata took off her giant cord of silk from her corset. It was the only material soft enough not to injure the hand further. Carefully, she started to wrap her lover's hand. "Hold still, I'm sorry, I know it hurts, but we have to keep it covered to prevent infection---hold still."

“It was. God. My hand. My fucking hand.” Zannah leaned against Annuciata as Kahli limped out of the Empire.

"Shh, shh, now, we'll get a healer in here and fix your hand." Annuciata was a tiny thing compared to Zannah, but she still had strong legs. All those ballet lessons were certainly paying off now. She supported her lover's weight, and tried to keep her mind occupied. "After all, it is imperative that it is healed, how else will you give me one of those wondrous massages?"

“Yes. I will recover. This pain is nothing.” With the odd moan of pain, Zannah continued onwards to retreat and lick her wounds.

Kahli flew back on a Wyvern provided by the Empire. Would be the last ride he’d take from them if he could help it. It would be about dinner now in Hyrule, the sun painting the sky in orange and purples. At his home, Kahli could only make it to the lounge chair on the deck before needing to collapse from exhaustion. No food all day and injuries would break down even the strongest men.

The whole family was outside near the fire pit. Keira, ever being the bubbly one, suggested that it was high time to teach Grivy how to make delicious s'mores. However, Urboro walked back inside to get another pitcher of juice for her younger siblings when she noticed the front door was open... just a bit. Curious, she went to close it when she noticed her father through the window and nearly jumped out of her skin.

"SWEET FUCK---Dad! What the hell?! Why didn't you call for someone?!" She yanked open the door, and went to him. "What happened?!"

“Hey sweetie. Watch your language.” Kahli had zero energy to scold her on her swearing. “It’s done. It’s over.”

"This situation calls for swearing, you look like shit." Urboro then yelled.

"Manaco! Ahusaka! Someone get their ass out here, Dad's back!"

Both the eldest sons came crashing through the house to the front porch.

"Dad! What happened?!"

"Mom's been worried sick!!!"

“Where is Zizi? Is she safe? Is she alright?” Kahli looked at his sons, trying to stand, but failing.

"WHOA!" Manaco and Ahusaka both reached out at the same time to catch their father. "Worry about Mom in a minute. We'll patch you up before she sees you like this."

"I would call for Aunt Zolori but she's all the way in Uskar." Urboro bit her lip, thinking. "Unless you two could share your fire with him?"

"I could give him some of my energy and Manaco could do the same."

“Do it.” Kahli growled with the intensity of lion as they channeled their energy into his body. Is scaring and burnt flesh started to mend together. “Good. Now let me see your mother.”

"Mom's resting, so we ate outside not to disturb her." Urboro told their father with a small frown. "Mom isn't... she's not well."

"She's not sick, she's just..." Ahusaka struggled to find the correct words. "I don't know what's wrong. We think she's depressed. Or so heartbroken, she's made herself sick."

“Please look after your younger siblings.” Kahli stood up, making his way to his bedroom to see his wife.

"Dad, please just..." Manaco called after his father quietly. "... take it slow? For Mom's sake?"

“I know.” Once his children dispersed, Kahli slowly opened the door. “Zizi. I kept my promise.”

"... how can I be sure you're not a ghost?" Zizi was lying on the bed, on her side, covered with the largest fur in the house for warmth. "Come back to haunt me?"

Kahli crawled into bed with her, carefully spooning her. “A ghost can’t be warm.”

"... are you still angry with me?"

“No. You’ll never have to deal with the Empire again. I will never have to deal with them again.”

"Zannah won't come after you? After us? Our family?" Zizi sounded unsure. Personally, she would not put it past the Emperor to do such a thing. "... and the others..."

“No. And guess what. The process to break off our bond burnt her right hand to crisp. The pain brought her to knees as I stood over her, if only for a moment.”

"... so she can be brought to her knees." Zizi then said. "She should stay there if she knows what is good for her."

“Zizi... I’m so sorry. I’m so, so sorry for what part I played in this treachery.”

"I know you are." Zizi held his hand tightly. "I know... and you shouldn't have to suffer anymore because of it due to me."

“Zizi. Can you look at me? Please?”

Zizi slowly turned on the bed to face her husband. It was evident she had been crying. Her eyes were all puffy and cheeks were red. She looked so tired and guilt was written on her face.

“You didn’t cause any true pain. It was me.” Kahli ran a hand through her dreadlocks. “I hurt you. And I know I damaged a lot of trust between us. I promise I will do everything to repay it. How do you feel about adopting Grievous?”

"I shouldn't have lashed out at you... I'm sorry I hurt you too." Zizi snuggled closer to her husband, so glad that he was not dead and safe at home. She still felt unsure, but decided that those feelings could be dealt with later. For now, she wanted to be content with what she had and not about the wrongdoings against her. "Trust can be rebuilt, but it will take time. I do not like secrets, Kahli. They always make everything so much more complicated than it needs to be." She sighed, resting her forehead on his shoulder. "No more secrets, Kahli... please."

However, at his question, Zizi did look up at him. "Grivy? ... I thought we already did. In a way."

“With my blessing now.” Kahli didn’t kiss his wife, but he held her. She would be the one the choose if that bridge would be crossed. “I can make something happy out of this mess.”

"If I didn't know any better, you want another child." Zizi raised an eyebrow at her husband. "We have fifteen. Ten girls, five boys. Well... eleven girls if you count Grivy now."

“I just want to give this girl a happy life if she chooses to stay. And... I’m going to stay. Forever. Just give me time Zizi.” His body warmed hers, and he sighed. “Do you want me to go sleep at Manaco’s or on the couch for a start?”

"I think we both need time... but we need each other too." Zizi dismissed the suggestion. "No... just stay here. Keep me warm. I am tired, and have not slept well."

Kahli hugged her tightly. “I love you. I’ll be here to give you peace of mind.”

