War of X

Once upon a time, when Dorrek was still a child, Empress R'klll would bring him to the court. She sat on the throne, while he must stand, because in a throne room, only the ruler had the right to sit, and this right must be earned.

Still, he was the crown prince, so he stood next to her. When the meetings ended, after the royal guards left, she would walk to the pillars lining the room, and ask him to join her side.

“Do you think I’m cruel, Dorrek?” She asked, but her eyes did not rest on him. An Empress’s gaze fell only on the splendors of the city, and the millions of stars in the sky. “To deny you a seat?”

“It never crossed my mind, grandmother.”

“Hmm.” Her lips curved, but it wasn’t a smile. The crown prince was too young to understand, but many years later, he found himself wondering. Did she think he was lying, or naive and knew no ambition?

“I had a seat, when I was your age. So did your mother,” the Empress continued. Dorrek cast a glance at the throne. It was hard to imagine, almost impossible to picture a room with two thrones. For all his life, he knew a monarch must sit alone, while every other soul knelt before them.

“A smaller throne, if you’re curious. One reserved for the future sovereign. It’s our tradition, and a promise.”

“Then…why did you change it?” asked Dorrek. The Empress was waiting for this question. “For you,” she said.

“I was the firstborn in the House of T'Ryss, the rightful heir to my father’s throne. The crown was always mine to wear, until your grandfather took it from my father’s corpse.”

R'klll reached for her crown and held it in her hands. She gave it to Dorrek, who hesitated, and only accepted it after she nodded at him. Dorrek knew she did not intend for him to wear it. She wanted him to feel the weight. It was too heavy a crown for a child. He wasn’t ready.

“I took it back, of course. Your grandfather was an usurper and a savage. He was never raised as a king, and unfit for his title. Even the name of Dorrek was stolen from past kings, and tainted by his foolish acts. I am glad that Anelle gave you this name. You will restore honor and glory to your ancestors’ name, and lead the empires onto the right course.”

The Empress retrieved her crown and paced back to the throne. She ascended through the steps, the staircase elevated her to a height no one else was allowed to reach. It was an intentional design, for even when seated, the monarch must be the one above all.

“It did make me think. I was the crown princess, so assured of my birth right that I failed to see the danger before my eyes. The comfort of the throne blinded me, or I would’ve slit your grandfather’s throat before he stepped into this room. The empire is mine to rule, Dorrek. One day, I will pass it to you. I could promise you a throne, the same way my father promised me. But know this, grandson. If an old fool like your grandfather could steal my throne, then my promise is empty. A crown prince is nothing until the day you wear the crown.”

Oh. The look on the young prince face told R'klll that he understood. Dorrek might still be a child, but he was no fool. He stood by the Empress’s side, for he was her successor, but he stood on the same level as everyone else in the room. The generals, the warlords, their subordinates, the guards, the peasants. There’s no real difference between them and the crown prince. He was simply the heir R'klll preferred, but he was not entitled. Anyone in the empire, and even those outside, could become the next in line.

“Your grandfather is a ridiculous man. He was arrogant, reckless, and lacked the wisdom required for a king. Yet I admit that he was right about one thing. He knew I would take back the throne eventually, and he was wary. He kept Anelle from me, so I could not use her against him, but he was mistrustful of his own daughter too. He feared that Anelle would become too powerful for him to control, so he forbade her to receive training as a warrior. It made her weak. Bearing a child for a Kree soldier was the most rebellious thing Anelle had ever done.”

Into the throne room walked a few warriors. Not dressed as soldiers, but their stance suggested years of training in combat. The leading man had a sword in his hands. His green skin should indicate Skrullian lineage, but many of his facial features did not resemble those of a typical Skrull.

Hybrids? Dorrek thought. Millions of Kree had joined the empire, but he had not seen another hybrid in their realm.

“I would’ve raised your mother differently. When I learned that Anelle was pregnant, I knew I had my second chance. You are like me, Dorrek, destined to achieve the impossible. Do you know why I insisted on allying with the Kree, even though I was aware that it would break our empire and weaken us?”

“Because…the destinies of our twin empires lay together?” said Dorrek. It’s what R'klll taught him to say, but this time the Empress scoffed. “Destinies? No, destiny is the lie weak men told themselves to excuse their failures. History is our lesson, grandson. The Kree thought themselves champions, but they lost to the Cotati in a contest. The Skrulls thought ourselves strong, but our emperor was slain by primitives like the Kree. Victory cannot be tricked. It does not fall for claims, but lies with whoever possesses true power. The Dard'van sect and the Hala sect will not last. They follow a hollow name and prolong a meaningless war, when the entire universe fears our combined strength. Their soldiers will witness the might of our allied force, and every fight will end with thousands more joining us. You will be the one to lead the attacks, Dorrek.”

The sword-bearing man stepped forward and knelt down before the young prince. “Your highness,” said the man. “I am M'ryn the Magus, of the Knights of the Infinite, and a hybrid like yourself. I present you Ekz'el-Zorr the star sword. A formidable weapon forged for the first hybrid, and to be wielded by a champion such as you.”

Dorrek stared at the star sword. He reached for it, but retreated before his hand touched it. They were in the throne room, watched by the Empress. He would need her permission to act. A crown prince is no different from a soldier. She’s taught him that, and he would remember.

“You’re a hybrid prince, Dorrek,” R'klll continued. Dorrek turned to her, and for the first time, he saw something akin to a genuine smile on his grandmother’s face. “Not everyone could accept a hybrid prince. Even those who stay may still have doubts in their heart. Prove them wrong. The title of a crown prince does not grant you power. You must train for it, earn it, be the strongest in the empire. Once you show them power, your people will come to you.”

The Empress has spoken. The prince might be of young age and royal descendant, but neither was an excuse to shy away from war. The past millions of years have trained both Kree and Skrulls to respect warriors. No one would follow a coward who hides behind their soldiers. If he wishes to be king, if he wants to be loved by his people, he must fight alongside them on the battlefield, and win the war for them.

Dorrek seized the hilt of the sword. The star sword, albeit huge for his size, was surprisingly light and handy. He could swing it at ease even as a child, as if the sword shifted to accommodate him too. The Magus looked rather emotional, seeing him hold the sword. “Dorrek Supreme lives!” he heard M'ryn murmured. “Majesty, the Knights of the Infinite can help to train the young prince. Lan-Zarr is a swordsman himself. I believe that within months, the prince will be ready for his first battle.”

“Very well. You will join Kl'rt and Xavin and teach him everything you know. My grandson will become the strongest in this universe, and no one will be able to stop him.”

Four Years Ago

When Dorrek-Vell stood before the disfigured throne, one he asked Kl'rt to burn to signal the change of regime, he mused on the irony. R'klll wanted to make him unstoppable, and now he is. Yet did it ever occur to her that one day, she would be the one who stood in his way, and she wouldn’t be able to stop him either?

“Majesty,” said Av-Rom, the captain Dorrek tasked to watch the prisoners. The young and newly crowned king glanced at the hollering crowd, then at the royal guards tensed up for potential threats, and finally fixed his eyes on the silent culprit.

R'klll, his grandmother, the former empress, convicted of treason and chained to shackles. Today is the day of her execution.

Befitting, isn’t it? Dorrek thought. The day of his coronation, the day of her demise, also marks the first day in the reformed Kree/Skrull Empire. The rise of a new monarch always coincides with the fall of their predecessor. It’s what R'klll would have done, were their places swapped. It’s what R'klll had done to his grandfather. Her only regrets, as she told her grandson many times, were that she stabbed her husband from behind, and never got the chance to savor the look of despair on the old fool’s face.

Now…now she gets to see his face, when he kills her.

If he kills her.

There’re worse punishments for one as ambitious and arrogant as R'klll. Dorrek could imprison her, force her to watch him lead the empires. Soon enough, he will rule all cosmos, while she rots in her cell, until the truth dawns on her that she’s always been lesser. Not strong enough to win the war. Not powerful enough to achieve her dreams. Not even loved enough as an empress, that her followers would gladly forsake her for a hybrid king and rejoice at her downfall.

Was she surprised, when they all turned on her? The captains, the colonels, the generals, the warlords. The ones who once bowed to her. The ones who shielded her with their own bodies. The ones who fought alongside her grandson, because she pointed them to his way. Perhaps she did realize, when their eyes were no longer on her but on him, that she’s raised her own greatest enemy. M'ryn said she had plans to remove him, but it was too late, he was already the king in their people’s heart.

Today, their people gathered. Not to see her death, but to see his triumph. If it makes any difference, they didn’t desert her out of disappointment, but for the hopes and power their new king promised.

Inside the throne room stood hundreds of soldiers. Outside the throne room, on the skyscrapers and cruisers, and on the other side of the broadcast, were quintillions upon quintillions of citizens. Dorrek has always liked that the throne room is a semi-open field. Whatever transpires in court will be watched not only by the royal guards, but by everyone in the empire, if they so wish. Now, all eyes in the empire are fixed on him. They’ve seen his inauguration, listened to his speech on forging an empire that spans every galaxy, and witnessed the representatives pledging allegiances to his reign and his dreams. Dreams that used to belong to R'klll but will be realized by him, while she watched in the shadows.

Dorrek had her sit through the ceremony under Av-Rom’s watch. It wasn’t meant to be a torture. He wasn’t fond of unnecessary cruelty, in this he could never be like her. It’s just…she raised him, watched him grow from a child to a king. In a sense, she probably knows him better than anyone in this universe. She’s also the only family he’s got.

