• The Reluctant King
    Chapter 1

    The Ikara Empire, a prosperous realm in wealth, magic, and military strength. No other kingdom had dared to challenge them in 400 years within their 5984 years of history. Recently however they have been called to war with the Tristan Kingdom. Its end was brought when the second prince Cloud Ikara stormed the capital of the kingdom and took it over. A document had come forth after a month pass making both kingdoms to cease all warfare eternally. Yet, within the Ikara castle a day of mourning has come. Both King Marakov Ikara and crown prince Zenaku Ikara had died from poisoning. Within this Cloud Ikara had all the responsibilities of the king thrust upon him.

    In his newfound throne Cloud sits awaiting the for his advisors to enter. In this arc of time he remembers what has happened within the last three years of his life. The war its end and the deaths of his fraternal twin Zenaku and his father. He is a reluctant king not knowing anything but the basics of politics. His eyes closed deep in thought about the first day before the war had started.

    “Zenaku, would you like to spar within the courtyard?” Cloud queried with a small comical grin on his face.

    “No, I am still in pain from our last spar,” Zenaku retorted with displeasure. “You need to learn to hold back.”
    Cloud’s grin faded at Zenaku’s response. It was true he never held back in a fight but fighting was all he knew. Marakov only intended for him to aid Zenaku as the head of the military.

    “I guess I’ll get one of the soldiers to fight me.” He dejectedly said as he began to walk away. Night had fallen within a few hours as the guards patrolling the borders were unaware of the large army passing through the borders towards the largest city in the empire.

    In the dead of night explosions are heard all around the city of Kouketsu. Mages and soldiers had stormed the city openly declaring war on the Empire. Crying of infants filled the ears of the Ikarian defense as they tried to stop the menace but failing with the mages magic, and the soldiers force. One soldier had fled the attack heading for the capital city to warn the king.