A Failing Bond: 2

The Throne of Dragonix was not an ordinary throne made of wood. It had its spiritual mind named Throne and was the most powerful object or spirituality in the Universe. It had authority over the Great Aide—minister under direct control—working apace with the Emperor, and the Emperor's candidateship. Together, the trio upheld the values. And by values meant anything to keep the Universe united.

Mrs Moon narrowed her eyes. Ignia knew that except him, none could inherit the Trailblazer King title. The Trailblazer Clan was a clan affiliated with fire, in the north-west corner of the universe. King Brar was ageing and had become weak because of prolonged illness. He had no children. Ignia was next in line, marking the uncle-nephew relationship.

"Ignia, this home's yours. But, if you want the candidateship for the Throne, forget the Kingship of Trailblazer."

A strict rule implied the renunciation of kingship once received the Candidateship. Emperor Igneous as well the Great Aide had followed the rule which ended with cutting all ties with their respective clans.

"Can't you change the rules?" he asked, combing his fiery red hair and glared daggers with his golden eyes.

"No, the one who's King can't be the Emperor. Your father had to give up on the Trailblazer Clan to claim the throne." Mrs Moon raised her eyes, scowling at her son. "Even if we can change the rules, you would never become the Emperor. Never."

Her statement brought a moment of silence.

"So, no matter what, you are against it?" Ignia asked, narrowing his gaze.

"Yes."

"Not everyone's like you, mom. Sorry to say, but your dream of uniting dragons and mending interracial bonds is a lame as of father's!" He stomped his foot on the ground. He conjured flames with the flick of his foot and shot it towards his mother.

Mrs Moon didn't waste time and, with a wave of her hand, she manipulated the surrounding air, extinguishing the flames.

She glared at her son with her icy blue eyes and said, "Power comes with responsibilities. Ignia, if you deny your responsibilities, you aren't qualified for powers. Igneous was not only your father but also the Emperor of Dragonix. He tried his best to connect with you despite the load of work. You can't call him unworthy."

"You are one to say, Mother. What do you see in Throne? Why do you and the Great Aide believe it? Why did father believe it?" He glared.

Mrs Moon fell silent. She was in a trance, gazing at her son. Ignia resembled Igneous in his younger years. She wondered how he would have handled his son standing in her shoes. Would he have revealed something to him? Could his words cross through their young one's heart?

"Because Throne is true. It wishes good for the Universe. It is the enigma of the rules our ancestors had set," said Mrs Moon.

"Ha." Ignia gave a somewhat pained laugh. "What did I expect? I should've known from the start. Throne doesn't want our well being! It only wants to exterminate the dragons!"

"Ignia..."

"Enough." He raised his hand and dismissed her. "Let's talk about it in the council."

"But..."

Ignia turned on his heels towards the door. "You have already turned your back on me as a mother. We are now only rivals in our struggles."

Mrs Moon tried to stop him, but he just slapped away her arm. The moment he was out of reach, he halted and stared back in confusion. Her hand froze where it was.

"Have you been wearing perfume?"

"No."

"Then the source of this potent fragrance?" He sniffed in the air. "It's... very familiar."

Mrs Moon watched, dumbfounded, as he searched each corner of the room. Her eyes followed every action he made. Ignia looked about here and there. Then he realized to open the windows.

He drew the curtains and opened the high arch windows to let the light in. First, he peeped out the window and then inspected the garden. Nothing seemed suspicious. He gazed at the sunlit room and his eyes fell on the fire. The fireplace seemed useless now. He snapped his fingers and the fire extinguished, leaving an aftertaste of burning charcoal. He then closed his eyes and let his senses sharpen. After a few deep breaths, he could smell the charcoal. But the flowery scent seemed to overpower it. It wasn't unpleasant, but there was something that was luring him towards it.

A few moments later he opened his eyes, moved towards a rather desolate wall, standing firm in front.

"I wonder how a mouse trespassed into my home and I couldn't even detect it?" He glared. "Come out."

It alerted Mrs Moon. Her son could feel it, but not her.

"I command you to show yourself," he raised his voice.

He met total silence. Been someone else, Ignia would have been mistaken for a madman.

A few more moments passed by.

"Don't you dare test my patience! Show yourself lest you want to face the consequences."

"Ignia, who is there? Why..."

He started shouting. "Shut up! I know my business. You mind your own. But now, that's it." Out of patience, he rushed to the wall.

He let his fingers run on the smooth wall of the room as if caressing it. Somewhere in the middle, he curled his fingers and yanked.

A slender, porcelain white arm came out with its fingers interwoven with his. He yanked further till a woman fell at his feet. She gasped in shock.

Mrs Moon swayed and struggled to take a glimpse of the intruder.