"I love you too..." Zizi closed her eyes, hoping that the warmth and comfort of her husband would allow pleasant dreams.

________________________________________________________________

Previous Ch. https://mrneighbourlove.tumblr.com/post/612496080371957760/burnt-heart-ch-6-trading-one-pain-for-another

Final Ch. https://mrneighbourlove.tumblr.com/post/613696630305243136/burnt-heart-ch-8-what-comes-around

Thank you for reading! Crossover with @ridersoftheapocalypse Shared work with @s-kinnaly

#crossover #ridersoftheapocalypse #Kahli #Zizi #Hasai #Zannah #Annuciata #drama #comments appreciated!

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mrneighbourlove · 4 years

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Burnt Heart: Ch 1. The Emperor’s Will

Emperor Zannah Gard Edel tapped her green fingers together in anticipation. Her and Annuciata’s plan to kill the Queen of Danjur’s child donor went off without a hitch. Her elite assassins reported to her of the King to be’s death from a tragic ‘bandit’ attack. The Queen’s official statement was ‘she’d need some time to grieve for her lover’s tragic loss, but thank the stars her baby child was on the way to continue the royal blood line’. Quite the tale to be spun. Her children were ecstatic to learn that they’d have a new sibling on the way. Annuciata’s first visit to the Empire she spoiled them rotten. The twins already considered her a second mother. Now, for the Queen’s second visit to the mainland, she’d bring the fruits of her labour. Quite literally.

Annuciata hated traveling by boat. She preferred her massive Sky Gliders. The machines easily sailed through the air without a care in the world. Bad weather was always a hitch, but luckily there was a safety mechanism for landing and maneuvering through violent storms. It was easy to announce her arrival to the Kikai Empire with a fleet of Sky Gliders in grandeur with flowing banners. Once near the palace, the captain landed the machine and rolled out the 'red carpet' for the queen. She strutted down the walkway with her little one at her side.

"All hail Queen Annuciata and Princess Eleonora!"

The Hasai guards bowed respectfully to the Queen as she walked the red carpet. In return, some advisors announced the arrival of their own leader. “All hail Emperor Zannah! We welcome Queen Annuciata and Princess Eleonora.”

The Emperor smiled graciously to Annuciata as she made her way closer. Both Prince Griffith and Princess Athens stood at their mother’s side, but just behind her. Each was excited to meet their newest sibling, yet respectfully held their tongues. Zannah’s voice was smooth and clear. “Queen Annuciata. Marvellous to see you once more.”

Appearances were important, so for now, Annuciata had to refrain from snogging Zannah within an inch of her life. That, and she had a little one in a sling wrapped around her chest. The little princess was a few months old, and was just a beautiful as her mother. She had dark emerald eyes and blonde hair, and little dimples. With a graceful courtesy, the queen smiled at the three.

"Empress Zannah, Prince Griffith, Princess Athens... it is so good to see all of you again."

“Ah... hello little princess Eleonora.” Zannah peered down with her golden eyes, smiling at the little baby. “Was your trip well Queen Annuciata?”

As they walked through the palace, Zannah’s children were very well behaved in keeping up appearances, despite the wish to explode with excitement.

"The Sky Gliders proved to be less nauseating rather than traveling by Sea Surfers," Annuciata's servant followed closely behind her, carrying her luggage and a cart of gifts. "I do recall you had a rather unpleasant experience of the same manner with one of the Land Riders."

“I prefer the sky myself.” Soon enough, the royals found themselves in Zannah’s guest sweet. “Thank you for carrying Annuciata’s luggage. May you excuse us?”

Once the servants left the guest suite, Annuciata threw her arms around Zannah and kissed her deeply. "You have no idea how long I've wanted to do that."

Zannah swirled her tongue with her lovers, one arm carefully reaching to squeeze Annuciata’s ass. “I’ve missed you too as well. My love, your child is adorable darling. She looks so much like you.”

Both the royal twins didn’t mind their moms making out. Once they patiently waited for them to finish, they were glued to their newest sibling.

“May we see here?”

“I always wanted another sister.”

"Did you really think I forgot about you two?" Annuciata bent down and hugged Griffith and Athena tightly and kissed both their cheeks. "Would you like to hold her? This is Eleonora, named after my mother. She was known as the mighty, beautiful lioness of Danjur. She was a captain in the navy before she married my father."

“Mother taught us vigorous lessons on how to hold and take care of a baby.” Athena, sure enough, carefully held Eleonora properly.

Griffith carefully felt her step-sisters hair. “Mothers? Would you like us to take our sister so you might embrace your love?”

"Not before you open your presents," Annuciata led Athena and Griffith over to the elaborately wrapped gifts. Inside of Athena’s was a new wardrobe from Danjur composed of the finest silks. There were flying dragons stitched into the fabric with golden trim and deep red in color. Griffith's present was full of knowledge, containing books of fighting history, tactics of the Danjuran navy, and of course, a single piece of clothing; a brand new robe with designs of ancient Kikai warriors. "I hope you like them. Eleonora was most helpful in selecting the colors. She has good taste, like her mother."

“We love them.” Both twins were happy with all their gifts, speaking in union once more.

Zannah smiled, brushing both their heads. “If you’re careful, you may run along with your new baby sister. Is that alright with you love?”

"Take Eleonora's bag. It has her diapers, blanket, and a few toys." Annuciata reminded them. "You'll have to bring her back in an hour for feeding."

“Understood. We won’t fail your trust.” Griffith bowed, carefully walking out with the baby while Athena took the supplies.

Zannah locked the door behind them, turning to her Queen with a grin. “They were highly excited by the news you were pregnant, insisting they be taught on how to properly care for a baby.”

"That is so cute." Annuciata gushed over what Zannah told her of the twins. "I'm sure they will be the best brother and sister to Eleonora. She will be happy having an amazing pair of siblings to play with her and teach her." She then told her lover. "And of course, I did not forget about you. I brought you a gift as well."

