Hatreds Symphony

> "*It is through victory that we finally realize the cost of our actions, the destruction it has brought and the hesitation we so desperately needed in those days of Hateful Symphony.*"
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> **- King Ko'ak**
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**Year**
23 NAC

## The Orchestras First Act

Sitting upon his throne was an abnormal occasion for King Ko'ak and one he didn't enjoy. Having grown up as a man of action, idleness was an enjoyably short lived past time, not one he partook in for multiple days. Having had his honorary meeting refused by an alien was insulting enough, now three days of preparation were added onto that annoyance. Glancing about at workers doing routine checks on the recording equipment and large holographic monitor placed in front of his throne, Queen Quila sits off to his right and gives a smile as his eyes meet hers. Adorn in her finest dress, Quilas flowing black hair spills behind her as she sits comfortable in a throne she had grown accustom to for years of countless governing. With one leg crossed over the other, she balances her shoe half off her foot in wait as the meeting time slowly approaches.

"Dear, how are you holding up" says Quila as she faces Ko'ak somewhat.

Feigning a smile she immediately recognizes, he keeps it plastered for the workers as he says "It has been an interesting week so far, I look forward to a bit of hunting after this."

"Hmhm and maybe a night of dance afterwards?"

"Of course, we shall need several bottles after this Cestian ordeal anyways."

Quila gives a playful slap against his shoulder, Ko'ak chuckling.

"In all seriousness though, I would say I am a bit uncertain about how this will go."

"As long as we remain respectful and explain our reasoning, I am sure everything will go well" she says while grabbing her mirror to make sure her hair looks good.

Nodding, Ko'ak adds "Of course, but what sort of monarch allows such a degenerate to rule over parts of his lands? Even Yirin would have never allowed such hedonism to exist under her rule."

"I agree, however a reason must exist no matter how twisted or logical it is."

"In times of conflict or unrest I could understand such a blind eye, however I hear no tales of war from Cestia."

Finishing up her hair, Quila hides her mirror once more and takes one of Ko'aks hands as she looks at him. Rubbing it, she smiles and says "I can tell these past few days have driven you stir-crazy. Just relax and enjoy the day, it is not everyday I can look you in the face after all."

Placing his own hand over hers, Ko'ak cracks a genuine smile.

Surrounded by his devoted saints, God-Emperor Tyvius III watches in silence as smoke wafts into the air from metal censers trailed around the room by his devotees. Chanting and invoking prayers of strength, they call upon the Celestial Gods to empower their reigning deity and give him strength in face of Xeno interaction; as cursed as it may be.

Adorned in his light teal armor and flowing ribbons of gold that hang from his wrists and arms, he was a spectacle to behold of opulent majesty. Wearing his grandfathers Azure Crown which had passed from Emperor to Emperor, it glows with a brilliant light thanks to the rays of sunlight piercing its crystalline top that gives it an almost unearthly appeal. Resting his battle axe against the left side of his throne, the teal themed room awaited the defiling gaze of craven aliens who dared slink so low as to offer a meeting within their own backwater realm. Negotiations had been done within Cestia for centuries and would remain as such.

Finishing their prayers, the Saints move off to the sides of Tyvius' throne and stand motionless in their instilled obedience. Devoted to the Empire, most had given away their flesh in place of cold steel, a fate the Emperor planned to never emulate. Well oiled gears click within their pallid forms which remain draped in thick robes of white and teal, a mixture of organic and inorganic eyes staring in awe at their beloved God. Silence settled within the room, them all facing the screen as it counted down to finally reveal the despoilers who had robbed Iverda of stability.

Dressed in Black and White, they wore the colors of death itself and draped themselves in elaborate clothes to perhaps hide their hideous forms from the mortal plane. Carved heretical runes dotted their outfits and glowing white eyes stared back at his own with little emotion.

  "Barbarians all the same."

Staring in silence at first, King Ko'ak address the mechanical abomination upon the cool colored throne he can barely take his eyes off of. Sitting upright and speaking calmly, he projects his voice and gives a wave.

