How in the world did he get here, stuck behind his king in front of the representatives of the United Universal Congress, all of them staring at him, awaiting his words while he prepared to speak? Kal liked to think he was pretty important, being one of the King of Salaven’s three personal guards, but he’d never wanted to be this important in his life. He’d dropped off Lavimo and Haven back at Lilino and thought that would be the end of his problems for a while, only for Cadence to summon him and ask him to be the one to explain everything that had truly gone down with Princess Arcadia… which, there were several reasons why that fucked him over, reasons that he wouldn’t get into… though it’d be better just to watch.

  The United Universal Congress was built on the alliances of over a thousand different universes and ten times more planets, making it the biggest alliance in history that covered the most land, people, and space in the world. And in this alliance, there were six planets who led the masses, who each took care of a portion of the universes within their alliance by sending them supplies when necessary or lending over warriors, healers, or even teachers, all in exchange for their loyalty and support. Though, there were only five of those figurehead planets now… Viscendant had once been one of them, but four-hundred and thirteen years ago, the apocalypse had destroyed it and killed its leaders. Vahalli had been the planet’s Queen and ruler, a strong woman who was known to have harnessed incredible intellect. She wasn’t a fighter, and she didn’t have any offensive concepts, but she had harnessed the concept of intelligence like none other. Nico Aixon had been the planet’s King, Queen Nadia Aixon’s younger brother, who, before his death, was once a very chipper and lively young man who would do anything for his family and planet. And he truly was loyal to the very end. Those two were Lavimo’s late parents, the deceased Queen and King of the ruined Viscendant… many people held them in respectful memory.

  Then there was Monotum, the planet of sand. Queen Nikiva was a fierce ruler who led her planet with an iron fist, who always expected the best out of her recruits. She had short, platinum blond hair braided down her neck and around her face, the light color contrasting with her dark, mahogany skin. Black and red tattoos were inked along her arms, neck, and chest, covering every square inch of her body in intricate patterns. And then there was her wife, Saffra Cogmeli, who was known for her beautiful voice that could fill a person’s sorrowful heart with joy as well as her intricate design work and architecture. She was a very tall, powerful looking woman who had long, dark hair and soft chocolate skin. And of course, there were their two children… their eldest, Kimith, and their second child, Nivi. Kimith was in line to be the next leader of Monotum, although he was much more timid than his mothers. Kallan had overheard the two women arguing over him once, in fact… Nikiva had been saying that Saffra spoiled him too much and was too soft on him, while Saffra claimed she did it because Kimith wasn’t the type to grow under harsh conditions… but, oh well, Kal still liked to think he knew best when it came to his closest friend.

  Next there was Betalina, the planet of the stars. They were obsessed with starlight and there were many cults circulating this planet that worshiped the night sky, but their leader, King Ophiuchus Deliuras, was a very sensible man. He had an artistic side and often spent lots of his free time painting landscapes and fawning over beautiful scenery, but when it came to the battlefield, he could be quite cruel. If an enemy had done him wrong even just slightly, he had no qualms torturing them to death, so he had made many enemies of planets outside the United Universal Congress by dealing blows back thrice as hard as they’d done to him. However, since he had such powerful allies, no one could really do anything to stop him. He’d had to be kept in check by Nadia and Cadence several times before, so Kal just figured they were lucky he always listened to them and never broke any of his promises. When push came to shove, Ophiuchus always did what he said he would, so he was very reliable. He also shared the signature features of his home planet’s royalty… pale white skin, fluffy white hair, and starry violet eyes. He had stunning features, and had won the title of most beautiful King out of the six main factions while Saffra had won most beautiful Queen. The two were close friends, actually, so maybe that had something to do with it.

