THE FOURTH MONARCH

"THE ROGUE PRINCE EDWARD AUGUSTUS MARKVERSON' and his companions, there's no use in running anymore. You're completely surrounded."

The soldier's voice echoed through the tense air, his words carrying a weight that hung heavily over the surroundings, reflecting his authority, leaving no room for doubt or negotiation.

"Before you start thinking of any heroic escape, surrender, you might just be lucky enough to be granted an easy death. Trust me, it's better than facing the alternative."

Taking a deep breath, Prince Edward straightened his back and stepped forward, "I will surrender, Yahico you take the kids and run" Edward was calm.

Yahico on the other hand, observed the children, displeased. Their silence and the sight of Ray embracing Amila, desperately trying to hold back tears, only intensified his remorse. As he continued to witness their pain, he couldn't help but feel responsible for their suffering.

"I surrender, you run!" Yahico too was adamant.

"Yahico, please, we don't have time for this right now. You have to get the kids to a safe place," Edward said with a sense of urgency, attempting to push Yahico and the children toward the back. He held onto the hope that, at the very least, they would survive. In a situation like this, where no one knew what the children looked like, having Yahico take care of them provided a sense of comfort. He was trustworthy and had a unique gift - the ability to bring peace to even the most dire circumstances. The children would feel at ease in his presence.

Yahico on the other hand had no intentions to go along with Ed's fantasies; he casually pushed Edward back... The sound of Ed falling on the floor echoed through the room, disrupting the silence... he fell?

He ( Yahico ) then took a step back, his expression remaining stoic.

As He stood over Edward, his expression stern and unwavering. It seemed that his calm demeanor hid a hidden strength, one that took Edward by surprise. As he lay on the floor, Edward couldn't help but question whether he truly knew Yahico at all.

Edward was still recovering from the shock of being effortlessly pushed to the ground, struggled to find his words. He never imagined that Yahico possessed such physical prowess, he looked so delicate?

Before Edward could make sense of what had just happened or even attempt to get back on his feet, Yahico had left.

Emerging from the confines of the tent, his gaze met with the soldier's, their eyes locked. Yahico's demeanor remained composed as he faced the soldiers.

The soldiers, taken aback by… 'well you know how the guy looks like_author' , hesitated for a moment before regaining their composure.

The children that looked at the adults arguing over who will run and who will stay just a moment ago, were dead silent, now that they saw Yahico leaving for death head on, they were turning white. 

"Can you not just return and pretend you never saw them?" With a calm yet commanding voice, Yahico addressed the soldiers.

The soldiers exchanged glances, uncertain of how to proceed. They had expected a confrontation… but 'Who was this child?'

The head soldier stepped forward cautiously, eyeing Yahico warily. "Who are you?". The soldier was looking at Yahico confused.

Yahico did not care about the other soldiers, ignoring the fact that they had already surrounded him.

He continued "I'm giving you a chance here"

"What chance?" the soldier was polite.

Edward and the kids rushed out of the tent by now, following Yahico, their hearts pounding in their chests.

Taken aback by what they were witnessing. Yahico, was engaged in a seemingly friendly conversation with the very people they were trying to escape from. Confusion and disbelief washed over them, as they struggled to comprehend what was happening?

Suddenly, the atmosphere grew tense once again as the young lad's eyes darted past the soldiers, his expression a mix of worry and anxiousness. His voice trembled as he uttered in a grim tone, "i told him to keep him busy!", his voice barely above a whisper.

Yet still his words filled with such apprehension raised their own concerns.

"What's the matter?" one of the soldiers asked, his voice laced with worry.

Yahico hesitated for a moment, his eyes flickering with uncertainty before… as a figure slowly started to solidify before their eyes,

It's presence commanded attention.

With bated breath, the soldiers and the lad watched as the mysterious figure fully materialized before them.

It was a human just like them… a human?

Edward's eyes widened both in surprise and intrigue as an enigmatic man appeared before them exuding an aura of chaos.

The soldiers too, couldn't help but be captivated by the sheer aura emanating from his mesmerizing presence, their hearts stirred by the atmosphere that surrounded him, unsure of how to react, their expressions ranged from curiosity to trepidation.

'He looked just like Yahico…?' Edward thought. 'No despite the similarities it would be an understatement to say so.' these two people could not be compared.… His arrival has had everyone hypnotized, at this point everyone was quietly staring.

This person also possessed those blood ruby eyes, mirroring the light feminine features that Yahico had. It was as if they were twins, but something set them apart.

The newcomer's hair was slightly longer, naturally cascading over his broad shoulders. There was an undeniable air of distinction about him that made any comparison to Yahico pale in comparison. In the presence of this man, Yahico's own radiance seemed to dim.