Xavin is a distant cousin, one who serves the crown but doesn’t know the weight. Dorrek never knew his parents. Anelle, the Holy Martyr, and Mar-Vell, the Great Warrior. There were times when R'klll would sit him down and tell him stories. Of herself, mostly. How she won the fights, how she slayed the men, how she reclaimed her throne and changed the empire overnight. Occasionally, between her victories and glorious deeds, she would mention his parents. She called Anelle a spoiled child, told Dorrek that his mother would believe in fairytales and crave forbidden love. She asked him not to be like his mother. Never to bury himself in daydreams. Never to risk his life for foolish men. Never to discard his destinies for the trivial love. She wanted him to be like herself, the only person she finds worthy. In a fashion true to her teachings, he, too, staged a coup and changed the world in a blink. He, too, will slay his own family.

R'klll said Anelle died in the crossfire, along with her battle maiden, Antalya, and Dorrek’s father, Mar-Vell. He came to take the boy away, per the princess’s request. Kl'rt, however, said it was a lie. R'klll sent him to kill Antalya, orchestrated the death of Mar-Vell, and slayed her daughter with her own hands. She had to make sure that Anelle wouldn’t backstab her, the same way she backstabbed her father. Dorrek was only alive because she needed a hybrid for the joined empire. Yet he couldn’t deny, she taught him everything she knew, gave him everything he has, had him train with the best, and made him the king he is today. She could’ve restricted him, made him a figurehead. A successor like herself would only be a threat to her throne. Would R'klll not know? Did she not think he could be powerful enough, be cruel enough to kill his only family?

Maybe, maybe not.

There was a part of him that wanted to spare her. He wanted her to be here and see what he has achieved. Why…? To make her proud? Make her jealous? Enrage her? He wasn’t sure. Despite everything, despite all the plans they devised against each other, R'klll was the only person he could talk to about the weight of the crown.

If she’s dead, he would have no one left.

Ha.

As if he had anyone to begin with.

“R'klll, daughter of T'Ryss, last empress of the Skrull Empire, and first of the Kree/Skrull Alliance,” said Dorrek, then at a lower voice. “Grandmother.”

The former empress remained silent. Her face was partly concealed by the inhibitor mask, but her eyes were locked on Dorrek. Sharp and clear, as always. Not a trace of fright or sorrow. She’s too prideful and too uncaring for that.

“You’re charged with treason, for the murders of my mother and my grandfather, and the attempted murder at myself. Any of those crimes would’ve earned you a death sentence, but since I am the king now, I’ll set the rules.”

R'klll would’ve killed anyone who dares to stand in her way, and anyone who’s no longer useful to her schemes. It’s the way of a conqueror, but not the way of a warrior. Dorrek wasn’t raised to be a king who sits comfortably on his throne, moving pawns on a map to direct the armies afar. No, he fights with his own sword, and learns from every soldier he’s encountered. A king who wants to instill fears with cruelty will end up brewing rage. A monarch who wants to exploit gratitude through benevolence will be frustrated by the inaction. Your people don’t owe you anything, and you can’t scare them into doing your biddings. If they follow you, it must be their own choice. For they respect you.

“I offer you, as I offered all your followers, a second chance.”

It doesn’t have to end in death.

A second chance is a choice. Deny the chance, you choose to stay in your old world, choose to die a warrior, and the king respects your choice. Take the chance, you choose to move on from your past, choose to embrace a new life, and the king treats you as his comrade. The Kree/Skrull War left a history painted with blood. You can’t wash that away, but you don’t have to be trapped. You have the choice to look forward.

“You’ve lost the fight, but you don’t have to lose your life. Pledge allegiance to me and you will be spared. You can even stay in the court as my advisor and help me win the wars to come. The dream of united galaxies is still real, just that I’ll take command now. It doesn’t mean you can’t contribute.”

A king has to set an example. Forgive your enemies. Welcome them as your allies and friends. Trust them like you would trust your own. Then your people will do the same for theirs.

“But remember, I will only offer you this chance once. If you betray us, there won’t be a third chance. I’ll have to kill you on the spot.”

Most who started on R'klll’s side took the chance and joined him. Their loyalties were without challenge, they fought as hard, if not harder to prove their words. Dorrek would offer the same chance to everyone in the Dard'van sect and the Kree Imperium. One day, he’ll offer it to the rest of the universe too.

Isn’t it fair? If Kree and Skrulls could set aside millions of years of devastating war and follow a hybrid king, so could anyone.

“Will you take the offer, grandmother?” said Dorrek. The entire world is watching, waiting for her to say yes, or waiting for him to kill her. Either way, they’ll cheer for the king. The choice of an individual is insignificant to the collective, but every choice they make matters to the king.

He would prefer it if they all take the chance. Including his grandmother, because contrary to her wish, he doesn’t really enjoy killing. He only kills when it’s necessary.

“Have you anything to say?”

“Yes,” said R'klll. Even in the face of death, she sounded calmed. “I have. I find these chains you put me in redundant, grandson. The victory is yours. I admit, you are stronger. You think I will insult myself with another failed attack?”

“No, that would be beneath you.”

“You do know me. Now please, remove these chains so we can talk properly.”

“My liege, no! She is tricking you,” said Kl'rt. The Super Skrull is always concerned for the king’s well-being, he and Xavin stood close to Dorrek throughout the ceremony, ready to defend the majesty from any unexpected threat. As if the king couldn’t defend himself.

“Don’t insult your king, Kl'rt. If this is a trick, Dorrek is smart enough to know and strong enough to handle it on his own,” said R'klll. Dorrek couldn’t see her smile behind the mask, but everyone could sense the smugness in her tones. “And don’t insult me. My grandson is my best student. I’ve taught him well.”

“It’s okay, Kl'rt.” With a swift swing of the star-sword, the shackles and inhibitors that bound R'klll were sliced into pieces. “My grandmother is cruel and manipulative, but she’s not desperate. When she sees defeat, when death is imminent, she speaks only her truest mind.”

R'klll knows him, as Dorrek knows her, for she shapes him to be a copy of herself. Ruthless, calculating, ambitious. When she saw bits she couldn’t erase, she made him hide them. When there’re parts he couldn’t replicate, she made him act it. Years after years, even he would forget which ones are himself and which are hers. He is her, so he knows before he asked.

She would never take the chance.

Still, he wished. There’s a part of him growing to be less like her. A part of him that doesn’t want to kill. Like his mother. He thought he had removed this part long ago, and yet…

A king’s allowed to be himself. He doesn’t have to change, doesn’t have to do as he’s told, doesn’t have to be someone he loathes. No more lies, no more regrets…right?

“Speak freely, grandmother. What do you wish to say?”

“Only a few words of advice for my dear grandson. You did ask me to be your advisor, then I’ll be one for the brief moments before you slit my throat.”

“So you’ve chosen death over a second chance at life?”

“I’ve lived a fantastical life. I’m content. And I’ve left behind great legacies for my empire.” This time, Dorrek could see her lips curved. She paced around him, scrutinizing him. Even when dethroned, she acts like an empress, as if she’s still in charge.

“You are my greatest legacy. A student so brilliant that he bested his teacher. I am proud, Dorrek. Your achievements, this revolt included, are the testimony to my wisdom. If the last thing I learn before death is that my grandson is the only one strong enough to defeat me, that my bloodline will become the absolute ruler of this universe, then I will die in peace.”

“Then take this as a farewell gift,” said Dorrek. A public execution, by the hands of her own grandson, under the gaze of her once followers, is the best he could arrange for her. At long last, all eyes in the empire fell upon her once more. “For everything you’ve done for the empires, and everything you’ve done for me, I promise you. You will see us thrive. You will witness every planet in existence answer to my calls. You will hear praises ringing across galaxies for my name and my reign. You will watch your dream come true, in the afterlife.”

R'klll stopped. She stood by his side, leaned to his ear and whispered. “And in return, my farewell gift for you.”

“Look at them, grandson. Your cousin. The poor, foolish Kl'rt. The crazy captains you recruited. Everyone in this room. Everyone outside. Everyone in this empire we’ve built. You’re not naive enough to see them as your friends or family. But do you consider them your allies? Your followers? Your diehard supporters? Your servants with unwavering faith?”

“One last lesson for you, Dorrek. This, I could only teach you after you’ve assumed the throne. When you’re a king, when you wear the crown, everyone else in this universe is your would-be assassin.”

Anyone in the universe could become the next in line. So this is what she meant.

“I made sure that if anyone would kill me, it had to be you. Now, I wonder, who will be yours? Who will fail and be slain by you instead? Who will succeed and steal the universe from your grip? I can’t wait to watch the show.”

R'klll stepped back and faced him, ready to embrace her death. She wanted a grandiose end, she wanted to go with a smile on her lips. A smile ever so pompous and haunting.

“May your reign be long and glorious.”

The empress has finished her last dance. Dorrek should draw the curtains for her, kill her now to close her final act. It’s how he will thank her…for everything she’s put him through.

Yet, he hesitates. He wasn’t too weak to raise his sword, he could live with the blood of his own kin on his hands. But…is this it? It feels incomplete, like there’s something else he should say. Something important.

“When you…reached the afterlife. When you see my mother. Tell her.”

Dorrek sighed. Tell her what? He has nothing to say to her. He doesn’t even know her.

Whatever.

The star sword left a sharp cut on the empress’s neck. Dorrek made it as swift as he could, her head dropped before her smile had a chance to fade. You could say she didn’t feel any pain.

“General J'Bahzz, Colonel Kal-Torr, please help arrange my grandmother’s funeral. Bury her as you would an empress, it’s what she deserves after decades of service.”

“As you wish, my liege.”