  And after that there was Ovin… the planet of unions. Everyone on this planet bonded with an animal companion when they were young, who would end up being linked to their lifespan. Kal, back when he visited this planet often, had actually made a companion of his own with a young black panther. He visited her when he could, and would relax at Ovin’s palace whenever he had the time. Why did he seem so familiar with a planet that wasn’t his, you ask? Well… Leocadies came from there. And Leo’s mother was Queen Lizana. After all, he and that brat had always been close friends before he’d decided to go off and fake his death, so Queen Lizana and King Odipius always welcomed him there. They were very friendly people, always kind and nurturing towards him, especially after he’d been disowned by the Sanguin family. Lizana was a beautiful woman with deep caramel skin and dark brown hair, while Odi shared Leo’s bright ginger colors that appeared to turn into flames whenever the sun touched them. Seeing those two kind people here, along with their three daughters, Bethabelle, Listina, and Mana, Kallan felt a bit guilty about what he was here to tell them… about the information he’d been hiding for so long. But for now, he just smiled and waved.

  And then of course there was Salaven, the planet of gardens, led by King Cadence. He was the former leader of the United Universal Alliance, before he’d retired after Arcadia’s death and resigned himself to simply being one of the other four figureheads while handing off the position to Nadia. Everyone understood why… he’d lost his wife and his daughter, the only family he’d ever had. His parents had also died many years ago, and he had no other children. Cadence only had himself. Of course, he still continued to house his deceased wife’s family and would often dote on his niece, Artemis, with whatever she wanted. Though no one could deny he didn’t look quite as well as he used to. But, recently, after learning that his son was still alive, he’d been looking much happier. His platinum blond hair began to look shiny again, his green eyes regained some sparkle, his soft peachy skin began to look healthy again. Perhaps everyone could tell that he looked a bit more energized than normal, which Kal could tell the crowd thought was odd, since Cadence was the one who had called his meeting. They’d all been expecting something grave, Kal figured… too bad it was essentially him jumping into a coffin and throwing himself into his grave.

  Of course, Nadia still looked as regal as always. Queen Nadia Aixon of Lilino, ruler over the planet of bravery, with her husband, Didimitri Korule, and her eldest child, Nefion, sitting in chairs right behind her. All of the important figures were here, just as Cadence had asked for. Except for Cirrus, that is.

  “Excuse me… but I happen to notice that we’re missing somebody important, your highness,” Ophiuchus smiled in his throne at the roundable, leaning on his elbows to prop his head up in his hands. “Where’s our little prophecy boy?”

  “He will not be joining us today, I’m afraid,” Nadia retorted coldly, hands clasped in her lap as she leveled her gaze at all those who were looking her way. “My son is on a very important quest right now. I would like to discuss the contents of it with you as well, hence why I think this meeting is a good idea. But of course, let’s have Cadence tell us what he needs first before I get ahead of myself,” she nodded towards the other, giving him the fresh cue to start while Kallan stood right behind his king’s chair, awaiting the moment he’d be called to speak.

  And he stepped forward when he saw Cadence’s hand wave him over, stepping to take his place beside him while his leader began to introduce what was happening. “Of course. My personal guard and captain of my troops is here today to explain things on my behalf. He is far more knowledgeable and familiar with the situation than I am, so I think it’s best that he explains what I have just recently discovered.”

  The action caught many people’s attention, Lizana giving the King of Salaven a curious look before she went to turn her attention towards Kal. “You know, it’s disgraceful not to be on the field with your subordinates, Cadence,” the Queen of Ovin frowned, before she quieted herself when she saw Kal give a small shake of his head.

  “That’s not it, my Queen, don’t worry. What I’m about to say has nothing to do with war or strategies or anything like that. I’m merely here to reveal information I’ve been hiding from you and keeping to myself for the past four hundred years,” he explained, Lizana’s frown deepening at that as Nikiva slouched back in her chair.

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  “What’ve you been hiding so long that’s so important? You couldn’t even get out of bed three hundred years ago, don’t play games with me,” the Queen of Monotum snapped, but Kal just continued to keep his head low.

  “I understand why you might think that, so I’ll get straight to the point. I don’t want to drag this out either, so…” he sucked in a breath, bringing his hands behind his back before he lifted his chin, staring off at the wall behind such important people as he recited what he’d resigned himself to telling. “Princess Arcadia, Kyavir Sanguin, and Leocadies of Ovin are all alive. I’ve known they’ve been alive for over four hundred years and didn’t say anything. I’m willing to take any punishment.”

