A Prisoner

Darticus entered the kingdom in chains as the people cheered for him, everywhere. It was the first time in the planets history that a prisoner was getting such a great response. Philippe welcomed him into the courthouse. And as there was no king from the royal lineage, Philippe was the acting king. Darticus entered the courthouse expecting to see the royal chair empty. But to his surprise, it was not. There was seated an old man who looked gleamingly upon Darticus. Next to him seated was Ana and the wife of Maximus. Only Maximus bore a look of happiness on their faces, the other two looked like they had lost something. Darticus looked at his stepmother, but her eyes were firmly locked at Philippe. Philippe stood there, rather comfortably without any pressure. Well knowing this was just a formality and Darticus would be left free. Proceed, said Maximus.

Darticus, the king of the forests , do you accept the charges against you ?asked Philippe. What charges? asked Darticus. Charges against you for war crimes and loss of lives in the kingdom. I do, said Darticus with his head bent down. Look up, said Maximus to Darticus. No true son of mine needs to keep his chin down. Darticus looked up and he looked at Philippe. Philippe was proud of his friend. Do you accept that you have also killed the man responsible for putting the people of the kingdom in grave danger. I do, said Darticus and looked at Maximus. " I accept the charges against for me killing my own brother, the son of the King Maximus!". Ana was almost in tears but tried her best to control them. Maximus looked over at Ana, seeing that she was in great pain. "It is okay child, things will be fine" he said to her some comforting words. I'm sorry. said Darticus. It is okay, said Ana. I know how much it would have hurt you to kill your own brother." Darticus acknowledged and looked over at Philippe again

Remove the chains, Philippe commanded the guards!. The guards came over at once and removed the chains. Philippe then went and took a seat on the side. Darticus now firmly stood looking at Maximus. Darticus! shouted Maximus. Do you swear to look upon the people of this kingdom as your own. Yes , replied Darticus. Do you solemnly swear to look upon the people of the forests as well! Yes, replied Darticus with a big smile on his face. And Do you promise to act only in the interests of the kingdom, Maximus asked. Darticus stood there silent. Maximus bore a somber look on his face. What is wrong child? he asked Darticus. I do not wish to solely act on the interests of the kingdom. I want to act in the interests of the whole planet, said Darticus. Maximus weaved a sigh of relief. That is acceptable, he said. By the power vested in me , do you swear in front of the gods, that you will act only in the interests of the Planet. I do, said Darticus. The whole court cheered! And now I do not wish to bear the wrath of the whole kingdom, sorry , the whole planet and waste no time. " Herewith I king Maximus proclaim you Darticus, my true son, to be the next king" And you shall now rule over the whole planet. Now there was cheer and celebration from not only the people inside the courtroom, but also from the thousands of people standing outside the courtroom as well! Philippe lay the crown on the head of Darticus. I know you don't like it, but just bear with it for a few minutes, joked Philippe.

Arakur and Queen Angela joined the affair as soon as Darticus was crowned king. They were happy to see their king, now become the one true king! Angela smiled at Maximus, hinting at a cooperation. Maximus too smiled back. Arakur went and introduced himself to Maximus and he warmly greeted him back. And as the procession was drawn to an end, Chief Wilmo made his way into the event that was slowly turning into a celebration. A millennium of peace , he said as he walked in. Arakur and Angela greeted him, as he went and introduced himself to Maximus. Maximus was more than happy to see all of them together. He got up from his chair and announced : Tonight will be a grand feast". Everyone rejoiced.

Everyone rejoiced except Darticus who went and sat himself in the corner and looked a bit gloomy, Yelahana approached him to disturb him away from the gloom. Dear, why are you so upset ? she asked him . Yelahana was Arakurs daughter and the soon to be bride of Darticus. I have lost too much in this war. I have lost my uncle, both my brothers! Yelahana understood his loss and grief. Look around you, she said " Look at the joy on everyone's face " it is because of you. Look what these people have gained because of you!. Darticus mood was lifted. You have a big responssibility my Darticus said Yelahans "Your energy is their energy, your victory is their victory". Darticsu agreed. And as the joy spread around, a whiff of evil and despair was about to enter the room. The bosses of the corporations arrived with cases of gold and other gifts. They walked past everyone and everyone left way for them. They went up straight to Maximus, greeted him and placed the gifts next to him. Philippe approached them and so did Darticus. The bosses looked at them, what do you need from us? you expect gifts for yourself as well? they joked looking at the both of them! Darticus caught hold of one of the bosses and held him up in the air. He choked the boss so hard his eyes almost were about to pop. He looked at the other bosses "Leave my planet or you will face the same destiny". Maximus came and stood in front of Darticus. The boss was almost about to die. Leave him my son, let him live, said Maximus. A disappointed Darticus threw the boss back to his life. The bosses ran for their lives! Take the gold with you, commanded Darticus at the bosses. They came and picked it up the same way they had left it. "Your gold is no good here" he said to them