章 18: The Great Flame Disaster
A few days have gone by and my stay at Pyroc has been a smooth sail aside from a few outliers. The day of the festival finally arrived, the entire kingdom excited and ready to celebrate the Great Flame Festival. As everyone was preparing to get everything ready, I sat with Inoka and Claire at the courtyard, enjoying the nice morning sun with them.
"Today is the day, The Great Flame Festival. I'm actually pretty nervous, and I've been practicing my speech and what to say during the festival but I'm pretty confident in myself," Claire said, her tone a mixture of excitement and nervousness.
"You'll do great, Sis!~ Ryoma and I will be there with you, plus even if you mess up, it won't be completely out of character," Inoka said, slightly teasing Claire and giggled
"Oh ha ha, you're very funny, Inoka," Claire retorted nearly immediately, giggling along with Inoka.
I chuckled softly and took a sip of my tea, gazing out into the open. "I'm sure you'll do great, my love. We've been preparing for this for a while and truth be told, I'm actually excited and nervous as well. There is always the possibility that Vesta won't answer."
"Yeah, I know.." Claire said, but kept a bright smile. "But even if she doesn't answer and I don't meet Pyroc, I'll still have you two and the kingdom~ There will always be next time."
I smiled at Claire then set my tea cup down. "However, with the offerings you have for th festival, there's is a 95% chance she will answer."
"95%? Where did you come up with those numbers?" Inoka asked, glancing at me.
"I am the Emperor of a Thousand Skills. I have Probability Perception, though I don't use it much. I used it yesterday and you have a rather high chance of meeting Vesta and Pyroc. I wouldn't look past that 5% chance though," I answered, my gaze shifting between Claire and Inoka.
"5% doesn't sound like a lot, but the future is never truly certain. However knowing my high chances, I'm placing my bets on the flames turning blue!~ If everything goes correctly, I would be the second person to ever see and bond with Pyroc!~" Claire said, her tone tinged with excitement.
As we continued to talk, we heard an explosion near the castle and quickly turned to look at the source. The maids hurried to the source of the explosion, noticing Cyra walking out of the hole in the wall, coughing and wiping away the soot.
"Oh dear..." Claire said with a soft chuckle and sighed.
"By the Gods...How many times to I have to tell you that mixing Explosive Materials like Kaiser Fire Clumps in a superheated environment like this will not work? They will explode upon mixing with other items!" Kolden scolded, crossing his arms as he looked at Cyra.
Cyra coughed and shook her head, getting all of the soot off her face. "C'mon! I wanna make a weapon with EXPLOSIVE damage! Like the missiles from my Feurig Rocket Launcher!"
"Are you serious?" Kolden said then sighed, slapping his forehead with the palm of his hand. "I swear the more I facepalm, the more braincells I lose and soon my IQ will be as low as yours.."
I watched and chuckled softly, noticing the maids cleaning the destruction of the castle. "Looks like the Apprentice is... learning more to say the least."
"That's definitely coming out of our yields," Claire said, letting out a soft sigh.
"Yeah...it's gonna cost an arm and a leg to fix a hole that big. We seriously need to invest in explosive proof walls for this very reason," Inoka agreed, shaking her head.
"No don't worry about paying a dime. I can fix it with just some simple Earth Manipulation," I said, standing up. "While I do that, you two better begin getting ready to set up for the festival~"
"Oh right! I've gotta get the offers ready and pick out a Festive Dress!~ C'mon Inoka, let's go inside and get everything ready," Claire said, quickly getting up.
Inoka nodded, standing up and pushing her chair in. "Right."
The two women walked toward me and kissed my cheek before hurrying off to the castle. I smiled at the two of them then began to make my way to the destroyed wall to help the maids fix the damages.
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After fixing the hole in the wall, I decided to get ready myself and began to prepare my best outfit for the festival. I decided on a nice red kimono with intricate designs and a yellow obi to match with the colors of my outfit.
As I prepared, I began to hear fireworks going off, an early celebration taking place in the city. I walked toward the window, leaning against the windowsill and watched the beautiful fireworks. I began to hear footsteps approaching, noticing Claire walking toward me.