As he entered the scene, all eyes were drawn to him, captivated by his arrival. This young man's hair shone like gold, as though the sun itself had transformed into a person. It was not a mere shade of gold, but a brilliant, pure gold that evoked images of a radiant summer afternoon. His attire, while more casual than Yahico's, exuded an aura of elegance and grace.

He wore a sleeveless toga made of snow-white silk, adorned with carefully worn gold ornaments. The crown upon his head, the bangles adorning his wrists, and the belt around his waist - all crafted from the same gleaming gold, radiating an air of regality and power.

The room fell into an awed silence as all in attendance quietly stared, mesmerized by the young man's ethereal beauty and undeniable presence

The contrast between Yahico and this newcomer was stark, yet both possessed an otherworldly allure that left those around them spellbound. The mysterious connection between the two was palpable, yet the differences in their appearances only added to the intrigue.

"Ka... Kanra... What are you doing in Yogi's territory?" Yahico breathed, his voice filled with surprise.

"That's my question, First Elder brother," Kanra replied crossing his arms, his tone slightly mocking. "Why are you roaming around in Yogi's realms? Tending to his duties?" Kanra observed Yahico intently, his eyes searching for answers. "And why has that child not returned to his chambers not once since over three days?"

Yahico raised an eyebrow, taken aback by Kanra's question. "Why were you in his chambers?" he asked, his voice tinged with suspicion.

Kanra avoided Yahico's gaze, a hint of unease crossing his features. "Why would I be in his chambers?" he deflected. "Nara called me and then wouldn't let me leave." He paused, studying Yahico's face. "Hico, are you two perhaps hiding something from me?" Kanra's playful smile belied the seriousness of his question.

Yahico sighed, feeling a mix of frustration and helplessness. It would be a lie to say that Yahico did not want to run away right this instant but he could not, It did not look like Kanra would let him escape. 

"Kanra look around" Yahico accepted his fate somewhat.

"We are surrounded?" Kanra tilted his head and raised his shoulders, he was asked something so obvious.

"No not that" Yahico shook his head "look again"

"This world is damaged"

"I came to fix it since Yo_" Yahico stated in a persuasive tone, his voice filled with determination.

Kanra interrupted with a hint of skepticism, "Why isn't Yogi fixing it himself?"

Yahico paused for a moment, his expression shifting as he searched for the right words. "I….don't know where he is… I was already busy taking care of mine and his realms…" his voice trailed off, a tinge of guilt evident in his whisper.

As he calculated in his mind the exact number, Yahico took a deep breath, his persuasive tone returning. "I was also searching for him," he confessed, his eyes meeting Kanra's

"The moment a Monarch enters one of his realms, the time starts speeding up," Kanra explained with a lethargic tone. "Considering Yogi is residing in one of his realms without a barrier to keep the flow of time steady, ...it's been over three days now. Thousands of years should have passed here and in many other worlds under him! Of course, the core of the world would get damaged."

"But irresponsible as he may be," Kanra continued, "He isn't that irresponsible, now is he?"

"Hico Yogi told me he'll visit you, and then he suddenly went down..." Kanra closed the distance, a concerned expression on his face. "First brother says he doesn't know where the child is, and the second brother insists on keeping me busy. Yogi wouldn't come up either... Wouldn't you think it's dubious?"

Yahico, relieved to hear that Kanra knew where the youngest was, asked, "Is he safe?"

"He is safe!" Kanra confirmed, turning to leave.

With a friendly tone, Kanra's words offered reassurance. Yahico's concern for Yogi's safety was met with relief when Kanra confirmed that he was indeed safe.

"Tell me where he is. I will go get the youngest," Yahico said hastily as he forcefully pulled Kanra back, causing the younger brother to fall onto him.

Yahico found himself on the floor with Kanra now in his lap, and as Kanra raised his head and Yahico looked down, the two shared a moment of laughter while gazing into each other's eyes.

It was a heartwarming sight, showcasing the strong bond between these brothers.

"Indeed, it is a beautiful reunion, but we will be taking the prince and his children now," the soldier declared, directing his attention towards Ed and his children who stood beside them.

Kanra surveyed the situation, leaning against Yahico's chest. From Yahico's tense expression, he could sense that his brother did not want Edward or the children to go with these soldiers.

He then stood up and stepped forward, his commanding presence magnified. The soldiers exchanged uncertain glances at Kanra..

He approached the head soldier, looking directly at him,

"You may return, whatever is going on is over as of now," he declared, his tone firm yet composed.

"The war!" Yahico Exclaimed.

"Yes! The war is over!" Kanra repeated his brother's words.

He raised his right arm with a sense of purpose, his gaze fixed upon the land. With a flick of his wrist, he opened the palm of his hand, revealing a staff that seemed to radiate his aura. The staff, as white as freshly fallen snow, gleamed with elegance, its ends adorned with intricate gold plating, holding it firmly, hit it to the floor, a beam of light produced which was then absorbed by the land beneath resulting in a mild earthquake.