“Oh? Do show your Emperor what you brought my Queen~”

"Unfortunately, not want you're probably hoping for, but something nice still," Annuciata strutted over to the largest present and pulled the ribbon, undoing the bow. The sides of the present fell to reveal a beautiful jade sculpture of Zannah on her throne with a dragon wrapped around her. "Well? Do you like it?"

Zannah threw a hand to her mouth to quiet a gasp. “Annuciata! It’s marvellous! How did you accomplish this feat?! Such a passionate declaration of love.”

"You know I used to study mechanical engineering before I became queen," Annuciata then gestured to the sculpture. "Wasn't too hard to design a machine that would carve the stone exactly how I wished it. I ordered the jade from Al-Daida's mines and then set to work on this myself. It gave me something to do while I was on bedrest."

“... You never cease to surprise me Annuciata.” Zannah pulled her in for slow, deep loving kiss.

"Ah, I'm sorry to disappoint you, my love, but... well... I might have to wait a while longer." Annuciata halted Zannah's kissing. "I would like nothing more than to make love to you, but... I'm still healing." She undid the front of her glamorous dress and gently pulled it down to show Zannah her c-section scar. "Let's just say Eleonora was a little too big for me to deliver."

Zannah’s eyes widened, but no sound of shock left her. Instead, she merely traced a hand along the scar. “I see... I’m merely happy you both survived. You can’t let me simply kiss you? Or am I too much of a tease that way dear?”

"You are a tease, and you know it, don't play coy." Annuciata raised an eyebrow at her lover, knowing how sly Zannah could be. "I wouldn't mind a soft kiss, but unfortunately, I won't be able to make love until one more week. The scar tissue has to heal all the way."

“I understand.” Zannah softly rubbed her lovers belly gently.

A knock came at the door, followed by two more. “Query: May I enter?”

“Annuciata, perhaps you can be part of my council with Tod?”

"Though as soon as Wednesday hits, I'll be happy to have you all to myself." Annuciata winked at Zannah and then when T0-D announced his arrival, the queen inquired, "Council?"

“I have been thinking of a necessary expansion to the Empire. T0-D has led his calculations and opinions, but perhaps another set of human eyes and mind can be of use.”

"An expansion?" Annuciata asked. "Like another island? A factory? I'd be happy to look over the blueprints."

“T0-D, come in.”

The android unlocked the door with his finger acting like a pic lock. “Greetings: Wonderful to see you Queen Annuciata.”

“I already have acquired a new island recently. Quite large in size. Tod, bring up the life forms we’ve brought into our glorious Empire.”

T0-D nodded, and from his eye, a holographic image like a blue shimmering ghost appeared. The first images were rather short humanoids standing at 5.1 on average with monkey like tails, sharp fangs, spiky hair and thick beards on the males. “These are a people know as Dals. Primitive, yet skilled smiths, workers, and have a few excellent fighters. They gladly joined the Empire in exchange for protection from a sea monster that forced their tribes to make sacrifices to its hungry.”

The next image was of a scaly winged beast. They were the size of an average bathroom, so not terribly big. They had legs and wings, yet no arms. “On this island, I am also proud to say we’ve started taming local Wyvern’s. I know they’ll never be the scale or size of Hyrule or Lorliedi’s dragons, but they are making excellent mounts and companions. Great nimble flyers too due to their size and balance. The island is large enough to colonize my people and share recourses with the locals. I’m going to finish a city there soon. What do you think?”

Annuciata carefully looked over the specs for the island. While she was glad Zannah was expanding her empire, there were still a few red flags here and there. The queen pointed to the far side of the isle. "Here are the cliffs," She suggested. "You'd be better to colonize the Wyverns there instead of the inland. They would have a natural vantage point, and probably be happier. Since the Dals are primitive smith workers, they need to be away from the heart of the forest. If it would catch fire, then all your work would be for naught." The Danjuran queen then motioned to a small peninsula on the isle. "And here would be a great area to build a dock for import and exports. You'd need to check the depth of the coral and the surrounding sea life," And for a last point, Annuciata said, "And this area, in the middle of the island, this would be wonderful for development. It's rich with rivers, and most connect to the sea. You could have another city here."

“Thank you. All great points. Tod, log them for my lords to carry out.” Zannah rose up, going to the window to look down at her Empire. “Annuciata. The matter on my mind isn’t more land, but my people. More specifically, my tribes. The Waku in particular.”

"The Waku?" Annuciata thought for a moment and then replied. "Oh, Zizi's husband, Kahli. He's Waku, correct?" She looked momentarily puzzled. "You're going to... give their descendants an island?"

“In a way. But first, I need him to produce more Waku on a grand scale.” Zannah said so matter of fact in a monotone voice with no confusion or stifle of clarity.

"Wait, you want Kahli to be a... donor?" Annuciata wanted clarification.

“I do.”

"Well, that is something you'd have to discuss with him." Annuciata did not look too convinced. "You do realize he's married to Zizi."

“I do. However, Kahli is not a citizen of Hyrule by legal decree. King Covarog does not allow it. He is a citizen of the Kikai Empire, though. What’s more, he has a life debt to me. Hasai must follow the commands of those they are indebted to. It is in our... coding, if you will.” Zannah carefully pick and choose her wordings. “I can’t force Kahli to physically have sex with other Hasai, but I can have him give me samples of his bloodline to disperse to individuals I deem strong to carry a child.”

"I'm... not sure this is the best idea, Zannah." Annuciata was honest with her lover. "If you hurt the sister of the queen, it could cause tension with your alliance. Not only that, but Zizi helped save your island. While I know the two of you don't have the best relationship, she does still consider you a friend."