The ceremony concluded with everyone in audience chanting “long live the king.” As Dorrek exited the throne room, R'klll’s words rang in his ears once more. “Long live the king” is always preceded by “the king is dead”. A king rarely lives long, but the universe is never short of aspiring kings-to-be.

The weight of the crown is more than his duties. It’s also a lifelong curse he’s burdened himself with. But he never had any choice, did he? This is what he’s born to do. If he walks the path of a king, it’s because it’s the only path he’s ever known.

The universe wants him to be the King of Space. So he will.

“Dorrek, wait!” said Xavin. They followed the king outside, while the rest of the world basked in celebration. “You okay?”

“Why wouldn’t I be okay?”

“You did just kill your grandmother.”

Sentimental, as always. When Dorrek met Xavin for the first time, their parents were just killed in the Skrull-Majesdane War. It was R'klll’s idea to move them from Tarnax VII to Tarnax IV so that the crown prince would have a training partner. Grief over losing their parents, unfortunately, did not aid them in combat. Kl'rt chided Xavin for their lack of concentration on the fight, while R'klll asked Dorrek if he learned any lessons from his cousin’s defeat.

“Stand up! How will you avenge Prince De'zean’s death if your punches are this weak?”

“I don’t understand,” said Dorrek at that time. He watched Kl'rt lecturing by the bricks, watched Xavin rising to their feet, after his punch sent them flying into the arena wall. “Isn’t rage good for morale? Why does Xavin look like they don’t want to fight?”

“Strange, isn’t it?” said R'klll, but her expression suggested that she didn’t find it strange. “When my father died, I mostly felt annoyed, for I’ll have to marry your grandfather to reclaim the throne.”

“Should I feel anything over the death of my mother?”

“Do you?”

“No. I don’t even know her.”

“Even if you knew her, you should find sentiment quite unnecessary for a king.”

“She watched you grow up too,” said Dorrek to his cousin now. “Are you okay?”

“You know it’s different…”

“My grandmother made a choice, same as everyone else. You didn’t ask me when we killed others who rejected the chance. Why should it be any different now?”

“Yeah… you’re right. I wasn’t thinking.”

No. Dorrek frowned. Xavin still look concerned, they thought he was hurting and suppressing it. But he wasn’t. The ending was written into the stars the moment he was born. R'klll would’ve been disappointed if he ever grieved her death.

He doesn’t feel anything, only the aspiration to reclaim the lost worlds…right?

“Come with me. There’s someone I want you to meet.”

On top of a tower stood a slim figure, one covered in veils with their face hardly visible. The ceremony has ended, most have returned to their posts. Whoever stays at the spot with a great view of the throne room… Dorrek noticed Xavin’s suspicion. They created a force field as the veiled spectator approached, with fists up in flames ready to defend their king.

Good. He just appointed them to lead the Super Skrulls. A general should be cautious, or they might lead their people into darkness.

“Xavin, do you remember X'iv? She told me you trained together before you relocated here.”

Beneath the dark veils was a pair of ruby eyes, eyes that once rested upon the throne room but now fixed onto the king and his cousin. “I remember,” said Xavin, staring at X'iv’s smile. “That after our empires allied, she left with Chrell to join the Dard'van sect!”

“I did.” X'iv knelt down before Dorrek, who asked Xavin to hold their flames and listened. “And I’ve come to realize that it was a grave mistake.”

“Please, X'iv, on your feet. I’m not a fan of people kneeling to me.”

“As you wish, majesty.”

“Majesty?” Xavin gave Dorrek a frowned look. “So she’s joining us now?”

“I’m not the only one, Prince Xavin.”

“It’s General Xavin.”

“General. Many of us on Satriani have witnessed what Emperor Dorrek has achieved. The prophecy is true. He is the promised king, the great unifier, our one and true savior. I see it now.”

“I followed a foolish man for a false god. No more. Since we heard of your revolution, many have longed to returned to you, my king. But Chrell and Veranke are heretics, fraudulent leaders and unfit to rule! They’re too deranged to see the truth, too corrupt to accept that you’re our only king. There’s been a massacre on Satriani, Veranke’s zealots are slaughtering anyone who longs to follow your lead. My comrades had to hide in shadows, or deny your rightful reign and worship their false gods. I couldn’t bear with it… I barely escaped to seek salvation from you. Please, majesty, your people await you on Satriani. You must save them!”

“You heard her, Xavin.” Dorrek smiled, seeing that his general finally eased up. “What do you think? Is it time for us to reclaim Satriani and welcome our people back to the empire?”

“I think you’re the king, and I believe in you.”

“Your king says this war has kept on for long enough. We shall ride to Satriani, liberate the lost children of Skrullos from decades of lies. X'iv, be assured. Tell your comrades that whichever corner of the universe they’re in, I see them and I’m with them. I won’t rest until I’ve brought them all home!”

Three Years Ago

On the city square of Rad-Nam, the new capital of Kree-Lar, stood an enormous statue of Mar-Vell, the greatest warrior ever born to the Kree Empire.

Once a traitor, now a hero, Mar-Vell was disdained by his own people, but hailed as some sort of Madonna by the Allied Empire of Kree and Skrulls. His love for the Skrull princess Anelle, or say his infidelity to the Supreme Intelligence, gave birth to Dorrek-Vell, the absolute ruler of the universe and savior of his people. No one else rejoiced at the Kree/Skrull Alliance more than Minister Marvel, Mar-Vell’s nephew. He was the family of a renegade, forever condemned by his peers for his uncle’s act of treason. Now? The tables have turned. He’s the cousin of the emperor, those who used to mock at him now treat him with respect. For how many times he’s cursed Mar-Vell in the past, he’ll praise the king and his father twice as much. To celebrate victory against the Skrull rebels, to bless the war against Kree Imperium, and to prepare for the king’s visit to Rad-Nam, Minister Marvel built this statue of Mar-Vell and invited his majestic cousin to unveil it.

“Wow.” Emperor Dorrek-Vell looked amazed at the vivid carvings. “Thank you… My father would be so proud if he could live to see this.”

“Your father would be so proud if he could live to see what you have achieved,” said Minister Marvel. The king smiled, “He would’ve loved to meet you too.”

“He would want to witness your alliance,” said a new voice. The emperor turned around, and saw a Kree woman standing a few steps behind them. The hood she wore partly concealed her face, but once she had the king’s attention, she took it off and revealed a familiar Starforce uniform.

“Minn-Evra!” Minister Marvel immediately recognized this Kree traitor. Dr. Minn-Evra was his senior in Kree Science Academy, and an old acquaintance of Mar-Vell. When the Alliance formed, she stayed with Kree Imperium along with the rest of the Kree Starforce.

“Mar-Vell had always wanted the best for his people. He was among the first to realize that this war would only harm both sides,” Minn-Evra continued. She had no intention to strike, but Minister Marvel already took out his gun and prepared to shoot.

“No,” the emperor said, he asked his cousin to hold his fire. “Let’s hear her out.”

“Thank you…Emperor Dorrek-Vell. I come here to ask you to save your people.” Minn-Evra knelt down before the hybrid king, the messiah her people refused to follow. She wasn’t the first to switch side, and wouldn’t be the last. “The Starforce was formed for a sinful purpose. Supreme Intelligence had a plan, but he needed us to enact it. He colluded with the Shi'ar Majestrix and created the Nega Bomb. Once exploded, it would kill over ninety percent of the population in a star system. Within months, this bomb will be detonated on Hala.”

“What?” Minister Marvel was shocked. No, frightened. “But…that would kill his own men too! He wants us dead this much that he will launch a galaxy-wide suicide attack?”

“This isn’t an attack…it’s how he will jumpstart evolution. I cannot accept transformation at the cost of my comrades’ life. To stop him, my partner Att-Lass died so that I could escape and warn you.”

“…Stand up, Dr. Minn-Evra,” said the king. The solemn look on his face suggested that he would treat this seriously. “You don’t need to beg me to save my people. Where is this Nega Bomb?”

“The bomb will be activated by destroying a pair of Nega Bands — your father’s bands. I can give you coordinates, but the bands are guarded by the Starforce. You’ll need your best warriors.”

“My king, this could be a trap!” said Minister Marvel. Dorrek shook his head. “Trap or not, I will not risk my people’s life. We should’ve retrieved my father’s bands years ago.”

“Mur-G'nn, Noh-Varr, Kl'rt. Meet me at the hangar on Rad-Nam,” the king said to his communicator. “I have a mission for you. Minn-Evra, with me. Please tell us everything you know of Starforce, and the facility that housed my father’s bands. This is a mission we cannot fail.”

Two Years Ago

Majestrix Lilandra Neramani sat on her throne in the Chandilar palace, watching her Imperial Guards bring the Skrull known as Flaw to kneel before her. The prisoner wouldn’t comply, so Kallark the Gladiator pressed on Flaw’s shoulder and forced him to land on his knees. “Submit to your Majestrix, traitor,” said the Praetor of the Imperial Guards. “Perhaps then, you would find redemption in your final moments.”

“Redemption, I have found, and it lies not with an unworthy queen,” said Flaw. The mask may inhibit his shapeshifting, but not the hatred in his eyes. Lilandra sighed. She is safe, surrounded by her Imperial Guards, and no single Warskrull could possibly harm her. And yet…

“Flaw, you killed all your teammates in the Death Commandos. There is no redemption to be found for such betrayal.”

“Betrayal?” Flaw laughed, a sound loud and unnerving, echoing in the chambers of the splendid throne room. “Lilandra Neramani dares to speak of betrayal?”

And yet she wishes, that the laws of Shi'ar did not shut her beloved away from the court. She wishes for him to be here, for he would know how to console her, and calm her through their psychic bond.