"They are beautiful aren't they? The fireworks...I've always loved watching them since I was a little girl..~ They bring me so much joy even during the darkest of times," Claire said, her tone soft and gentle.
"They are quite beautiful. This entire kingdom is very beautiful, charming even. Everyone here is just so welcoming and nice. Ever since I showed up, no one has even judged me or given me any dirty looks. I like it here...I like it so much, I might even extend my stay..~" I said, softly chuckling.
"But what about your goal? Uthea won't conquer itself and if you take too long, someone else might conquer the other 18 kingdoms," Claire said, glancing up at me.
I smiled and shrugged my shoulders. "A conquest doesn't have a time limit nor does a legend. A few extra days won't hurt anyone truly and I'm sure if any other guy tries to conquer a kingdom they will find it quite difficult if unprepared. I don't mind sticking around a few extra days.."
Claire smiled at me, gently holding my arm. She held my cheek and caused my gaze to meet hers. "If that's the case, my kingdom is also your home. I would highly enjoy it if you stuck around longer..~ Inoka would as well..~"
I returned her smile, gently brushing her hair behind her ear. "Well your in luck..~ I'll extend my stay a few extra days..~"
Claire felt a pang of happiness in her chest, her heart beating with a lovestruck intensity. She pulled me down and pressed her lips against mine for a passionate, deep kiss. I kissed back with the same intensity, holding her closely. We kissed for a moment, the fireworks offering a nice backdrop to our intimate moment.
Claire pulled away to catch her breath, her cheeks growing red from the heat of passion she felt. She smiled at me and giggled softly. "I just can't get enough of you..~ I feel kinda bad because I feel as I'm keeping you from my sister from time to time.."
I chuckled softly, keeping her close to me. "Don't worry, I know how to multitask..~ I'll be sure to give her extra attention after the festival..~"
"You better, I don't want to feel guilty for having you all to myself, even though I really want you to myself..~ I already still feel guilty for duping her for Queen Status due to the rules and regulations of the Royals...I promise to share more fairly," Claire said, her voice soft and barely above a whisper.
"And I promise to keep giving her equal affection..~ Now let's get ready and head to the city to enjoy the festival with our people," I replied, planting a kiss on her forehead and let her go.
"Okay..~" Claire giggled, closing her eyes as I kissed her forehead.
The two of us began to get ready for the festival, putting on our festival clothing and helping each other get dressed. We played and teased each other for a moment while we got ready, sharing softly laughs and teases.
Once we got ready, the two of us left our bedchambers and made our way outside. Stepping outside, I whistled for Nebula and waited for her to come. Nebula neighed as she galloped toward us, her saddle and bridle appearing on her body. I mounted her back, helping Claire on Nebula's saddle as well then waited for Claire to get comfortable.
With a snap of Nebula's leash, Nebula galloped to the city and Claire wrapped her arms around my waist to keep herself steady on Nebula's back. She leaned against me and closed her eyes, letting the wind hit against her face as Nebula raced to the city.
We made it to the Pyroc Central and admired the various decorations of the city, noticing paper-mache dragons that were shaped like Pyroc and the various streamers that ran across the buildings. In the heart of the city, the Great Torch was displayed and a giant candle sat in front of it, its golden color shimmering in the sunlight.
"Sis! Lord Ryoma!" Inoka called out to us, waving her hand to grab our attention.
I stopped Nebula and she whinnied, stopping in her tracks and allowed us to get off her back. I held Claire's hand and made my way to Inoka. "Hey, you got here pretty early."
"I couldn't wait to set off some fireworks~ Oh yeah, here goes your festival masks~" Inoka said, handing me and Claire a mask adorned with golden feathers. "I managed to convince Cholra to grant me more of his feathers, he's actually sitting stop of that building."
I took the mask then looked back, noticing Cholra preening his feathers and sitting next to Phoenix, the two of them watching over the festival. I chuckled softly and walked toward the building. "Hey!"