A sense of calm permeated the air, easing the soldiers' apprehension. The earthquake caused by the beam of light had subsided, leaving.

Edward, however, was more confounded by the conversation the two brothers had earlier and couldn't care less about these weird turn of events. He simply couldn't believe his ears. If Yogi was a Monarch, as these two had claimed him to be, then Yahico was one too? This revelation shook Edward to his core. The brothers' conversation would only make sense if they were, …discussing realms and what!? a thousand years? It was as if they belonged to a different world altogether.

As he pondered on this, a memory flashed in Edward's mind. Didn't he find Yahico in the tomb of ancient dragons, just as the book had stated he would? It was something he had brushed off as a mere coincidence, but now it seemed like there was more to it.... Yahico had never really tried to hide his connection to the Monarchs, but Edward too never had the chance to ask him about anything.

From the conversation these brothers had, it appeared that Yogi was the fourth Monarch. The Monarchs were brothers? And where did Yahico fit into all of this? The youth in gold had called him 'first brother' just now.  The realization hit Edward like a wave crashing onto the shore.

Edward suddenly recalled Yahico's words when he read the book ""Why shouldn't one get involved with His majesty? What does 'not involve' even mean?" "Who wrote this book? " And what is this sinister paragraph about 'His Majesty' liking children especially female children? Does the author have something against the 'third Monarch'? I mean look at this! He would be so pissed!"

'He would be pissed' So Yahico was saying third Monarch would be pissed? The third Monarch! The Youth in golden!

Edward's mind raced with questions and confusion. He needed answers, and he needed them fast. The pieces of the puzzle were slowly falling into place, but there were still missing gaps that needed to be filled

"How did you get acquainted with my brother?" Kanra looked at Edward, his gaze piercing and intense. Edward felt a sudden rush of unease. He wasn't prepared for this confrontation. Kanra seemed to move with an unnerving speed, catching Edward off guard.

As his mind raced, Edward couldn't help but think about the book he held in his possession. It contained… he couldn't simply hand it over. He needed to find a way to keep it away,

In an attempt to divert Kanra's attention, Yahico interjected, "Kanra, tell me where Yogi is, and I'll go get him." Yahico's voice was filled with urgency, his intention clear - to create a distraction.

But Kanra was resolute. "No! I'll get him myself!" he declared, his eyes fixated on Edward. Edward exchanged a quick glance with Yahico, who subtly hinted to him not to think of anything. The thought crossed Edward's mind - could Kanra hear his thoughts? It was a terrifying possibility

"I can! Now won't you hand the book over?" Kanra smiled and tilted his head a bit to the left.

Looking at this person and at such close proximity. These brothers knew nothing about personal space. Edward was slowly losing his ability to think.

'Ah' Suddenly he had an excruciating pain, as if his brain was growing and the skull would burst, not being able to handle this pressure. It was unbearable but thankfully not long lasting; the pain vanished… gone as fast as it came.

Before he could stabilize himself the book was already in Kanra's hand, then it burnt to ashes. 'How did he?'

"Edward Augustus Markverson, You may be at ease. The war was over the moment I decided to interfere" Kanra winked at him and then vanished.

"wh_ what?" Edward exclaimed Dumbfounded.

"The headache, He read Your Memory" Yahico explained vaguely touching his temples before he left as well –that is vanishing in thin air.

Edward was now alone in the forest with his two children.

The three did not say anything for some time then.

"The pretty brother was the Monarch?" Amila suddenly broke the silence, her voice filled with curiosity.

Ray jumped and shouted, "wasn't 'His Majesty' SO COOL!?" His excitement was palpable.

Edward didn't respond immediately. He was still trying to make sense of everything that had just happened. The encounter with Yahico, the revelation about his memory being read, and the disappearance of both Yahico and Kanra left him dumbfounded.

As they made their way back to the village, Edward couldn't shake the feeling that something had shifted. He couldn't explain why he trusted Kanra's claim that the war was over, so much. It was as if a weight had been lifted off his shoulders, and all the problems that had plagued their lives suddenly vanished.

To his surprise, when they arrived at the village, they found no signs of any threats. There were no soldiers in pursuit, no sounds of battle, just a quiet and serene atmosphere. It was as if the world had changed overnight.

The villagers greeted them with warmth and relief, grateful for their safe return. Edward couldn't help but notice the change in their expressions. The fear and worry that had once clouded their faces had been replaced with hope and optimism. It was as if Kanra's words had spread throughout the whole world, bringing a newfound sense of peace.

Still lost in his thoughts, 'the war really was over… in a few seconds… by a few words that were said by the third Monarch… and he said them to a few soldiers and himself…not even to the people… in power...'

'Was this the power of the Monarchs? Did his father know of this?'