It worries her, today more than ever, that they are so close, him merely outside the palace, but she could not feel him. The man she once reached across the stars.

As if all bonds would be lost to the raging fires of war.

“Father? You’re frowning.”

Charles blinked. Sunlight shone on his daughter’s face, she’s smiling, but her eyebrows raised. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing. I thought I heard your mother.”

He felt a tingle, to be precise. It was barely noticeable, and didn’t make sense. Lilandra is busy with her Majestrix duties. She had to sit through the trial of Flaw, a Warskrull who once had the mind of a Shi'ar soldier, but seemed to have regained his memories as a Skrull warrior. It unsettled her, he could tell, not knowing who could’ve converted Flaw under her eyes. The universe nowadays is an uncertain and dangerous place. The Skrull Empire just fell to a mad king who’s only a kid, and the Kree are barely holding up. Has Dorrek-Vell finally set his eyes upon Shi'ar? Is the tragedy of the Death Commandos the preclude of a war-torn future? Lilandra couldn’t allow herself to think that way. She told Charles not to worry, she asked him to keep it from Xandra, she wants their daughter to grow up without knowing the terror of a tyrannical reign.

Lilandra shouldered it all, while Charles, as her consort, could hardly help. All he could do is to go for a stroll with his daughter. He sat on his hovering wheelchair, and she said, “Oh, how’s the trial going?”

“I didn’t hear her. I thought I heard her.”

“Couldn’t you ask her?”

“Your mother is busy. It’s best that we don’t bother her.”

“Fineeeeeeeee,” said Xandra. Charles was half surprised and half amused that his daughter has learned this sarcastic tone. It’s perhaps not in line with the royal etiquette, but Charles would rather that she acts like a teenager than a strained crown princess.

“But it’s not fair, you know.”

“You’re a child, Xandra. I’m sure your mother would allow you to join once you’re old enough.”

“I don’t mean me. I mean you.”

“Me?” Charles stared into his daughter’s eyes. Is she serious, he wondered, or just trying to win an argument? Xandra has become strong enough to shield herself from any psychic prying, but he would never need to read her thoughts. He knows her, and he’s seen anger, he’s too familiar with the differences between a pout and murderous rage. His child had the same look as when she was five, when Lilandra told her that she had to join the court meeting instead of their play. Charles smiled, she’s still their sweet little girl, and he would love to keep it this way.

“Yes, you,” said Xandra. “You’re the strongest telepath I know, but Orcale is mother’s premier telepath, not you. It’s not fair.”

Ah. Charles thought, he should feel moved, that his daughter felt wronged on his behalf. Yet could he deny it? For years, he hid any trace of disappointment and tried to be as supportive as he could for Lilandra, but Xandra must have picked up something from the brief moments, when Lilandra and her Imperial Guards looked away.

“I am a Terran, you know. Shi'ar laws do not allow Terrans to…interfere with state affairs.”

“And I’m half Terran. Will they find a way to keep me from state affairs too?”

“Your mother would never allow it.”

“Then why did she allow this?”

Charles sighed. “She…tried, but it’s not easy. Even a majestrix must face restrictions. She can’t do whatever she wants, or her people would lose faith.”

Not to mention that Lilandra became the Majestrix after dethroning her own brother. It was a just cause, D'ken was insane and almost doomed the empire, but those reluctant to accept her reign would always use it as an excuse. When they couldn’t target her, they target him. A Terran who doesn’t belong. Charles and Lilandra didn’t want to burden Xandra with the past, they would consider themselves failures as parents if she ever learned emotions like hatred and despair. But there were nights, when he remembered his days on Earth, when he remembered how it felt to be resented and looked down upon. Sometimes…it doesn’t feel too different here.

“But…you gave up your dream for her. You left your people for us,” said Xandra. “You deserve more, father.”

Charles once told her the story. Lilandra saw a vision when she approached the M'kraan Crystal, that her brother would destroy the universe due to his reckless acts, and that the only way to stop him was through a rebellion with the help of a Terran telepath. She ventured across the stars and found him, took him from his friends and their budding dreams. Lilandra promised Charles that he could go home, once her empire is free from her brother’s tyranny. They didn’t know. The months they spent fighting side by side would make him love her and make her hesitant to let go. When it was time for them to part way, she said, “You can stay. This can be your home. My people can be your people, and I can be yours…if you so wish.”

If he were just a man, he would’ve said yes immediately. But he was more, or he could’ve been more, because that’s what they told him. Moira and Erik. He only knew them for a few months, but he saw her memories, relived her thousands of years of life in a few seconds, and he felt it all. He loved her. He loved him. In another life. They offered hundreds and thousands of kids guidance and refuge. They built one paradise after another. Paradises that fell without exceptions. She asked, “What did we do wrong?”

None of them knew. Then Lilandra came, Charles asked her to give him time to consider. He thought about the ten lives Moira had lived, about the comradeship and rivalry he shared with Erik. He realized, all of a sudden, that Moira tried to build a paradise with him. It failed. She tried to build one with both of them. It failed. She tried to fight, alongside Erik, and then he stopped them.

Maybe…maybe he was what went wrong.

He said yes to Lilandra. Years later, he returned to Earth in secret, and saw the reeducation centers run by androids. He saw mutants thrive on the paradise built by Moira and Erik, he saw peace and harmony among humans and mutants. He saw his dream come true, and it only came true because he wasn’t part of it. He felt too ashamed to see them, and left without anyone knowing. He hasn’t been to Earth ever since.

“I have you, and your mother. That’s enough for me,” he said. Charles had to believe, that at least to Shi'ar, to Lilandra and Xandra, he’s a hero. “You two are all I’ve ever wanted.”

That he is at least the savior to one planet, and to one woman he loves.

“Lilandra Neramani, a woman who committed thousands of war crimes, who’s responsible for the deaths of billions, dares to accuse me of betrayal?”

Flaw spoke, in a voice harsh and firm, with no respect to the throne he once served, and no reverence for the Imperial Guards he once followed.

A dying man knows no fears. Lilandra thought. But no, there’s something else. Flaw acts like he has the upper hand, even when locked in bolts and shackles. He knelt before her in her palace, yet talked as if he’s the master. Why? What did she miss? How did he have his memories back? Who is he loyal to now? There are moves in the dark that she couldn’t see, and it scared her. She is alone in this room, away from Charles, away from Xandra, facing a mad man as insane as her late brother… and the ruthless hybrid king.

“You denied me of a warrior’s death, erased my life and turned me into your slave. You spread lies about the Shapeless Ridge, made the Kree slaughter my people and prolong our war. You created the Nega Bomb with Supreme Intelligence, endangering galaxies and countless souls,” Flaw continued. “Your atrocities have no end, Lilandra Neramani. You’re undeserving of redemption, nor the second chance offered by our graceful king!”

“Majestrix,” said Kallark. “Permission to execute the prisoner now.”

“No, Gladiator, wait!” said Lilandra. There, her worst fear confirmed. “You spoke of a king. Is Dorrek-Vell behind your traitorous deeds?”

“Traitorous? No. Vengeful? Yes,” said Flaw. “You want to know? I was visited by an old comrade. A telepath, she is, strong enough to see through the lies you planted in my head, and salvaged the little that’s left of myself.”

“I’m sorry,” said Z'Cann. “I came too late. Our empires were locked in constant wars. We were busy fending for ourselves, and the late Empress R'klll cared not for the people. His Majesty is different… Emperor Dorrek-Vell loves every one of us, as long as you love him too. He sent me here to welcome you home.”

“Tell the Liege, my friend, that I owed my life to him,” said Flaw. “But I cannot return, not until I’ve atoned for the crimes I’ve committed against my own kind. Not until I’ve slain Lilandra Neramani for our king and savior.”

“It’s dull, isn’t it?” said Xandra. Charles gave her a confused look. “The weather, I mean,” she said.

“The weather is fine,” said Charles. Sunlight painted a layer of gold to the shiny palace. It was a bright and balmy day, that’s why he suggested a walk. To ease his mind, so that he could relieve Lilandra of her stress when the meeting ends.

“Yeah, but it feels…smothering. I dunno, like it’s hard to breathe, but not physically.”

Like the sweltering summertime. You still breathe, but the humidity in the air makes it uncomfortable. Charles knew what Xandra meant. He felt it too, even though it didn’t make sense. It wasn’t the weather, perhaps. It was only in his head.

Oh.

OH.

NO.

“Lilandra!”

Charles screamed, as loudly as he could. From his throat, and in his head. A cry so loud that all of Chandilar could hear, so loud that it’d finally reach the Imperial Palace, and pierce through the mental blocks imposed by his enemies.

How could he not see it earlier? He felt the tingle. He knew something was wrong. If Xandra didn’t pick it up too and bring it to his attention, if he realized it too late and Lilandra…

No. Please let him save her again. He has to. She’s all he’s got left.

Lilandra felt Charles, and felt his fright and despair, as her own dread filled her too. At last, she saw the truth, she saw her palace invaded by enemies once invisible to her. Kree and Skrull soldiers, concealed by a telepath strong enough to fool Orcale but not Charles. She missed him for a reason she didn’t understand, and now it’s too late.

“Defend the throne!” “Now!”

Commands were issued by Gladiator and the Skrull standing next to him. Paibok the Power Skrull, Lilandra recognized, a formidable warrior who served as the head in one of Dorrek-Vell’s strike teams. Behind every Imperial Guard was a soldier from the Kree/Skrull Empire. Some killed her guards before they could react, others were forced into a fight or slain instead. Orcale was locked in a psychic battle with the young Kree man next to her, and the odds were not in her favor. No one had time to protect the Majestrix, when they were distracted by their own fight. The only one not preoccupied was Flaw. The chains were an illusion, he was no longer kneeling, but standing before her throne and staring at her, with a twisted smile on his face.

