Well, I do write stories, so... It's about time I share one with you all.
This one is new (I'm not going to post my old ones, since they may not be all that good), but it's the "revival" of a story I lost when my old computer was wiped out. This is the story of Xous (pronounced Z-ow-ss, rhymes with house), my favorite original character. So, here it is! I'll be updating the story with drawings (most likely sketches) of some of the things in the story, so everyone's able to see what things look like. :3
Remember, this is a small taste of the story, and not exactly a chapter, and I'm going to gauge people's reactions and then decide if I'm going to continue or not.
______________________
She sat across the verdant field, her long, dark hair gently flowing in unison with the breeze. The soft sunlight soaked the field in radiant splendor, each ray gently caressed by the pristine blades of grass. She sat under an ancient oak, its protective branches shading her pure skin from the sun’s rays – however, a few fugitive rays pierced the spaces between the lush leaves of the tree and spotted her skin. He stood on another end of the field, looking at the perfect beauty that sat only a short distance from him, and he silently reflected on how she may enjoy his company, or perhaps… It may be best to leave her be? Nevertheless, he simply could not divert his gaze – however, her gaze was directed elsewhere, to a massive lake in the center of the field. Its crystalline waters shone magnificently in the sunlight, unmoving save for the gentle breeze’s playful tugs at the surface. He’d made up his mind. He was going to ask if she’d mind his company. As he walked towards her, her gaze was at last moved, and she focused on him. He froze for a moment to observe the face of the beauty… The sun would not have it, however. The few rays that punctured the shade of the oak now lay across her face, shrouding it in a brilliant mask…
Xous awoke, his mind desperately clinging to the now fleeting dream that was, only moments ago, so fresh in his resting mind.
“I’ve lost her again, it seems,” he spoke aloud to himself with a halfhearted chuckle. His heart momentarily ached for the beauty that so persistently haunted his dreaming psyche. “No time to dwell on ethereal nothingness, I suppose,” he concluded, rising from his bed. He neatly made his bed and began getting dressed. From behind the massive curtains of his window he could see radiant sunlight – its brilliant glow harkening back to the bliss of his dream. He shook the thought from his mind and concluded his dressing, then left his room. Walking downstairs at his quick pace, he reached the kitchen with celerity. He prepared a decent meal – eggs, toast, and strips of ham, with a tall glass of freshly squeezed orange juice. It was his hackneyed breakfast routine, but at least it was enjoyable. He sat at a massive table – its length could easily fit thirty people. In the middle was the insignia of his corporation, an “X” split into three parts, deeply engraved into the black granite. He called forward his computerized assistant as he ate.
“What news has come about since last night?” he asked the small levitating robot.
“Sir, official word from the Noble Rule about your rise as CEO of Corporation Xous has reached the rest of the world. Feedback is generally positive.”
“As expected,” Xous remarked, taking a small sip of his drink. “Has anything else come about?”
“Yes, sir. It would appear that the Noble Rule would like to throw a ball to celebrate your promotion ---“
“Putrid old nobles,” Xous quickly shot in, his perpetual frown growing. “Send out an announcement to the Noble Rule that there will be no time wasted for celebration. If they’d learned anything from my childhood, I would have hoped it’d been my likes and dislikes.”
“Right away, sir Xous.” The little bot quickly sent out an official electronic announcement of the cancellation of the ball.
“Right, then. Anything else, before I head out?” asked Xous, lifting his finished breakfast from the table and walking to the kitchen, with the bot following close behind.
“No, sir. That would conclude the news for today.”
“Alright, then. You’re dismissed.” Upon hearing that command, the little robot returned to its post. “No time to waste, then,” Xous said to himself. He headed to the bathroom to brush his teeth and prepare his hair before leaving his building. He looked at his reflection for a while, his view constantly returning to his eyes. His left eye, with the red pupil that was hidden behind his hair at most times, seemed driven to burn into the soul of whomever it gazed upon. His right eye… If his left burned into its target’s souls, this one simply shattered their soul upon viewing them. The pupil was yellow, whereas the rest of the eye was a pitch black, “a void”, Xous once noted. His right eye had given him quite the reputation amongst his fellow nobles – many feared his hateful gaze. Because of this, Xous had lived most of his life away from others, giving him plenty of time to saturate his mind with the knowledge of the world. He finally quit staring at himself and left the building, grabbing his black cloak on the way out.