Cholra stopped preening, looking over at me then groaned softly. "It's you, Human. Surprised that you're still here.."
Phoenix chirped at Cholra, telling him to forget about the fight and actually be nice for once.
"I refuse to be nice to a human that isn't bonded to me. A human that utterly embarrassed me at that," Cholra said, turning away and small embers escaping his beak.
I chuckled softly and shrugged my shoulders. "Still a sore loser I see. I can't say I am surprised."
Cholra's eye twitched and he was about to respond but Phoenix used her wing to stop him. He sighed and turned his head away. "Begone human. You have two fiances to worry about instead of pestering me."
I chuckled and looked back at Inoka. "Yeah, he's still a sore loser."
Inoka giggled and noticed a massive fireworks being set off. She and Claire looked up at the sky, noticing the large firework taking off into the sky.
"Take cover!" Kolden called out, diving to the ground.
The firework exploded in the sky, the explosion shaking the ground and releasing large sparks. The sparks began to rain down, everyone taking cover while Cyra laughed that her creation was a success.
"Haha! Yes! No one will ever make a firework as impressive as mine!" Cyra boasted, looking back at Kolden and giving him a smirk. "Those Kaiser Fire Clumps did come in handy after all!"
"Ugh.." Kolden sighed, lowering his head.
Milcham pat his shoulder and chuckled softly. "You have one rebellious, dangerous, and explosive sister...she's a danger to us all."
Elisa nodded with Milcham's statement, not knowing he was teasing and wholeheartedly agreeing that Cyra was a menace in her eyes.
Kolden looked at the two then chuckled softly, letting out a soft sigh. "Yeah, but she's found her element I suppose. Volatile Equipment, I suppose..."
I lowered my barrier and chuckled softly, crossing my arms. "Geez, if I didn't know better, I would've thought a bomb had been set off."
"You're telling us, I was on the verge of thinking we were under attack.." Inoka sighed, standing up straight.
Claire smiled as she looked at Cyra, standing up straight and fixing her clothes. "I'm glad she's having fun."
The festival continued, each of us exploring the area and indulging in different foods, games, and watching the many performances. The laughs around us filled the air, the environment sporting a joyful energy and the anticipation for the ceremony and ritual had us all even more ready.
As the time passes, Claire and Inoka decided it was time to start the ceremony and ritual, making their way to the Great Torch and Sacred Candle. I watched them, standing beside Nebula who was happily enjoying being fed by the children. The people around began to grant Claire and Inoka their attention.
Claire took a deep breath, calming her nerves then gave everyone her signature smile. "People of Pyroc! Thank you all for coming to the Great Flame Festival, and I hope you all aren't enjoying your time here! I would like to begin with an announcement."
"In a few days, I along with my sister will be engaged to Lord Ryoma and for the first time in Pyroc History, there will be two Queens!" Claire announced, noticing the reactions of her people.
A few heads turned to look at me, noticing me leaned against a wall with my arms crossed. I looked at them with a smile, waving at them.
"I know this comes off as shocking news, but I hope you will accept this decision and accept Ryoma as not only a King, but your protector! He's done a lot for us since his arrival and I know he's the perfect one for us," Claire continued, her gaze meeting everyone in the crowd's.
As her announcement finished, cheers began to erupt around, everyone accepting Claire's decision and the upcoming marriage that will soon happen. As the cheers died down, Claire stepped forward and grabbed the Great Torch.
"Now onto the ritual! We will start with the lighting of the Sacred Candle!" Claire said, holding the combustible side of the torch to her chest. "O' Great Torch, allow us to see your flame once more. Use my Soulblaze to light your head and allow your flame to bring life to the Sacred Candle once more."
After Claire's prayer, a soft flame emerged from the middle of her chest, lightning the Great Torch and she brought it to th Sacred Candle, lightning it up. Once the candle was lit, she set the torch in its holder then summoned her three offerings.
"The ore that was used to craft Vesta's Sword, Gravis Flamma. I offer Vesta, The Goddess of Eternal Flames, this Diamond Pyrock," Claire said, tossing the ore into the flames.