“Long live the king,” he said, and his fist smashed her head to pieces.

It was two months after reclaiming Kree-Pama. Before the final attacks on Hala commenced, Emperor Dorrek-Vell returned to the planet to examine the rebuilding works and greet his people. As the king listened to Joras-Kyl introducing the achievements of the new science station, their conversation was cut short by Captain Va-Sohn, who earned the title for fighting fiercely to liberate her home planet.

“Majesty!” said the Captain in an agitated voice. “We just received reports from our spies in Shi'ar. The team led by Paibok, you sent them to rescue Flaw the Warskrull… they’re dead.”

“All of them?” said the emperor. Every day, hundreds to thousands of souls are lost in war, but Va-Sohn’s nod still brought dismay to the king’s heart.”

“Yes, all of them…including your cousin, Marvel Mind.”

“Do we know how it happened?”

“You cousin was successful in deceiving Orcale, but Neramani’s consort, the Terran named Charles Xavier, he was a powerful telepath. He saw through our guise, your agents didn’t have enough time to react.  The mission might’ve failed, but they killed as many Shi'ar Imperial Guards as possible, and Lilandra Neramani. They died with honor, my liege.”

“They did. Is it possible to retrieve their bodies?”

“We’ll liaise with our agents in Shi'ar. They will find a way.”

“Please pass them my thanks. Once our soldiers have returned home, we will hold memorials for them on Skrullos and Hala.  I hope they’ll find solace on the other side… that their sacrifices will be remembered by us all.”

One Year Ago

Kate Bishop leaned on the counter of the Green Lagoon, eyes carefully scanning every pretty boy within her sight. Today is the day for the annual Hellfire Gala, and her mission is to find her friend Billy a boy to dance with.

For as long as Kate’s known Billy, which is basically the last three years, he’s been whining about wanting a boyfriend to cuddle with and dip him when they dance. For the past three galas, Kate sat with Billy on the bar stools all night and watched everyone else dance, because neither of them had a dance partner.

It was, mostly, by choice on Kate’s part. Her best friend America was dancing with her college roommate Nico Minoru. Her other best friend Cassie was talking with her family friend Nadia van Dyne, because Cassie’s dad Scott was dancing with his girlfriend Darla, and Cassie needed an excuse to not be alone with her childhood best friend Kristoff Vernard. Kristoff is the adopted son of Victor von Doom. Like his foster father, Kristoff refused to dance with anyone, but everyone knew if Cassie asked, he would take her hand and rush to the dance floor in a split second. Cassie wouldn’t ask, because when Kristoff confessed to her and asked her out, she said no, and it’s been awkward between them ever since. It was, again, mostly Kate’s fault, but also Billy’s. Cassie didn’t say no right after the confession. She told Kristoff that she needed time to think, and thinking pretty much meant asking her best friend Kate what to do. Kate said, NO! The greatest regret in her life thus far is dating her friend Eli. It lasted for a few months only, both of them realized that they are better off as friends. Once you crossed the line, though, they’re now forever awkward exes instead of merry friends. Kate would never want the same tragedy to repeat on her best friend. Unfortunately, she now realized that saying no would make everyone awkward too.

Plus, Kristoff hates her now. And Billy, because Cassie also asked Billy and he said, “If you only like him but you don’t love him, you’ll both end up getting hurt.” He had a point, you gotta admit. Billy is a great theorist when it comes to love, except that he’s never been in love, even though he’s been craving it for his entire life.

“You can try with Nate or Eli,” Kate once suggested. “I think they’re bi, and friends to lovers are pretty common.”

“Kate Bishop, I sympathize with you, but that doesn’t mean I want to relive your failed relationship,” said Billy. “And I think they’d make a better couple with each other anyway… Don’t tell them.”

Tonight, Eli’s avoiding Kate and chatting with his friend Rikki and her girlfriend Julie. Nate was hanging out with his school project group mate Clarice Ferguson. Kate’s classmate Laura said hi to her, then went back to dancing with Jubilee. Kate wasn’t really close with anyone else, so all she could do was to be miserably alone with Billy. Again. She didn’t actually think it was miserable, she thought she wasn’t ready for relationships anyway. Billy, on the other hand, stared at his brother Tommy and Tommy’s boyfriend David. They’re making out, and Billy had the “when can this happen to me?” look on his face.

When Kate walked through the Krakoa gate this year, Billy was the only one greeting her, and the first sentence he said was, “I can’t believe you’re wearing the same dress for three consecutive years.”

“Better this than have my father spend another million dollars on a dress I will only wear once,” said Kate. Billy, being her great friend and knowing her well, added, “So he can donate that million dollars to charity instead, right?”

“Exactly.”

“You know, you could’ve told me and I’d ask Jumbo Carnation to make you a dress. It’s free. Tommy’s wearing his design too.”

Tommy was busy practicing the opening dance with David. It was Wanda’s idea, every year a mutant couple would lead the first dance. This year is her son and his boyfriend’s turn, because she obviously didn’t realize how much a torment it was for her other son. As Kate and Billy watched the dance from the gala’s sad corner, as she saw Tommy, unusually, slowing down his pace for a kiss with David, she noticed Billy circling his arms around his own body and made a decision. Her friend needs someone to hug him and kiss him. “We’ll find you a boyfriend tonight,” she announced.

“What?” Billy breathed out an umm. “I mean, sounds cool, but I’m not that desperate.”

“Yes, you are.”

“Kate… Look, I don’t want any man. I want someone special, and I want our meeting to be special too.”

“Oh come on, you’re at a gala. This is special!” Kate’s eyes landed on a boy with white streak. She remembered him as a school mate in Avengers Academy, even though they’ve never talked. “How about Brandon Sharpe? He looks cute.”

“Nah. I like nice guys. Bad boys are more your thing.”

“Bad boys are NOT my thing!”

“Hmm.” Billy gave Kate a mischievous smile. “I mean, you almost kissed Tommy.”

In Kate’s defense, it was shortly after Kate met Tommy, and long before Tommy started dating David. She was struggling in her relationship with Eli, she wanted to end it, but didn’t want to hurt her friend. Tommy was the only one who noticed she’s upset and took her out. He wanted to cheer her up, so they went dancing. In the heat of the dance, she almost kissed him, but realized it was a mistake before their lips touched. She said stop, and knew that she had to end it with Eli. Tommy was the kind of friend who could immediately shrug it off if you tell him to forget about something. When David and Tommy started dating, Kate told David about this too, and he said it’s okay, we all make mistakes sometimes. It was a miracle that things weren’t awkward between the three of them, but that doesn’t mean Billy won’t use this to tease her when he’s in a silly mood.

“You’re terrible. I feel bad for the nice guy who’ll marry you.”

“He’ll put up with me.”

“How about Victor Borkowski? He’s nice.”

“He is, but he’s not really my type.”

“You sure? He looks like your type.”

“I know what my type is, Kate.”

“Then Benjamin Deeds. He’s your type.”

“No! What do you think my type is? And I’m pretty sure he’s dating Nathan Carver.”

“He is?” Kate cautiously examined their posture. Nathan had his hand on Benjamin’s shoulder. Okay, fair, Billy’s right. “Akihiro, then. He may not be a ‘nice guy’ but he’s charming.”

“And way too old for me!”

“Really? You like Thor, and he’s thousands of years older than you.”

“Kate!” Billy threw her a sulky look. Kate smiled for getting her revenge already. “Yes, I had a crush on Thor, but it’s like a celebrity crush. I never thought about marrying him. My man will probably be around my age, and live as many years as I do, so we can spend the rest of our life with each other.”

Corny. Kate thought, but Billy always looked happy when he said this, and she’s not cruel enough to crush his dreams. “Well, you better find your man fast, or that rest of life won’t be very long.”

“I know,” Billy sighed. “I wish.”

“Then go and say hi to a boy. You won’t have anything if you just sit here forever.”

“Well, I’d rather sit here and wait for my true love to appear than to date someone wrong and waste a few months of my life.” Billy reached for his fruit drink. They’re 19, but Krakoa decided to adopt USA’s approach and ban alcohol consumption for anyone aged below 21. For the children, they claimed, and no children was consulted. “And miss my chance with him. I need to be available when he comes.”

“True love? You really believe in that?” Kate raised her eyebrow. She’s not surprised, though, if anyone will believe in true love, it’s Billy.

“Don’t you?” Billy took a sip from the juice, then let out another sigh. “It’s…comforting, thinking this way. There’s someone out there in this universe who’s meant to be with you. Bound to you, so even when you’re physically alone, you aren’t truly lonely. Because…wherever he is right now, he’s also with you. Who wouldn’t want that?”

“Nadia wouldn’t,” reminded Kate. Billy laughed. “Well, not every one of us is asexual aromantic. Some of us can’t be happy without someone to kiss. Both are nice, though. She never has to worry about relationship problems and doesn’t need anyone to hold her at night. But…I want someone to hold me.”

“If you can just talk to them, you will find someone to hold you tonight,” Kate repeated. Billy gave her an “I doubt it” look. “You will! You’re not ugly.”

“Wow. Thanks,” said Billy, in an annoyingly sarcastic tone.

“What if your true love is here tonight? You’ll miss your chance if you don’t do something!”

“Ummm…” Billy quickly scanned through the crowd. “No, I don’t think so.”

“You don’t know that.”

“I do! If he’s here, I will feel it.”

“What?” Kate frowned. “You’re not a prophet.”