"Your majesty, it is an honor to make your acquaintance. I am King Ko'ak of the Kingdom of Zoscia and this is my equal, Queen Quila."

Quila waves and remains silent while Ko'ak continues.

The mechanical creatures to the left and right of the enthroned one glance about at one another after Quilas introduction.

"In praise of your Gods and ours, I hope we can resolve the Iverdan question today."

Raising a hand in response, the enthroned machine warped man speaks in a projected voice as his ice cold glare meets Ko'aks.

"I respect your hospitality, however we are not here to discuss the finer points of life; no, today we are here on account of your unlawful kidnapping of divine royalty. You speak words of kindness and yet compassion is a luxury you have lost by your actions alone, today is one of business and should remain as such."

Glaring silently for a moment, Ko'ak nods and says "Of course and we are willing to cooperate to ensure the stability of Iverda, however Countess Derakryss is in no position to rule your majesty; she is a hedonist who torments her own subjects."

"As degenerate as her behavior is, it is not our task to judge the will of the Gods and who they enthrone upon seats of power. Derakryss will die young and be replaced by a more suitable candidate, time has yet to pluck her from this plane is all."

In response to the Emperors words, Quila speaks up and says "What of the innocents she ravages? Are they to suffer until her untimely demise?"

Looking up Quila with silent glares, the countless machine men click mechanical gears before going silent at a wave of the Emperors hand.

"It is an unfortunate state of affairs as I wish suffering upon none of my subjects, however to ensure the stability of the realm, sacrifices do have to be made. Those lost to her passions will be forever remembered by the Gods and granted their due for being subject to such a corrupt reign."

"Corruption begets corruption your majesty, allowing such things to fester will only cause future incidents."

Defiant in face of his words, it was apparent these men had no constraints upon their women if she could act this way. Such a display was boiling over the ire of his saints who remained dutifully silent, however a change in conversation was required to avoid an argument.

Tyvius simply nods, Quila finding offense to his response as she remains silent.

"There is only one way to resolve this King Ko'ak, return Countess Derakryss to her throne and we will have no qualms with you. It is not my intention to be hostile, however we must be given respect for the slight you have done against us."

Clicking like an animal, King Ko'ak already gave a more primal display to Tyvius and his mouth piece chittering only added to it.

"I understand your intentions your majesty, however I do not believe we can abide by your terms. I cannot in good faith subject her people to such a reign once more, loyal as they may be."

Frowning deeply at his response, Tyvius III shakes his head and says "Then we will never know trust between our people until you submit to my demands and I certainly won't allow you to sway more neighboring states to your side either."

Almost prompted to stand in response to such words, King Ko'ak speaks somewhat louder as he says "We understand the line of royal succession, why can you not just force her to abdicate? This is a frivolous affair which should not have ever occurred, why are you so powerless in face of a simple Countess?"

Powerless.

Standing, Tyvius III points at Ko'ak and says "Cestia has reigned for nearly a millennia without issue, do not insult our ways because of your own ignorance."

"Women without restraint, witches and curs upon the throne, who would have guessed such degeneracy had been born across the border" says Saint Archimedes who glances up at his beloved God.

Ko'aks whore gasps at such words, the two beginning to argue their case before the craven Black King says "We extended our hand only for you to clamp your jaws upon it, like an animal you have no reasoning aside basic instinct. This meeting is over and I doubt you even have the power to muster a force to safeguard that hell you call a nation."

Their holograms dissipate, Tyvius snatching his Battleaxe and marching towards the exit.

"Contact the Levment and Legion, I doubt this will be the last we see of them."

Bowing deeply in silence, the Saints click and whisper to one another as the God-Emperor prepares for war.

Sitting in silence, the Zoscian workers all stare as well at the altercation that took place. Grim in his demeanor now, King Ko'ak looks over at Quila and takes her hand. Staring with anger burning in his eyes, he speaks in a low voice.

"Never again."

## Trivia

Hatreds Symphony originally took place in 28 NAC before being changed for Zoscias new timeline.