“This goes beyond simple emotional attachments. This is to rebuild an entire culture. Zarazu would do the same if one of her tribes was reduced to a single finger she could count on her hand. There is already tension due to the boar king. With enough expansion, Hyrule won’t even be a necessary ally should they choose to depart due to foolish pride. If Zizi treated me with more respect, Tod with more respect, then perhaps she would have been included. Instead she thinks she can mock me, mock you behind my back without me knowing. Friend? Bah. Such nonsense.”

"Zannah, Zizi has never mocked me. She respects you; I honestly think she just doesn't like the robot." Annuciata then reminded her lover. "I will not go to war with Hyrule if this idea of yours cause strife. I told you and Queen Zarazu of that notion long ago before we started our relationship."

“No. She fears me. Kahli told me himself. And why? Because I happen to be the most powerful woman in the world? Because I took charge in saving my people?” Zannah scowled, looking out her window. “I don’t plan war with Hyrule over this plan to replenish the Waku tribe from the effects of genocide. Besides, Lord Malik and King Covarog, despite personal feelings, would never break off treaties due to some tantrum Zizi might throw if she ever discovered my architecture in rebuilding life Annuciata.”

"I won't stop you from carrying out your plan, though... I would suggest you not tell Zizi of it. Or have it where Kahli cannot tell her." Annuciata sighed, thinking this would not end well in the future. "She gave your island life because she wanted to do the right thing. Don't make her take it away."

“She knows I could burn what’s left of her precious island home left to ash if she dared try anything so foolish. Besides. She is a life giver, not a destroyer. The little green thumb might take life on a smaller scale as to preserve her own mortality, but she does not have the character to kill hundreds at a whim. But of course, as to give me less of an ear full, she will be kept in the dark.”

"I won't lie to you, love, I don't believe this is the best idea. Retaliation might be due later." Annuciata then placed her hands on Zannah's shoulders. "And even if Zizi fears you, I doubt she would ever try to hurt you. Just please be careful of your plan?"

“I will. The children will be kept on one of the colonized islands, to be raised far from the eye of Hyrule, and Zizi.” Zannah held Annuciata’s hand for support. “Some ideas can change the world for the better. But you have to steel your heart sometimes to make them work.”

"I understand, though... I just don't like hurting people." Annuciata then asked. "Please never let Zizi find out if you're going to do this. A woman scorned, well... hell hath no fury."

“Well, then Zizi would be far behind. My fury has burned brightly for years.”

Zannah turned to T0-D, tilting her head with a light sigh. “Tod. Go tell Kahli to come to the imperial palace.”

“Confirmation: As you wish master.”

Zannah started to disrobe, looking for her more powerful, armour attire. “Kahli and Zizi are actually here at the island on vacation. This no time like the present as they say.

"I still think this is a bad idea... just be careful, Zannah. While you have much fury yourself, Zizi is the earth sage." Annuciata kissed the Empress' cheek. "While fire can burn plants, earth can smother a fire." She then picked up the edges of dress. "I'm going to check on Eleonora. My breasts are about to burst. I'll see you in a bit?"

And her lightning would strike down like fury from god herself to make a final killing blow. “So soon? But the children just left. You sure?”

"I think it's just nerves, my love. I still don't like to be away from Eleonora for too long." Annuciata was honest with the Empress. "I trust Athena and Griffith with her, though it's like... this sense that I have. I have to see her and check on her or else, I feel unease. I suppose it's part of being a new mother."

Zannah smiled lightly, giving Annuciata a nod and kiss, now fully naked to the Queen mid dressing. “I understand that feeling well. Go see your daughter.”

"I'll return shortly." And before she exited the room, she made sure to give Zannah a harsh slap on the buttocks. "And that was for being a tease earlier." With that she strutted out of the bedroom.

Zannah growled lovingly back as the Queen made her way out with T0-D. Once alone with her own thoughts, however, she felt a bitter cold in her heart. The choices she’d come to shortly make would kill any chance of continued friendships... not that she ever has had true friends. Allies, advisors, rivals, enemies, a lover, family, but never friends. For the Empire, she would steel her heart and mind.

T0-D was rather quick in arriving at Kahli’s get away home. Only took an hour to sprint to the West side of the island. With a knock, he awaited compliance. “Statement: Kahli. Are you home? The Emperor requires your private attention.”

"You are being very naughty, you beast," Zizi giggled as Kahli kept kissing down her throat while she was trying her best to fix a cake. Yet, her husband, between nibbles on her neck, kept stealing cake batter. The two of them were celebrating Zarazu's latest gift to them; Hylian citizenship for Kahli. Her sister finally was able to convince Covarog to pull his head out of his ass and sign the official statement. "You have two sons, and three daughters, are you asking for another child---EEEK!" She jumped when he pinched her backside. "Okay, let's continue this in the bedroom---" And of course, there was an interruption. Her least favorite interruption from her least favorite mechanical nuisance. "No, he's not." she replied in an annoyed tone from inside the house. "Go away."

“Observation: I know you’re about to have sex. Your meat bag ritual can wait.”

Kahli had been cautious of his duel citizenship, not knowing how much validity it held. But the look he gave Covarog and him a geeky, yet meekly giving one of defeat in return was incredibly satisfying to relish. Perhaps Covarog’s unseen emotional blowout was the reason Zizi pushed for a vacation out to the Kikai Empire. At the Android’s interruption, Kahli sighed as well. “My dear Emperor can wait a little while, can she not?”

“Annoyance: An order is an order Kahli.”

The Waku walked to the door, getting his shoes tied.

"You'll come back as soon as you're done, right?" Zizi walked to the door with her husband. "Zarazu offered to look after our children until we return in a few days. Until then, I'd love to have you all to myself." She purred at Kahli, giving him a deep smooch on the lips. "Don't keep me waiting long."

“Of course, my dear. I’ll be back in a flash, so the expression goes.”

T0-D looked around inside the house, curious about their living arrangements. To be honest, he wasn’t impressed. “Assistance: Would you care for help with your baking, Zizi Slatki?”