“No, but I’m a reality warper. I feel the fabrics woven into our world, the strings that connect us. If my true love is here, the universe will tell me.”

“So did the universe tell you where he is?”

“He…umm.” Billy closed his eyes, trying to concentrate, but his expression told Kate that whatever spell he was casting, it wasn’t working. “I don’t know…”

“Emperor!”

Captain Glory’s voice brought Dorrek back from the trance. He turned around, and realized that Glah-Ree just saved him from Yon-Rogg’s attack. The colonel was going to shoot him from the back, but Glah-Ree knocked this rebel leader on the ground first.

“You froze,” said the captain. A judging tone, and rightfully so. A king should not be distracted on the battlefield. “I…did? Sorry. Won’t happen again.”

Dorrek returned his attention to the Kree colonel. Yon-Rogg rose to his feet already and aimed his photonics blasts at Dorrek. The king deflected the beams with his sword, which appeared to irritate his enemy.

“I should’ve killed Mar-Vell the first chance I got!” roared the colonel.

“Then you shouldn’t have rejected the second chance I gave you,” said Dorrek. Yon-Rogg jumped at him, but his sword’s energy blast cut off the colonel head before this angry man could reach him.

If he weren’t distracted by…whatever mysterious force it was, this would’ve happened minutes ago.

Dorrek frowned. He’s naturally immune to pheromones and toxins. Years of anti-hypnosis training under Kl'rt should grant him resistance from any telepathic attacks. His star sword can disrupt any magical influence exerted upon him. Who could’ve trapped him in a daze like that?

“I don’t know.” Billy gave up. Kate shrugged, she could taunt him with an “are you sure he even exists?” but then her friend looked painful enough already. “Maybe it’s the universe telling you that you should stop waiting and live your life a little.”

“Why should I enter a relationship when I know it won’t last?”

“It’s not the ending that matters, it’s the experience,” Fred the bartender chimed in. He’s probably been listening to their conversation all night. Kate was secretly glad that she wasn’t the only one fed up with Billy’s hesitancy. “What he said,” she smiled. Billy threw her a cold glare. “I bet you really enjoyed those months you spent with Eli too.”

“Fine. You win,” Kate said. It’s a mistake arguing with your friend who knows your embarrassing past too well. “You know, you can sit here all night. I’m gonna say hi to some cute boys,” Kate said and finished her drink. “Life is short, after all.”

“Say hi to some girls too while you’re at it,” Billy grinned. “They say if it never works out, you’re probably doing it the wrong way. Like Uncle Bobby.”

“Did your Aunt Lorna teach you that?”

“She did, yeah.”

Kate glanced at Lorna Dane-Eisenhardt, who’s dancing with Theresa Cassidy. “Maybe she could use her own advice too.”

“I’ll let her know.”

“Hey, Billy?”

“Mmm?”

Kate smiled. They could throw jabs at each other all night, but Billy is her friend. At the end of the day, she wants him to be happy. “I hope, whoever your true love is, he comes to you soon, and you’ll dance with him at next year’s gala.”

“Thank you,” said Billy. He waved byes to Kate, and watched her join Cassie and Nadia’s conversation. Nadia introduced Kate to her friends too. Billy smiled, but the smile faded once he realized, he truly is going to sit here alone all night.

“I thought teens your age love to date around and have fun,” said Fred. He probably thought Billy looked too depressed and decided to take over Kate’s job.

“I’m more…traditional,” said Billy. Weird saying this, he thought. He’s gay and a mutant, nothing about him is really ‘traditional’. “No, I mean, I know some gay mutant kids do that, but straight humans do it all the time too. It’s just, I’m not interested in casual dating. I want to find a man I love and marry him, and be with him forever. Nice and simple. What’s wrong with wanting this?”

“Nothing wrong. You’re a romantic.” Fred served him another drink. Billy said thanks. “Romantics get hurt easily in love.”

“I’ll just have to find another romantic then,” Billy said. Fred pondered for a while and continued, “Well, if you don’t mind the age gap, I think Carl Valentino is pretty romantic.”

“No!” Billy groaned and decided that he’s had enough drinks for tonight. Time to go home while no one’s watching and cry himself to sleep.

Now

“There will be an island, said the prophet. A woman who’s seen worlds unlike our own, and lived millennia in a loop.”

The young man spoke, in a language no countrymen of his could understand. On this island, they called him Fiz, a mutant who could change size and shape at will. In a galaxy far away, in words known only by his true kinsmen, he had another name, and lived another life.

“Mere millennia?” said his companion, a boy with fair hair and eyes like sky. It is strange, Fiz thought, seeing the pinkish shade on the boy’s skin, instead of green like his own. Yet a true believer recognizes their savior anywhere, whichever form they take.

“Yes, my liege.” Fiz smiled. “Brief moments, compared with history vast as ours.”

“Devastating times, she said those were, but I say they were weak,” Fiz continued. They reached the east coast of the island, where the House of M lies. On every day bright as today, you’ll find young mutants messing with each other on the grassland before the mansion. They feel safe, being so close to one so strong as Magneto. A mighty leader, Fiz admitted, who he would’ve followed, if he hadn’t pledged allegiance to his king.

“The mutant you seek reside in the manor before us, my lord.” Fiz noticed, William, grandson of Magnus, now stood on the terrace, watching the crowd below. He saw them, briefly, but soon his attention drifted away. Fiz turned to the majesty, and knew he caught it too. The smile on his lips, the excitement in his eyes, few had seen their liege this thrilled. “Please keep this a secret between us,” said the sire, when he found Fiz and his fellow agents on Earth. “William is…an opponent I would like to take on myself.”

A boy powerful enough to rival the King of Space? Perhaps…yet Fiz knew, and the majesty knew it too. No mage has ever survived an attack from him. The Skrull fire cult died in a blink, the Kree traitor Ard-Con fell within seconds. William, too, will perish, if the king wills it so.

“Shall I create a diversion for you to gain entry, my liege?”

“No. I will find William when the time is right, and it has to be done…alone.”

“Aye.”

Decades ago, Fiz and his team were sent to the Milky Way to locate resources that could aid his empire in the Kree/Skrull War. Years ago, the majesty’s messenger traveled to Earth and gave him a choice. Return to the empire, remain on Earth and serve as the king’s spy, or reject the emperor’s reign and embrace death. Most his fellow warriors chose to return. Yet Fiz, for the many tales he’s heard of the king, for the many victories he’s witnessed from afar, knew that the majesty’s ambition was beyond the allied empire. One day, the joint forces of Kree and Skrulls would reach Earth. On that day, he would help his king and comrades conquer this planet, and return to the empire with glory to his name.

A day not too distant, as it seemed. And poor William…if he chooses not to join them, he will be the first to fall.

Choose wisely. Fiz thought, and cast one last pitying glance at the distraught mutant boy.

Billy sighed, he must be too distracted by tomorrow’s surgery for the spell to work. He sat in his room for hours, thinking about what he would do without his powers, and almost drove himself to tears several times. Moira and Max built a world where mutant kids could live without fear, where no one had to hide who they are, where no one would dread of being erased. No one, until him today.

The first time a mutant kid developed their power is worthy of celebration on Krakoa. It’s like bar mitzvah, but he and Tommy manifested before 13. For the following months, a mentor with similar mutations would teach the child how to control their newfound abilities. In Billy’s and Tommy’s case, it was Wanda and Pietro. There were days when they brought the boys to the grassland before the manor, when Pietro dared Tommy to a race, while Wanda taught Billy to close his eyes and feel the universe. The fabrics of reality, the life force of each individual, and the strings you can pull to warp the world around you. It felt like opening a third eye, a seventh sense that belonged to you but you never knew existed. Billy couldn’t imagine, after knowing it and using it for nearly half his life, how he could survive without magic at his commands.

Your power is something you take for granted, so assured that you never thought about what you wanted to do with it until the day you lost it. So many regrets, so much pain, but between the sobs, he remembered. If he would lose his power tomorrow, if he could only cast one last spell, he knew what he wanted most. What he must have, even if he had to bend the universe to do so.

Bring my true love to me.

…What? He’s gonna lose it all tomorrow. It’s reasonable that he would want his man here to hold him and comfort him and make everything less awful, right?

Billy tried the spell last year, when Kate was next to him. It didn’t work. He thought, if he came here, and remembered Mom’s teachings, it would’ve been easier. It wasn’t. It was actually worse than last time. Back then, when he closed his eyes, he could feel the forests and oceans, the deserts and glaciers, the cities and wastelands, at every corner of Earth. He searched it all, but his love wasn’t there, so his spirit traveled, across distance beyond imagination. Past the moon, past the sun, past numerous galaxies in the Milky Way, to worlds so vast and strange that he almost despaired, how would he find one man over such infinite space?

Love makes you go through impossible length. He visited every planet in the universe, however far, however daunting, and found nothing but the void. As if something or someone had hidden his true love from him. But who would? Who could? Reality itself answers to his whims. Nothing, to his knowledge, could possibly stop him.

Except Wanda, but Mom wouldn’t do that. Or maybe he’s just not as powerful as he thought. Make sense, right? The universe is huge. There’re probably millions of reality warpers out there. As long as it’s not that his true love doesn’t exist…even though Kate obviously thinks this way. She’s just too kind to say it to his face.

Today, however, when Billy closed his eyes, he couldn’t feel anything or anyone beyond this mansion and the lawn. Even his own eyes could grant him more sight than magic. Strange…it never happened before, being restricted to such a limited range. As if when he tried to reach out to the universe, someone cut the strings immediately.