__________________________________________
“So, Xous has chosen to dismiss the ball as unnecessary, then?” asked Izeikiel, a look of expectedness on his face as he read the electronic mail.
“He must simply wish to work immediately,” remarked his sister, a melancholy chime in her voice.
“Ah, fear not, Lauliel,” Izeikiel softly spoke, “you’ll be able to spend time with Xous soon.”
The saddened sister let out a long sigh. “Xous simply hasn’t time for me, or anyone, for that matter.”
Izeikiel knew his sister wasn’t one to be persuaded by soothing words. “Unfortunately, you may be right, Lauliel. Xous simply seems to be more interested in becoming more powerful.” He let out a small, hateful laugh. “He really knows how to sicken me.”
“Brother, please don’t speak of Xous that way. His parents had done a lot for the Noble Rule before their demise…”
Izeikiel let out a piercing laugh. “Just because those two lead the Rule and turned it into what we have today doesn’t make what they did right. Don’t you think maybe it would have been better if our mother and father spearheaded the Rule? Maybe then we wouldn’t have had the creation of that cursed corporation. No, instead the nobles voted Xous’ parents to be leaders of the Rule. Remember, sister, that mother and father had an equally important role in creating the Rule. Why couldn’t they have made them leaders of the Rule?!” His temper was beginning to overwhelm his thoughts, and he decided it was best to cease talking. His sister was nearly ghost-white. He couldn’t stand upsetting his sister, his one and only tie to his bloodline, however weak a tie she was. “Lauliel, maybe it would be best for you to get some rest. You look sickly,” he gently spoke, hoping his kind words would work for once.
Lauliel hesitated for a moment, then, noticing how emotionally drained she felt from her brother’s slander against not only the Noble Rule, but also Xous’ parents, she conceded. “I’ll be in my room if you need me for anything, brother. I’ll be looking outside, observing the clouds as they move across the beautiful sky. After all, it’s such a lovely day outside…” She looked down at the ground to hide her dismal expression from her brother. “Would it be alright with you if we were to go for a walk later? After all, it’s still quite early…”
Izeikiel smiled at his sister’s request, and took her hand. “Of course, Lauliel. I’ll gladly accompany you on a walk later. But for now, I’ve got some business to take care of at the Rule.” Lauliel brightened up a little and slowly went to her room. Izeikiel waited until he’d heard her door shut before leaving.
__________________________________________
Xous, after traveling for a short while in his black and gold hover vehicle, arrived at the Noble Rule building. The structure itself was imposing, not only because the nobles inside ruled the known world with unquestionable force, but also because of its pitch-black exterior and massive height. It was by far one of the tallest structures in the world, second only to the building of Corporation Xous. The windows of the building were nearly invisible, tinted black to match the rest of the building. The doors were elegantly framed with gold, and a massive garden, filled with dainty, lush trees, flowing fountains with icy blue water that shone in the sun, and magnificent sculptures of the founding Nobles, quietly stood before anyone that wished to enter the structure. Xous quickly and quietly strolled through the garden, casting a glance at the sculpture of his parents. Despite the almost dismal appearance of the Rule’s massive headquarters (though, the thought of black being “dismal” never occurred to Xous, he found the color soothing), the beauty of the garden adeptly outshone any darkness. Xous solemnly recalled earlier days in the garden, reading books under the shade of trees and, on rare occasions, actually running amidst the trees with his parents. However, his quick pace soon brought him to the doors of the Rule’s building, where an old friend stood awaiting his arrival, much to Xous’ surprise.
“Xous, I knew you’d show up today,” the wizened man chuckled. “Everyone here at least half expected you to call off the ball, but it seems like only I expected you to show up so early.”