"...? You? Bake?" Zizi wondered what foolish notion this was. She personally did not care for the robot. Yet, today, she was in a good mood. She supposed she could tolerate his company while Zannah spoke to Kahli. "Very well. If you'd like to help, I'm not going to turn down assistance. At least you won't eat all my batter like he does." She waved goodbye to Kahli. "Come on, you can help mix."

“Statement: Oh honey. I can do much more than mix.”

"Honey? Using pet names now? ... I'd ask if your wiring was messed up because this sounds too good to be true." Zizi motioned for Zizi to follow her over to the kitchen. "I don't suppose you know Zannah's favorite? Or Annuciata's? I heard that she was visiting and wanted to do something nice for them. Annuciata just had Eleonora a couple months ago, and a new baby is always cause to celebrate."

Kahli's journey to the imperial palace was about two and half an hours by horse, maneuvering his way through mountainous jungle path to reach the central territory. The Imperial Capital was a gigantic walled city now with its construction completed. Inside citizens of the Empire did industrial work, went to academies for learning, or trained in military drills. The Imperial Palace itself was a massive mansion, the size of two dozen city blocks in area sitting atop the mountain top with its own walls and gates present. By now, Kahli knew where to journey. Arriving at the throne room, Zannah awaited Kahli, giving him a smile. He in turn bowed respectfully. "My Emperor."

The Emperor sate on her silver throne, looking down at all who approached her. "Rise Kahli. I trust you and your wife are well."

"We are Emperor Zannah."

"Good. We won't waste one another's time, as I know trek amongst the island can be long on foot. I have summoned you here to give you a glorious task. The repopulation of the Waku tribes."

Kahli's eyes widened, surprise and shock being rare to him. Quickly, he narrowed his gaze, unsure how she would accomplish such a feat. "Zannah, I am all I know of my people left."

"I am acutely aware." She shot a pointer finger at him with the speed and intensity of an arrow. "You Kahli. You will repopulate them."

That surprised the man greatly. Kahli shook his head, even growling back at Zannah. "I have a wife."

"Kahli. We must all make sacrifices in service of the Empire. I made the sacrifice of my body to carry my children for the sake to carry on the royal line. You think you better than your Emperor?”

He shook his head once again, not meaning to be insulting. "No. I never did. But I can't do this thing. My bond to Zizi is the same bond you share with Annuciata. I cannot lay my hands on another woman." Turning to leave, he shook his head to cast away his inner disgust at the thought. Having his people back was something he never cared for. The dead could stay dead. "I can't do it."

"Kahli Slatki! Do you forget the life debt you owe me?" Zannah's words cut Kahli's departure clean in half, freezing his feet to the floor. "I spared your life when you came to kill me. In return, because of my generosity I allowed you to met Zizi. It was my will that allowed you to find love. It was my design that gave you the power of Exodrum. Now turn around, and take your place. Now."

She spoke to him in a low, scolding voice, lightly pointing her finger for him to take his place. A psychological command, a mental force in Kahli's soul compelled him to obey. Kahli turned around, his fingers squeezing into his palms, nearly bleeding them with his nails. "I cannot physically touch another woman Emperor. The mental strain alone-"

"Will be bypassed altogether. Kahli, you will simply provide the seed. I have planned this well." Their golden eyes stared one another down, a mental battle taking place between them. "Do you know what they did to me? Once I was forced to select a mate, doctors took a turkey baster, a turkey baster of all things, and they forcibly injected me. You see, we lacked proper medical equipment during the first decade after the war. I had to carry two children, children that nearly killed me at child birth, all for the sake of tradition. All you will need to do is be a provider of a sample."

"What then?" Kahli's chest felt heavy, his mind numbing him from lashing out or running away. A life debt was a part of honour, and honour was practically coded into the DNA of Hasai. He was compelled to hear her out.

"What then? You will have the benefit of never seeing the children. I know this necessary act would never fly with your stubbornly emotional wife."

"You would break her trust?"

"But not yours. Tell me Kahli? Am I breaking any code of ethics you hold? Any honour? Do you fail to see the significance of this project?"

Kahli searched deep, wanting to spit the most vile bile at her. Yet all he found was the truth. "No..."

"As an order, you will never reveal this project to any other living soul, let alone your wife. This is the command of your Emperor."

"I will obey." The most defiance Kahli held was a small, weak growl.

"Kahli. You are my subject. You are the future of the Hasai people within the Empire. Waku, Skorge, and all others in unity. Imagine that future. A tribe that could once again fuel the might of the Empire by giving it its spirit back. This is your role in the Empire Kahli. The resurrector. Not the killer."

Zannah truly believed her cause was just, and Kahli somehow knew she wasn't doing this out of spite, or pure cruelty. He sighed, already feeling the burden of keeping this secret from his wife even before he began. "How long must I do this?"

"Your life debt will be repaid when you help give birth to 1,579 new Waku." Kahli stared at her stunned, but Zannah simply continued. "Those are the amount of lives that were left when you came to assassinate me in the Empire. 1579 lives that'd been thrown to chaos and perished without my leadership. Once that task has been complete, you will have no further obligations to me, except to fight for the Empire in times of war."

"Zannah, that will take years. I can't-"

"You will. Or perhaps you will consider giving me all of your children once they reach the age of fifteen?"

"No! Anything but that!"

Zannah nodded, raising a palm for Kahli to be still. "Then you will comply. Your offspring will be taken to the colony islands where you and Zizi will never have to worry about them. Now, you will begin the process immediately, Kahli Slatki. I am sorry if this brings you any distress. I truly am. But this is for the greater good of the Kikai Empire."

A doctor in a white mask made herself know. With the rest of her medical equipment, Kahli couldn't tell what tribe she hailed from.

"This is Doctor Mercellus. She is one of five who will know the true origin of this plan. Accompany her, and by the time you are done, I will have invited Zizi over for a dinner."