Hmm. Weird way of thinking. It’s not like he already lost his power. He’s probably just too upset to stay focused. Billy pressed himself onto the railings, watching all the young mutants downstairs enjoying a blissful, carefree life. He missed how it felt. He was like that this morning, too. Now…he has to kill part of himself so that everyone else could still be safe and happy. Sometimes, it’s hard to not feel bitter, when everyone around you is smiling and laughing — oh, hey, there’s a cute boy smiling at him. Hiiiiiii. Too bad that he’s too miserable to smile back. Or maybe it’s just his wishful thinking anyway — only because you’re suffering for them.

No. Billy frowned at himself. Don’t be selfish. You’re doing this because you want to keep that smile on the cute boy’s face. And everyone in the older generations, especially Max and Moira, suffered way more. They built a paradise for you to live in, and it’s your job to keep it going. Max once brought Billy and Tommy here and told them why he built Krakoa. To watch his family and mutantkind take joy and pride in who they are. Billy was too young to understand it back then, but now he knew what his grandpa meant. The laughters, the games, the kids who never had to worry about being harmed by bad guys…nowhere else could represent the meaning of Krakoa better than this. It should assure him that his sacrifice is necessary, for what they want to protect is too precious.

“And you? What would you want to do?” asked Max, all those years ago.

“I want to collect all the Pokémon,” said Tommy. You couldn’t blame them. They were nine.

“That sounds cool! I want it too,” said Billy. “And I want to go to all of Dazzler’s concerts!”

If Max asked him now, though, he would say he wants to keep his power, find a man he loves and marry him, and spend the rest of their life in the company of their friends and family. Maybe protect the world in the meantime too. None of it is going to happen. He will lose his power, and without it, he has no idea who or where his true love is. Billy also doesn’t know how to tell his friends about this. Soon enough, they’ll start wondering, and he will try to dodge their questions by avoiding them, eventually isolating himself or making things awkward for everyone. He wants to convince himself that he’s at least protecting the world, but without his powers? He couldn’t even protect his own life.

A sudden blow of wind brought Billy’s attention away from his thoughts and onto the quick pat on his shoulder. He turned around and found Tommy, who immediately shoved a camera into his arms.

“David and I are going out and you’re helping us take pictures.”

“…What? Why?”

“You don’t have anything better to do anyway.”

Before Billy could argue back, Tommy grabbed his wrist and brought him to the Hollywood Hills. David was waiting for them on the hiking trail of the Santa Monica Mountains. Once again, before Billy had the chance to say he’s definitely not in the mood for a hike, David stared at him with utter disbelief and exclaimed as loudly as he could, “You did what?”

“He did what?” asked Tommy immediately.

“He agreed to let your grandpa take away his power.”

“You did what!?” said Tommy at an even louder voice.

“Great.” Billy sighed. “I’m in dire need of you two screaming at me, so thanks a lot.”

Yeah, he’s clearly dumb that he’d forget his friend’s power is, literally, to know everything. The good news is that he doesn’t have to worry about how to tell them. The bad news is that they now skip right to the part where everyone feels obliged to tell him how absolutely stupid he is.

“You do,” said Tommy. “What kind of idiot would say yes to that?”

…See? It had to come from Tommy, of all people. Billy would take it if it’s criticism from David or Kate but TOMMY?

“Tommy, not helping,” said David. “And Billy, what’re you thinking? It’s not like you to put up with this BS.”

“You know what I’m thinking.”

“My power is psychomimetry, not telepathy.”

“But you know about the prophecy.”

“Wait, what prophecy?” asked Tommy.

“Yes, but you don’t really buy it, do you?” said David. “It’s only their theory. And prophecies can be wrong.”

“What if they’re right?”

“What if they’re wrong? You’re gonna lose your power for nothing.”

“And if they’re right, this could save millions of lives. Not just mutants.”

Billy thought, of all the deaths he saw on the planet named Hala. If losing his power meant that all those lives would be spared, it seemed like a small price to pay, even if it would cost him everything.

“Or the Galactic Council will succeed with their genocide because you won’t have the power to stop them?” said David.

“WHAT galactic council?” asked Tommy.

“…Your power is psychomimetry, not telepathy,” said Billy.

“I know, but I’m also clever.”

“Can you two stop ignoring me?”

“The inhumans had a prophecy.” David turned to Tommy. “That Billy would fight alongside a space tyrant named Dorrek-Vell against the Galactic Council, of which Attilan and the Intergalactic Empire of Wakanda are members.”

“Woah, dope,” said Tommy.

“Not ‘dope’,” said Billy. “They think I’m a murderer and want to take away my power because of that!”

“Which is why you shouldn’t let them!” said David.

“Tell that to Medusa and my grandpa.”

“Ha. Your grandpa knows he’s wrong, or he wouldn’t have sent Tommy to check on you.”

“…Wait.” Billy finally had the chance to dump the camera into…David’s arms because Tommy dodged it. “So THAT is what this is about?”

“It’s David’s idea,” said Tommy.

“It’s actually Tommy’s idea and we’ll talk about this later,” said David, staring into Tommy’s eyes to shush him, then returned his attention to Billy. “Point is, Billy, your grandpa knows he’s wrong, which means that he can still be swayed. If we take your case to the Quiet Council and show them how absurd this is, they’ll stop your grandpa and he’ll have to listen.”

“You mean the same Quiet Council who voted against removing your mental block because they’re scared that you’ll become too powerful without it?”

“Well, then you must remember that it was you who lifted that mental block for me?”

Funny. Billy thought. Max was among the few who supported David’s wish to remove the mental block. He was outvoted and had to respect the council’s decision, but that didn’t stop him from bringing it up during the family dinner that night. Tommy and Billy, feeling unfair on David’s behalf, chose to ignore the council’s order. Half an hour later, Max received an emergency notice from X-Force that the Alleynes reported their son kidnapped by a speedster. It took Max five seconds to discover that his grandsons were gone too. After another ten minutes, Pietro found his nephews and David in a warehouse owned by Bishop Publishing, right when Billy finished the spell to remove David’s mental block. Fortunately, the council then voted against reinstating the block.

Not so fortunately, Billy walked into the cleverest guy he knows making out with his idiot brother a few months later, which made him question every major decision he’s made in his life.

“And you must remember that you told me you regretted it, because now you know everyone’s kinks and pet peeves and some are really gross?” argued Billy.

“…I worked out a way to organize my knowledge so I don’t have to remember them if I don’t want to. The moral of the story is, they’re wrong to fear us and you shouldn’t let their fears dictate your ways of life.”

“My great aunt said it’s either this or death, so it sounds like the only way of life for me now.”

“What?” said Tommy. “She can’t kill you! Mom won’t allow that.”

“Her power is reincarnation and she knows Mom before we were born, so she very much can kill me. And you.”

“Not if we stop her from reincarnating.”

“…How? Make her immortal or take away her power? Because that sounds worse than her plan for me.”

“We’ll figure out a way together,” said David. “Change their mind, or keep them from you. Your friends are a group of superheroes and super geniuses, you don’t think we can protect you if you ask? But you have to let us help, Billy. There’s nothing we can do if you already give up.”

“All you have to tell us is, do you want to keep your power?”

“I…” Billy hesitated. It’s an easy question, of course he does, but once he says yes, his friends will risk everything to help him. Fight for him, die for him, he couldn’t be more grateful, they’re the best friends in the world. Is it fair? Is it just? What if this will break his family? And Krakoa? And, if the prophecy is right, the rest of the universe?

Even if he could…Billy’s mind wandered, and remembered what Medusa said. When he saw the prophecy, he also felt his future self’s mind. He didn’t understand what happened, it was a mix of guilt, sorrow, regret, relief, and…

Today is a good day to die.

“…Billy?” David asked, frowning. He didn’t want to rush Billy, didn’t let Tommy rush him, but the look on his face must’ve worried him. “You okay? Remember, I can’t read your mind, I can only guess from your expression, and you look-”

“Like you’re gonna cry,” said Tommy.

No. Billy repeated in his heart. You can’t cry if you’re already dead.

“I don’t know,” he said. He could still argue, tell them Moira’s reasonings. Protect mutantkind. Save her life. Guard the universe from a future ridden with war. Will it work? Maybe, maybe not, maybe it’s worth trying either way. It almost sounds like he’s on her side now. Billy could try to convince himself, he’s been trying it for hours. Sometimes he thought it worked, and then he remembered. Losing his power would devastate him, and made him wish he hadn’t said yes. His conscience was caught up in a fight against his will to save himself…until he realized. There’s something he dreads more than tomorrow’s surgery.

“I don’t want that future. I don’t want anyone to die. I don’t want to experience what it takes to get to that future. I don’t want to live that life.”

“Maybe Moira is right. Maybe, if I stay away from Hala and the Galactic Council, and don’t have my power, I’ll be spared from the future with Dorrek-Vell.”

“My god, Billy.” David sighed. “Just what did they show you?”

“You know.”

“I don’t know how you feel.”

“I feel…that I don’t want to talk about this anymore.”

It’s late afternoon in Santa Monica. Sunlight brings warmth to the local flora and tourists. A few hikers walked past Billy with smiles on their face. Briefly, their eyes landed on him, wondering what the fuss was about, but soon returned to the journey ahead. Billy cast a glance at the endless sky, and the city that extends beyond the horizon. It’s…calm. Earth has never been quiet, but for the past few decades, ever since the synthezoids started advocating and enforcing co-existence, the world has become a nicer place to live in. No more wars. Love has slowly and finally displaced hate. Conflicts of interest persist, but many are willing to give in and collaborate for the benefits of Sol. Including us. Especially us. Krakoa AND Wakanda developed a way to end malnutrition. The flowers have saved many lives, mutants with their powers saved even more. Moira said, she didn’t think it was possible. It’s never like this for her past ten lives, but the kids wouldn’t know. They were born into a peaceful world, where miracles happened and still happens, throughout their childhood and teenage years. Still, life isn’t always easy. You’ll always meet someone who harbored doubts and resentment, who couldn’t forsake their irrational fears and hatred…but it happened less. There’s hope, and light at the end of waning darkness, so even when it’s hard, Billy would always choose to give himself one more chance at life.