  “Kallan!” Kimith immediately jumped up from his seat behind his mother, looking frightened out of his mind while the black-haired man shrugged.

  “If you want a list of other people who knew, then Kimith knew as well… as did Adona, Seffi, and Artemis. As far as I’m aware, that’s it though. I’ll give you all a moment to breathe before I start explaining how they’re alive, what really happened that day, and everything else I know.”

  Of course, after hearing that, everyone couldn’t help but be silent. It sounded like such an absurd confession, so it wasn’t surprising to him. Kal watched as Kimith was forced to carefully sit back down in his chair at the wave of Nikiva’s hand, the woman’s face unreadable while Lizana and Odi gave him careful looks, like they didn’t know how to process what he’d just told them. Bethabelle, their eldest daughter, looking to be fuming in her seat, but she knew better than to speak as Lizana slowly leaned forward. “Tell me more,” she requested quietly, voice still cordial as Kal gave another nod.

  “Of course. In my defense, I had no clue the three of them had faked their deaths or even what their plan was until after they’d already done it. Though I will say that Arcadia did actually die. But, by using the concept of anything, she revived herself and turned herself into a man. So I will now be referring to her as a him, to clarify. Anyways, moving on,” he reiterated, the entire room staring at him like he’d just grown three more heads, but Kallan pretended not to notice. “Arcadia faked all of their deaths and the three of them ran away, but I don’t know where. At first, all Cadence knew was that Arcadia had probably used the concept of anything and accidentally killed herself, Kyavir, and Leocadies, as well. That’s what Cadence has thought until just recently, and that’s what I thought at first, too.”

  “But apparently, somehow, Leocadies learned the concept of telepathy in between the time he faked his death and when he heard me trying to kill myself. The only reason I figured out he was still alive was because Leo spoke into my mind to try and convince me out of it. I thought I was hallucinating, since he’d never had the concept of telepathy before, so it didn’t stop me. So he went and got Adona, spoke into her mind, and she stopped me instead. That’s how she figured it out, as well. After that, I was put into custody and was monitored twenty-four-seven by both Adona and Kimith, as you all know. During that period of time, Leocadies would often try to talk to me. He’d try to tempt me to get out of bed, or to do something, or do anything. Eventually, he told me that Arcadia and Kyavir were still alive as well. I was going to tell Lizana and Cadence everything when I heard that their children were still alive, but… Leocadies asked me not to. So I didn’t. And I didn’t really have the energy to do it, either. So I just tried to forget about it.”

  It was silent again when he stopped his story, Kal’s choppy storytelling throwing everyone a bit off guard. Lizana was staring at the table, brows furrowed while Odi observed his wife with concern. Nikiva had turned around to look at Kimith, as if asking for confirmation, but all her son did was give a small nod, so she turned back around and folded her arms over herself. It wasn’t until Ophiuchus spoke up did everyone begin to focus again, the man looking a bit incredulous as he leaned himself over his side of the table to sneer at Kal. “I’m sorry, that’s a nice story, but you’re gonna need more proof than that to back up some of your claims. Arcadia using the concept of anything to revive herself? That’s unheard of. How are you supposed to give us evidence for something like that?”

  “...I have to agree with that statement,” Nikiva nodded, gaze turning to stare at Lizana before shifting back towards Cadence. “I mean, I’d like to believe as much as anyone that Arcadia and Leocadies are still alive, but this story is… a bit much to believe. Honestly, Lizana, what do you think? Cadence seems to think this is the truth, so I won’t question him, but Leocadies is your son, so it’s your opinion that matters the most here.”

  It took a moment for Lizana to pick herself up off her hands, straightening her back to look at Kal, who still appeared expressionless in front of her. But internally, he was trying to gauge what the woman must be feeling. Her face looked twisted and strained, but not quite angry, and that was a bit unsettling for him. He didn’t know how to react when people didn’t angry for something he’d done that had hurt them. Especially when Lizana leaned back and gave a small, meek question, “Kallan… if this is true, then… are you and my son still… a couple?”