"Yes, Emperor Zannah..." Kahli could barely remember what came next. He followed the doctor in a mental haze, arriving to a medical facility. She left, telling him to drop his pants and to fill the vials best he could. Next thing he knew he felt Zizi shaking his arm as they were in the palace dining hall. "What?"

"Kahli?" Zizi looked concerned. Her husband had been out of it since she arrived at the palace. There had been word sent to their home that Kahli would be occupied longer than usual. She figured it was paperwork or something tedious of the sort. "Are you sure you feel all right?" She put her hand on his forehead. He felt... clammy. "Are you feeling ill?" She whispered to him. "We don't have to stay for dinner if you don't feel up to it."

"Huh? Oh... No, I'm fine. The journey here and all the running around took me out of it for a moment." Kahli smiled, sounding like his normal self. A little dark, but honest.

"...? If you say so." Zizi still sounded worried.

"It's been quite a day for all of us," Annuciata spoke as she sipped on water, not drinking wine or fancy alcoholic beverages since she was still breastfeeding. "If you need to retire, we understand, don't we, Empress?" She turned to her lover. "After all, you know about how it is nice to have a break from the usual everyday life."

Zannah looked to Zizi, raising an eyebrow as she bit into a cookie. "You and Tod truly made these?"

"Conformation: I amazed the little Zemlja. Together, the kitchen was no match for our combined skill." Was the first time he called her by her tribe title, not opting for meatbag.

"He's actually pretty good at being an amazing helper in the kitchen. Though I told him we really didn't have to count how many chocolate chips were in a pound, but he insisted." Zizi told the Empress with a wide smile. "Who knew? Baking helped us turn over a new leaf. He's not too bad. I guess he views me as I view him. Tolerable. Right, Tod?"

"These are a delight, mmm." Annuciata nibbled on a cookie. "You should go open a bakery together."

Kahli stared at the cookie for a while. The look he received when he glanced at Zannah told him to enjoy his life. That this changed nothing between any of them. He nodded, taking a bite. "Hmmm. Incredible my dear."

"Too bad you can't eat of these." Zizi noted. "Makes me feel a bit guilty that you put in all the work and can't enjoy the outcome."

"At least you enjoyed making them?" Annuciata asked the robot. "You do feel 'joy', right?"

T0-D looked down to Zizi, his fingers tapping together in contemplation. There was suddenly a part of him that regretted making sure she stayed put at her home. It took only an instant to calculate his feelings. He was allowed to regret it, but for Zannah's vision, he'd do anything required. "Statement: You've never felt bad before for me. No need to start now. I feel joy in knowing that you enjoy the pleasantries of food."

"At least you two have called a truce." Annuciata remarked. "That's for the best."

"Like I said, he's more so tolerable now. Must be because Kahli and I have five children that can drive us up the wall sometimes." Zizi laughed. "But we do love them so much. Manaco, Ahusaka, Keira, Urboro, and Miku are all growing so fast. They'll be fine men and women one day. Just like your little Eleonora."

"She's already demanding." Annuciata mused. "Squeals when it's time for feeding or cries when she doesn't get her way."

Zannah chuckled, drinking mango juice to be fair to her lover. "I don't know if I'll ever have more children myself."

"Kahli has always wanted a big family, so we'll see if we have anymore." Zizi held her husband's hand. "Though the most important thing is that we are happy."

"Of course, my dear. You are my treasure." But after today, the weight of how many children Kahli would have weighed with the force of a sleeping giant on his mind. One that he wondered would ever awake to cause tragedy.

________________________________________________________________

Next Ch. https://mrneighbourlove.tumblr.com/post/611234309094948864/burnt-heart-ch-2-trust-thunderstruck

Co-Written with @ridersoftheapocalypse. Written for @s-kinnaly and all you passionate readers.

#Crossover #ridersoftheapocalypse #triggers for infidelity #D.R.A.M.A #Kahli #Emperor Zannah #zannah #Annuciata #Zizi #Hasai #Waku #T0-D

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mrneighbourlove · 4 years

Note

What initially drew Zannah to Annuciata other than her status as Queen of Danjur?

Fair question, with a different answer. Besides her blue eyes, it was indeed the status that drew Zannah towards Annuciata. However, what was more important to Zannah was the qualities of the Queen that kept her around. Annuciata was bubbly and high spirited, something Zannah didn’t see out of Hyrule or her own people. Annuciata wasn’t cold or judgemental of her, so there’s a warmth Zannah loves toward that. So for first impressions Zannah loved the control and properness Annuciata conducted around her, but it become the enthusiasm the Queen held that she latched onto.

#q&a #legend of zelda #ridersoftheapocalypse #Zannah #Annuciata #lovers

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mrneighbourlove · 4 years

Text

Fall of a Dynasty: Ch 5. God of War

There was a mountain of pancakes at the table. That could only mean one thing. There was good news. Eleonora eyed the breakfast and the additional guest. Manaco was here, and it had been a long while since she had seen him. Griffith was glaring at Manaco. Athena was flustered and kept her gaze downward.

"... did you knock you up, sis?"

"Eleonora!" Annuciata chided her daughter. "That is not appropriate at the table."

"What? It's just a question, I mean, Grif is glaring at him. Won't stop glaring at him."

Zannah laughed. I didn’t take long for Eleonora to dry her happy tears and clean up after seeing the Twins in a more recovered state. “No, no my dear. Athena just hasn’t had a slumber party if you catch my meaning before with another male.”

“Mother, please, that’s embarrassing. No little sister. We did not ‘do the do’.”

"Then why does Grif look like he wants to kill him? Who pissed in his orange juice?"

"Eleonora!"

"What?! Grif asked me that one time when I woke up grumpy.”

Griffith huffed, drinking down a glass of juice. “Tell me Manaco. What was all the noise you to had to make in the middle of the night then?”