If he were to give it up one day, if he were to believe that he could never have a life worth living again… he couldn’t imagine. How much would he have to lose? How could he lose everything in just a few years, when he haven’t even found his true love? So unfair.

Wow. Billy thought, he sounds so bitter today, but could you blame him? He caught a glimpse of an overwhelming future, his life is about to take a drastic turn, and he misses his man. A craving so strong that it derailed his thoughts many times.

“Not talking about your problem won’t help you solve it,” said David.

“Yeah,” said Billy, he strolled along the hiking lane, still not gonna talk about it. “Maybe I just don’t want to talk.”

Sunshine left a long and lonely shadow before him. Billy sighed, his friends wanted help him, and he sounded like a jerk.

“Maybe I should tell Mom?” said Tommy.

“Don’t you fucking tell her.”

“She’s gonna know! You don’t think grandpa will tell her?”

“Right, your mother can be very convincing,” said David. “Maybe she can change your grandpa’s mind? Like she did the Sentinels?”

Billy stopped and stared at David. “You’re not seriously suggesting that my mom should brainwash my grandpa?”

“Why don’t you brainwash grandpa so he won’t take away your power?” said Tommy.

“Excuse me? I’m not brainwashing anyone.”

“You won’t need to if you can talk it out with them,” said David. “And I thought the consensus was that your mom didn’t brainwash the Sentinels but persuaded them?”

“I talked with them already, and-”

“They convinced you?”

“…You don’t understand, Tommy. You weren’t there. You aren’t me.”

“Yeah, I’m not. I will never let them take my power, and if they do, I’ll take it back.”

“You know you can’t provoke him into agreeing with you, right?” said David.

“He’s not gonna listen anyway because he’s an idiot.”

“And you’re making him hold onto his choice to spite you.”

“Do you mind? I’m right next to you two.”

Billy said, then remembered that he didn’t have to stay here and listen. A simple spell could take him away and free him from his friend and brother’s scolding. Tommy is faster than teleportation, but Billy wouldn’t need that, all he needs is to fly high and grant himself a moment of silence. Magic lifted him up and landed him on top of the Hollywood sign, while Tommy and David could only watch from the ground. He’s going to miss how convenient this is so much.

 “That’s not fair,” said Tommy.

“I told you this could happen,” said David. “Did you bring the jetpacks?”

Tommy left and immediately returned with two jetpacks in his hands. He helped David put one on, and then himself. In few minutes, the propellers sent them to Billy again.

“I can’t believe you,” said Billy as he watched them sit down next to him. “You know I’m up here because I want to be left alone, right?”

“And you know you can’t get rid of us that easily,” said David.

“Can’t you just go on with your date and stop pestering me? I know I wouldn’t want to make my date all about someone else.”

“You haven’t helped us take pictures,” said Tommy.

“It was your excuse! …It was, right?”

“It was,” said David.

“Doesn’t mean you can’t take any,” said Tommy.

“That’s enough. I’m going home.”

“Billy, wait! Listen,” said David. Billy halted the spell. Tommy had his hand on David’s shoulder, which is usually a sign that if his brother wouldn’t listen, he and David would break into Billy’s room and force him to listen. Yeah, no, he’s not gonna risk them catching him crying.

“You said yes because you were scared. Because they were scared into thinking that this is the best way, or the only way, but it isn’t. You can’t let them rush you to decisions. If you really want to give up your power…we won’t stop you, but you need time to think it through. You aren’t thinking clearly right now, okay? If you go to the surgery tomorrow, you’ll only regret this later. Trust me.

“And how long do I have to think this through, David?” said Billy. David’s right, he’ll regret this, he already does, but what if he would regret not doing it more? “A week? A month? A year? When is it too late to stop the prophecy?”

“…I don’t know, but I know tomorrow is too soon for a life-changing decision like this.”

“My life was changed the moment Ulysses saw his visions. There’s no going back.”

“So you’ll just go on like this?” said Tommy. “Live without your powers?”

“Unless you want me to die.”

“I want you to not be a pushover! What if this Ulysses saw another vision and they want to take me and David’s powers too? Are we to suck it up like you do now?”

“Good that you two are strong enough to say no to them.”

“You’re too,” said David. “The Billy I know would say no to them.”

“…Not today.”

There’re good days and bad days. On the good days, Billy would hold his ground and say no. On the bad days…he still could, if he had enough love and support from his friends and family. Not today, for today’s exceptionally bad, he would need more than a few words of encouragement. Way more. He would need…

Well, bruh, he would need his true love here, and he doesn’t even know who the boy is.

Sounds ungrateful, that the boyfriend you’ve never met matters more to you than your friend and brother. Billy sighed. Tommy and David put their date on hold to help him. It meant a lot to him, how much they love and care for him, but he’s too busy being rude and miserable to thank them. Yet…it’s different. They have each other. Kate has her best friends Cassie and America. Eli and Nate…also have each other, even though they won’t admit it. Billy has no one. The boy who’s supposed to be here for him, he’s years too late.

A teleportation spell sent Billy back to his room. He fell onto his bed, waited for a few minutes to see if Tommy and David would come in, but didn’t see anyone. Maybe they finally gave up. Ha. When he’s with them, he wanted to be left alone, but now he wished that they were still here. It’s so quiet. So lonely. No one to make him feel better. No one to hold him. No one to kiss him when-

No. Billy closed his eyes, he’s been thinking about this boyfriend who doesn’t exist for far too long. Maybe Kate was right. Maybe he should stop waiting for his true love and just hit on a boy he could stomach kissing. It’s not that hard. Had he done it last gala, he would at least have someone to borrow him a shoulder or pat him on the back or caress his face or bite his lips to shush his toxic thoughts. Instead, he has nothing but solitude, because he was an idiot who insisted on waiting for a boy who never came. Now the end of the world comes first.

“Let’s hit the club tonight.”

Billy opened his eyes, he fell asleep to stop himself from despairing over the prophecy and the surgery. Hours must have passed, he’s awakened by Tommy’s voice, and saw Tommy and David walking in. Tommy pushed Billy’s chair to his bedside and had David sit there, then shoved the stuff on Billy’s desk away and sat down on it.

“…Can you NOT touch my stuff?”

“You can restore them later with magic.”

“I hate you,” Billy said, and sat up from his bed. “What the hell are you two doing here? I thought we’ve had the talk already.”

“We’re not here to talk about the prophecy,” said David.

“Just to invite you to the club because you didn’t reply our text,” said Tommy.

“…Club? I’m not in the fucking mood, thank you. Shouldn’t you know that?”

“Come on, Billy, it’s the last night of your life!”

“I’m not dying tomorrow! Just…losing my powers. It sucks, yeah, but it’s better than death.”

“We just want to cheer you up,” said David. “Kate recommended this one. She said all the local hot guys are there.”

“Kate? How did Kate know…WAIT.” Billy reached for his phone and saw dozens of messages from his friends asking if he’s okay. “You told Kate? Did you tell EVERYONE?”

“Yeah, what did you expect?” said Tommy.

“Billy, we’re all trying to help,” said David. “But I also told them to not mention the prophecy because you don’t want to talk about it.”

“I’m starting to think that you do want me to die otherwise you wouldn’t think of so many ways to torture me.”

“It’s not torture, we’re gonna dance and get booze.”

“Fruit drinks,” David corrected.

“Yeah, get fruit drinks. Unless you think fruit drinks are a torture because dancing isn’t.”

“Thanks for reminding me that I don’t have a dance partner, Tommy.”

“That’s how you can find one from the local hot guys,” said David.

“It’s the last night of your life — fine, last night with magic — don’t you wanna get laid?” said Tommy. “You’ll lose your power and all the fun you can have with it tomorrow. I know I’d want to make the best use of mine if I’m about to lose it.”

“Tommy-”

“Sex marathon? It’s a must. And Davey’s got all these great ideas about what we can do with our powers.”

“Oh my god Tommy!” David said with a too visible blush. “Please stop talking.”

“I don’t want to know any of that. At all,” said Billy.

“Forget about what he said. How about we just treat this as a casual hangout?” said David. “Everyone’s gonna come. It won’t be whole without you, Billy.”

“It’s better than sitting here moping,” said Tommy.

“I was sleeping until you two walked in.”

“Moping in your sleep! That’s even sadder.”

“Kate would kill us if we don’t get you to come,” said David.

“She’ll kill you too if you make her come here to drag you out,” added Tommy.

“I hate all of you.”

A flash of blue light changed Billy’s clothes to club outfits. Yeah, he’s still not in the mood for dance and drinks, but he’s had a terrible enough day, spending time with his friends might just make him feel a bit better. Tommy shared a smile with David and finally left his brother’s poor desk alone. Another flare of magic restored everything to its place. Just when Tommy grabbed David’s hand and Billy’s wrist to prepare for the acceleration, Billy said, “No.”

“This is the last night of my life, I plan to make the most use of it. I’ll teleport us there.”

For the first time, Tommy didn’t say “your spell is too slow” but let go of them. David showed Billy the address on his phone. It’s MJ’s nightclub, way over in New York.

“So, David, tell me,” Billy said, as the sparkles of magic surrounded the three of them. “How hot are these local hot guys you mentioned?”