  “Uh… no,” he answered slowly, barely able to keep his face stoic as he shook his head. “He broke up with me. He said I needed someone who could actually be there for me, and that long distance would be bad for my health. Although he did check in with me a lot despite that, so eventually I got annoyed and told him to stop contacting me.”

  “And… did he stop contacting you?” Lizana questioned further, Kal giving a small shrug.

  “No, not really. He messages me at least twice a week.”

  “I see… and, and Cadence,” Lizana turned towards his king, the man having been awfully quiet before she addressed him. “All this time, you thought… that your, your son, had killed my son. Why didn’t you tell me?”

  Now that was certainly something to ask. Kal watched it as his king lowered his head, great shame wafting over his features as he squeezed his hands together in his lap. “Ah… because I didn’t want to sully Arcadia’s name,” he answered honestly, Lizana leaning back in her chair as she began to think again.

  It was quiet once more while she seemed to be processing everything, Cadence’s answer obviously swimming in her mind. It made sense why he’d done what he did. Most parents in this room could admit they would probably do the same thing if they were to ever be in his situation. But to use the concept of anything… and to revive yourself after death… were things that were unheard of. Lizana didn’t know what to think.

  Though, before she could find the words to speak, Nadia coughed lightly into her fist, the entire room turning to face her at her subtle way of grabbing attention. And their leader, Queen of Lilino and head of the Central Domain Alliance, was facing them with a rather sly smile, before she got straight to the point. “This story is true. I don’t have any proof that it’s truly the concept of anything that Arcadia is wielding, but I have met him, and I have met Leocadies and Kyavir as well. Not too long ago, in fact. Cirrus brought the three of them home after Arcadia helped them locate another enemy base,” she smiled pleasantly, although it still looked quite wry coming from her. “Arcadia is calling himself by the name of Feather now, just so you know. He didn’t tell me who he was, but it was obvious. I even transferred my memories into memory shards to prove it to you, since I know it would be hard to believe just my words…” she explained, reaching into her lap underneath the table to pull out a handful of glass sheets wrapped in cloth. And she slowly used her concept of telekinesis to float one shard to each of the five other groups in the meeting room so that they could see the faces of the three they’d thought to be dead for over four centuries.

  And she smiled towards Cadence, almost provoking in her words as she inquired, “This is your son, is it not? Honestly, I don’t think he’s a fool. I think he knew that by acting the way he did, I would immediately clock him as the long dead Arcadia. I think he wanted me to know for a reason. Maybe he thought I would tell you about it, and maybe he thought this information would somehow get back to everyone in this room,” she smiled, elegant and regal in her posture as everyone watched the memories roll. The screen zeroed in on Arcadia’s face… on Kyavir’s… on Leocadies’. And Lizana’s eyes were wide and glossy, stuck on her son’s every movement as he opened the door for the prince he served within the shards and stood behind him while he talked and asserted himself, a perfect guard in every way.

  Kal watched the memories too, although somewhat halfheartedly. He didn’t know what he’d been expecting this meeting to turn into, considering what they wanted to say sounded so absurd and they had no proof for it. But watching Leo move and smile, watching Kya pull out her lord’s chair while protecting him with her presence… he missed them both more than he was willing to say out loud. But the more he missed them, the more betrayed he felt. And the more betrayed he felt, the more he never wanted to see them ever again. But maybe that could be arranged. Cadence might’ve spared him, but now he was in front of four other rules who were very different from the man. Some were more aggressive, like Nikiva and Ophiuchus. Some played by the rules and twisted them to their advantage, like Nadia. And some were like Lizana, someone who’d probably been grieving for so long because she thought her son was dead, and Kal had known the truth but never said anything. They all had good reasons to give him the death sentence, didn’t they? But, well, if he died here… so be it. Honestly, what else did he have going for him anyway?