"A pillow fight started by your sister. That I won, by the way." Manaco shot Athena an amused look, loving how this was bothering Griffith. "Feathers everywhere."

"And you didn't invite me?" Eleonora pouted. "That sounds fun!"

"Eleonora, Manaco and your sister wanted some time together."

"So?"

"So, what I mean by that is, Manaco and Athena are to be wed. They will become the next Emperor and Empress of the Kikai Empire."

Athena decided to drown her growing anxiety with pancakes and syrup. “I don’t think you wanted to be up when that demon snake was around.”

"... demon snake?" Eleonora looked even more intrigued, taking a long sip from her drink.

"Don't even think about it."

"I didn't even say---"

"I know you're going to ask for tissue samples to study and the answer is no. You're not going anywhere near him."

"Speaking of 'him', where is he?"

"... somewhere." Annuciata groaned slightly, knowing that the snake was exploring the castle, but keeping hidden.

“He’s unnerving, I won’t lie.” Zannah thought to use this time to discuss ‘friendly’ topics with Annuciata. “Did you know that he’s friends with Prince Ralnor and Princess Leere? Seems fitting.” Zannah didn’t even hide her disdain for the princess.

"There is something... off about him, I swear it." Annuciata did heard the bitterness in her lover's voice. "If he's friends with them, then I do not see how they have put up with a being like such for this long. Not to mention, if they know about him, they I'll wager the entire royal family does too."

“You think Hyrule has any more monsters in their closet?”

"I don't think it's a matter of if there are more, my love, I think it's a matter of if they are... for lack of better phrasing, not going to eat anymore." Annuciata finished her pancake and then said, "I really need to brush up on my Echidnan history. Not much is known about them, but still, any little bit helps---!!!"

Bonegrinder's long tail extended from the ceiling and stole a plate of pancakes. The Anagari was lounging... on the chandelier.

"This old snake will be happy to answer any questions, as long as they're not about the size of his dick."

"Bonegrinder!" Manaco scolded. "There are ladies present!"

“What is the matter with you? What kind of-” Zannah too, was furious by his comment. Especially with the talk of dicks in front of Eleonora. “You’re exactly the kind of foul creature I’d expect to live with the likes of those Gerudo men and Leere. Your manners are disgusting!”

"Oh, Bonegrinder does not live with the Gerudos nor the tiny princess," The Anagari unhinged his jaw and swallowed the contents of one plate whole, before returning the dish to the table with his tail. "And he only said such due to being asked before by others. You don't see this old snake asking how the sex was between you and queen blondie last night, do you? A common question in Omisha, but evidently not here." He then took the entire pitcher of orange juice with his tail as a drink. "So, when is the big day?"

"Oh... my..." Eleonora's eyes were as wide as the moon. "He's... that... that thing is huge!!! How does your body move like that with the caloric demand? Wait, how did you get so big? You do magic? What do others like you look like? How many years do you---"

"Goodness, chatty, are you, little one?" Bonegrinder chuckled. "Curious, are you?"

"Yes, very much so, I've never seen one of you!"

“Oh here we go...” Zannah rubbed her temple. “Bonegrinder, can’t you start your end of the bargain on the other half of our deal? Go on resonance or something?”

The fireplace flickered as Zannah took a drink of milk to wash down her food.

“You don’t have time to answer all her questions.”

"Oh, he did that last night." Bonegrinder finished off the orange juice and returned the pitcher. "The culprit is none other than your brother in the flesh, raised by one of Maker's children; Exodrum."

“Excuse me?” Zannah started to choke on her milk, white liquid staining the corners of her mouth as she coughed. “That’s quite the claim. What-cough-proof can you have?”

"If you do not believe this old snake, why don't you ask the part of Exodrum inside of you?" Bonegrinder shrugged, not wanting to debate her disbelief. "If not, he could always ask Vatra since she and Exodrum... get along, in their own way."

“I don’t think---” Zannah’s chocking suddenly turned ugly. Her chest burned, and she keeled over on the table. Immediately, both the twins were alarmed.

“Mother?!”

"Zannah, what's wrong?!" Annuciata bent down to touch her lover on the shoulders and yanked her hands away with a hiss. Just that light touch nearly scorched her skin.

"Hrm... been a while, hasn't it, old friend?" Bonegrinder slithered down the column supporting the ceiling from the chandelier. "Years and years..."

A black rock came out of Zannah’s throat, and from that rock the Silhouette of a man made out of pure fire the size of a giant towered over the gathering in the room. Its voice was low, yet carried when it spoke. And it was not happy. “You are a grand disappointment to me Zannah.”

The growl of an angry wolf boomed, and all the light in the room was generated around the avatar. Exodrum eyed Bonegrinder, and gave a snarl. “I see you ally with fallen gods, spirits and monsters Zannah.”

"Is that supposed to be an insult?" Bonegrinder grinned widely as the spirit spoke. "If he wished it, he could wipe you from existence. You know this, and so does he. Is that how you address your Maker?"

“This is how I address a snake who lost his family to war. This is how I address Bonegrinder, the coward who fled. Should I dare begin Maker’s failures in his war with Destroyer and Chaos. A war which the prize was a love you lost?”

Exodrum’s animal growls grew as he pointed at Annuciata. “This little creature is the one you love so much that you’d happily throw away the title of Emperor for? This little kindling? I could burn her so easily.” When Exodrum saw how terrified the Queen was he felt satisfied. “But I’m not here to punish her. I’m here to punish you Zannah.”

“On what grounds?” The Hasai did her best to position herself between Exodrum and the rest. Didn’t know what she could do to protect them though.

“You didn’t take more power when you pulled Kahli’s flame from him. You haven’t turned the Waku you breed from him into full killing machines. You allowed the Zemalji’s wench to undermine you in front of your people. My people. Worse, you allowed yourself to fall so far that you willingly gave the Empire away to Hyrule. To the land of the damned Goddesses. In short, you lost your fire for power. Do I sense objections from you mortals?”

