CHAPTER 13 THE PLEA OF PRINCESS AISHI

The Red Zuru flagship, Bloodfang, sailed quietly across the vast seas under the pale moonlight. Inside its grand cabin, Prince Xalor stood before a large map, his eyes scanning the potential locations where the Omega might be hiding. His once-pristine armor was battered and dull, a reminder of the defeat he had suffered months ago. Yet his spirit remained unbroken, his determination burning brighter than ever.

As Xalor studied the map, the cabin door creaked open, and Princess Aishi stepped inside. Draped in a flowing crimson gown, she carried herself with the grace of royalty, but her face was etched with worry. She loved Xalor like her own son and had seen how his obsession with the Omega was consuming him.

"Xalor," Aishi began softly, her voice calm but firm, "we need to talk."

Without looking up, Xalor responded coldly, "If this is about returning to the Red Zuru nation, Aunt Aishi, save your breath. My mission is not yet complete."

Aishi sighed, stepping closer. "Your father, King Zurock, is growing impatient. General Draxiz has been sent to bring you back. You're risking your life—and your future—by continuing this hunt."

Xalor turned to face her, his eyes sharp and resolute. "My future is meaningless if I fail this mission. The Omega defeated me once, but I will not let that happen again. I will capture the wearer and bring the helmet to my father."

Aishi hesitated, seeing the pain and determination in his eyes. "Xalor," she said gently, "you're chasing a shadow. You don't even know if the Omega is still alive."

"I know he is alive," Xalor interrupted, his voice rising. "I can feel it. That power... it haunts me. Every time I close my eyes, I see the glow of that helmet, mocking me. I cannot rest until I have avenged my honor."

Aishi stepped closer, placing a hand on his shoulder. "You are more than this mission, Xalor. You are a prince, a leader. Your people need you to return, to guide them. This obsession will destroy you."

Xalor shook off her hand, pacing the room. "Do you think I don't know what's at stake? Do you think I don't feel the weight of my father's expectations? But this is my burden to bear. I failed to capture the Omega, and I will not let that failure define me."

Princess Aishi's eyes filled with tears as she watched him. "You've always been so strong, so brave. But strength isn't just about fighting battles, Xalor. It's about knowing when to step back, when to trust others, when to let go."

Xalor stopped pacing, his back to her. "Let go?" he whispered bitterly. "How can I let go when I've already lost so much? My pride, my honor... my place in my father's eyes. No, Aunt Aishi, I cannot return empty-handed."

Aishi took a deep breath, trying one last time. "If you continue down this path, you may lose more than your honor. You may lose yourself. Please, Xalor. Come back with me. We can find another way."

For a moment, the room was silent, the tension thick. Xalor's fists clenched at his sides, his jaw tightening. Finally, he turned to face her, his expression hard as stone.

"I love you, Aunt Aishi," he said, his voice steady. "You've always cared for me, and I will never forget that. But my mind is made up. I must capture the Omega. Only then can I return to the Red Zuru nation with my head held high."

Aishi's heart broke as she saw the fire in his eyes, knowing she could not extinguish it. "Very well," she said quietly, her voice heavy with sorrow. "But remember this, Xalor: no matter what happens, you will always have a place in my heart. I only hope you find what you're looking for before it's too late."

With that, she turned and left the cabin, leaving Xalor alone with his thoughts. As the door closed behind her, Xalor sat down, his gaze fixed on the map. His resolve was unshaken, but deep inside, a small voice whispered doubts he refused to acknowledge.

Outside the cabin, Princess Aishi wiped away her tears, looking up at the night sky. She prayed silently that her beloved nephew would find his way back—not just to the Red Zuru nation, but to himself.