"Next, the flower that is said to bring eternal warmth to one's soul. I offer thee, the Soldew from Phoenix Islands," Claire continued, tossing the Soldew into the flames.
"Finally, the one artifact that brings me closer to Vesta. Her wings are my wings, so I offer Vesta her wing in hopes they become mine physically," Claire finished, tossing Vesta's Wing into the flames.
I watched the ritual then noticed my Crest of Manami glowing brightly. I looked at my hand then noticed Manami fly toward Claire, deflecting a beam of dark energy. I got off the wall then looked around for the attacker.
Claire looked surprised to see Manami in front of her, stumbling back in shock. "Wha—"
Before Claire could register the events that ensued in front of her, the flames became an azure blue, the Goddess of Eternal Flames blessings Claire with the chance to meet Pyroc. A roar was heard and the volcano behind the castle began to activate, its rumbles shaking the ground beneath us.
"Claire get down!" Inoka warned, tackling Claire to the ground and allowing her to evade another dark energy beam.
The sudden attacks startled the citizens of Pyroc and they began to retreat from the area. Milcham and Elisa began to immediately spring into action, taking everyone to a safe area whole Kolden took Cyra to a safe location.
I looked around then sensed a presence behind me, looking back and noticing a woman standing behind me. I glared at her, realizing she was the one who was trying to assassinate Claire.
The woman exuded an air of sophistication and confidence, with a touch of modern edge. She had short, dark hair styled in a chic bob, and her gaze was sadistic and calm, suggesting a person who was both dangerous and self-assured.
Her attire blended traditional and contemporary elements. She wore a high-collared, sleeveless red dress with intricate patterns, reminiscent of a cheongsam, giving her a classic and elegant look. The dress was form-fitting and stylish, emphasizing her poise and grace. Over her dress, she wore a black jacket draped loosely over one shoulder, adding a modern, casual flair to her ensemble.
Her accessories were minimal but impactful. She had a few delicate hairpins in her hair, and her fingerless gloves added a touch of practicality and toughness to her otherwise refined appearance.
"My, my~ I'm sorry to ruin such a wonderful festival, but I must be the harbinger of bad news..~ Queen Claire is ours for the taking, Emperor Ryoma," The woman said, her tone both sadistic and taunting.
"Claire!" Inoka called out.
I turned around and noticed Claire passed out in the arms of Alastor, my eyes widening in shock. I grit my teeth then dashed toward Alastor. "You let her go right now, Alastor!"
Alastor smirked at me then warped toward the woman and chuckled softly. "My apologies, Ryoma...but I must take Claire and Pyroc for myself. Vesta has given her a chance to see Pyroc...and frankly I need Pyroc for my plans. I hope you can understand.."
I turned toward Alastor, my gaze intense with fury and my eyes shined a dark blue. I could feel my heart pounding in anger, The Tyrant within wanting to break out. I balled my hands into fists, my nails digging into my skin, my veins growing from my arms.
"If you want to see your precious fiance again, meet us at the Sanctum of Flames. I'm sure you all call it the Inferno Cave or Pyroc Volcano. I'll be sure to be patient... because I want you to watch me take everything away from you again..." Alastor chuckled, summoning a dark portal behind him and the woman.
The two stepped backwards and disappeared into the portal then the portal closed. My eye twitched with annoyance, my rage growing even further.
"Ryoma, we need to hurry to the volcano and save Claire! I know a shortcut to the location!" Inoka said, grabbing my arm.
I looked at Inoka then nodded, hurrying toward Nebula. Nebula transformed into her Alaricorn Form then neighed loudly and with urgency. I mounted Nebula's saddle then she flapped her wings, propelling herself into the air.
"This way!" Inoka said, flying toward the volcano on Phoenix's back.
Nebula neighed and flew after Phoenix.
'Alastor...I will not allow you to get away with this. I won't let what happened in Yesha to happen here. I will kill you,' I thought, my gaze intense and felt The Tyrant breaking out of his cage slowly.
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