"Bonegrinder and Maker are one for now, little flame." The Anagari flicked his tail back and forth menacingly, ready to strike if necessary. "Chaos was subdued, yet escaped his prison somehow. It wouldn't surprise this snake if you had something to do with it." When the fire spirit threatened Annuciata, the Anagari's eyes narrowed into slits. "You do not threaten innocents. Leave her out of this. Zannah made a deal with this one, and only this one. Say what you need to say and then go before he decides to throw you into a prison."

“But she made a pact with me first, little reptile. Now Ocho. You will not make the game so easy. If you truly believe that your path is what is needed for the Hasai, then you will not lend your power for an easy victory. Finally, Zannah, I deem you a failure. My gift, is no longer yours. Look into yourself. You’re such a welp you most likely didn’t feel it right away.”

Zannah indeed felt her power within. There was a void where there should have been warmth. “I...”

“Am nothing. Your godly magnified gift is gone. You are what you were as a child. I should strip you off all fire; I would have if it wouldn’t make the game dull. You are now only a spark, tiny as Vatra. I am interested to see how this civil war plays out.”

"Hrm, Vatra won't appreciate you insulting her." Bonegrinder tapped his tail on the floor. "He is sure she will send her remarks later."

“You’re no god little Reptile. Not anymore. You or your brother. But I look forward to seeing you try to reach those celestial heights again.” Finally he pointed to the Hasai, a cruel laugh echoing him. “Do well to entertain me. I look forward to family killing family. Hahaha!”

The fiery silhouette exploded outwards, cinders pelting Bonegrinder and Zannah as they shielded others. With that, the war god was gone.

"Hrm... Bonegrinder is beginning to think that perhaps Exodrum was one of Destroyer's children, and not Maker's." The Anagari brushed the cinders off his shoulders. "That deity is a dick."

Zannah frowned, comforting her frightened lover. She knew what needed to be done of her now. “I’m so sorry. But I need to go.”

"Go? Where?" Annuciata was latched onto Zannah like super glue, her grip so tight, it'd leave marks on the woman's skin. "No, no, no, no, no. No. Absolutely not. You're staying here. Right here. It's safe here... minus the big snake."

"Aw, thank you, insinuating Bonegrinder is dangerous, hehehe." The Anagari appeared to be flattered. "What a compliment."

"Where?" Manaco looked concerned. "Don't you think you need to attend to your daughter? Your son? We still need to discuss many things."

“We do. Griffith and Athena will stay here where it is safe for the time being. Bonegrinder will take Manaco and I back to his mothers. There, we will discuss with Zarazu and Rinku an immediate assault against Nihilus.”

Griffith looked a little pale. “The Demonic Dragon?”

“It has to be. If we don’t deal with him now, Exodrum might grow bored and give him an advantage.” Zannah tried to loosen herself from Annuciata. “You can let go now. I need to see this through.”

"Assault? Hehehe, you mean to actually fight him in your state, green lady?" Bonegrinder chuckled. "You know you will not win. You know, Bonegrinder could just eat him. He's done that before."

"Wait, I thought you said you didn't eat people." Manaco did not like the ex-empress ordering him around.

"No, not unless he feels like it. But he has in the past."

"... lovely." Manaco grimaced. "I am staying with Athena."

"And I'm not letting go, you're finally here and safe, I don't want you to go." Annuciata told Zannah. "We finally are together..."

“Annuciata.” Zannah didn’t like to do this to her, but she spoke in a low, commanding tone. Using her physical strength, she physically pulled herself out, but then clenched her hands around the Queen’s arms to keep her in place. “If Nihilus is alive, he could obliterate an entire continent. He almost did that very thing to Danjur long ago in the war against Hyrule. It’s my responsibility to stop him. I might not have the power of a Demi-God anymore, but I’m still a fighter. I wouldn’t go alone. And, when I come back...” She gently massages her arms to reassure her. “I can come back to you and grow old with you.”

"... I finally have you here after all these years and I don't want to lose your now. There's no guarantee that you will return." Annuciata tried to fight back tears. "All this craziness of deities and power and magic, I don't want anymore of it! I just want you and our family. That's all..."

Zannah held Annuciata’s head close to her throat, breathing softly. “I’ve never broken a promise. And I vow to you I’ll be back in less than three days. I promise you that.”

"You better... damn it, Zannah, why now? When everything was finally getting better..." Annuciata sighed, feeling trapped. "Our family is better, you can stay here and... soon enough, we'll have grandchildren."

At that remark, Manaco choked on his drink. Athena stiffened at the thought herself.

Zannah smiled. “Many. Alright then. Griffith, Athena, I hope you’re ready for your first visit to Hyrule. If Manaco insists on staying with his wife, then she’ll come along with us to your mothers.”

Manaco suddenly stiffened, realizing he had not told his mother about the 'happy news' of his upcoming wedding. "Oh Vatra and Zemlja help me, she's going to throttle me..."

“Bonegrinder. A portal to Hyrule if you may?”

Bonegrinder used his claw to rip open a portal, showing the destination right outside Zizi's and Kahli's house. "This old snake is going to check on his own children, then he will join you later."

Zannah gestured to the portal, ready to take her family with her. “Fine by me. Manaco darling? Lead the way.”

________________________________________________________________

Previous Ch. https://mrneighbourlove.tumblr.com/post/614060759069130752/fall-of-a-dynasty-ch-4-a-family-made-whole

Next Ch. https://mrneighbourlove.tumblr.com/post/614950440660074496/fall-of-a-dynasty-ch-6

Crossover with @ridersoftheapocalypse

#crossover #ridersoftheapocalypse #Exodrum #Hasai #Lorleidians #Zannah #Annuciata #Bonegrinder #Zizi #Rinku

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