“Ah, Rahjad, it’s refreshing to see at least one person knows me well. Though, I suppose it’s to be expected – you and my father had known each other since childhood, and seemed to only have been separated by death’s scythe.” Xous continued to walk into the building, slowing his pace dramatically to allow the old man to keep up. Each step they took on the black marble floors echoed through the first floor. The nobles they passed bowed politely to Xous, who simply nodded as he and Rahjad headed towards an elevator.
“It seems like you’re as blunt as ever, Xous,” Rahjad chuckled. Xous simply kept looking ahead. “So, you’ve finally taken your father’s place. What plans do you have? Being one of the major ruling nobles here, now, and the CEO of the Corporation must leave your ever-thinking mind in a raging storm of ideas – though, knowing you, you’ve had several plans thought up at least a year in advance.”
“Right again, Rahjad,” Xous replied seriously, the two men now stepping into an elevator. Xous pressed the button that lead to the highest floor. “I’ve got an idea for what my role for the Rule will be like, and as for the Corporation, I’ve got a separate plan for that.” The elevator doors shut and it began its slow climb to the top floor of the gigantic building.
Rahjad silently grumbled. “So, he doesn’t plan on abolishing the Corporation,” he thought to himself. “His parents really knew what they were doing when they built it, then. Where does this family plan on taking the world with that Corporation? It was the one topic Adrius and I seemed to have never spoken on… Xous… What are you planning?”
Xous ignored the man’s sudden silence. The elevator continued its climb, and the two men didn’t speak to one another until it reached the top. The top floor, obviously reserved for the ruling nobles, was decorated in the same manner as nearly every noble room was – black walls and black marble floors with gold designs sprawling across all sides. However, the floor was lit ever so slightly with a soft blue, imbuing it with a sense of mystery.
“It would seem most of the ruling nobles are present,” Xous thought to himself. Counting himself and Rahjad, seven of the nine ruling nobles were present. “I’m going to take my post now,” Xous said, turning to Rahjad.
“And I’ll take mine,” the old man smiled. The two parted, and each headed towards their post. Each post resembled a tall, black rectangular slab of stone, each with a seat imbedded into the top of the post, much like the seat of a judge. Engraved into the front of each post was the chosen insignia of the ruling noble. Each insignia glowed with a mystical flame – Xous’ was a deep blue.
The first ruling noble to welcome Xous was Bartius, a somewhat hefty and short noble with fiery red hair and tan skin. He spoke with a bit of a lisp, which added a “th” sound to the end of an “s”, and had a somewhat selfish nature. “So, Xous, welcome to the Rule. It’s nice to see you sitting amongst us.”
The next noble to acknowledge Xous’ entry was Elias, a slender male that looked to be the age of Xous, but was actually fifteen years older. He had golden hair and a pale complexion. He was fairly calm, but was known to speak passionately about topics such as money and romance – Xous despised his piggish nature. “Ah, Xous, I’ll echo Bartius and welcome you to the Rule.”
The third noble to speak up was a fit noble – which was somewhat rare in middle-aged nobles, who tended to be either large or thin – with lavender hair. His name was Urid, and he was a smart trickster, to say the least. He often used his wit to tease the other nobles and win his way in passing laws. Despite his somewhat bad reputation, his mind was certainly close to Xous’ in thinking power. “And what would I be if I didn’t welcome our newest member? Welcome, Xous,” he said with a playful smile.
The fourth and fifth nobles present simply nodded at Xous. They were near the age of Rahjad – closer to their 90’s rather than the 40’s like most of the other nobles of the Rule – and had been close friends with Xous’ parents, and therefore, Xous. Jaquia, one of the two female nobles of the Rule, had pale blue hair that messily fell past her shoulders. She had a strong opinion, but was mindful of others and usually kept within the boundaries of manners. The last present noble, Gisfel, had black hair that fell below his jaw line, which was covered in a thin black beard. He was usually quiet, much like Xous, but a deep brooding could be seen in his eyes at all times. His mind was sharp, but no one was certain just how sharp it was.
The two nobles that weren’t present were Izeikiel and his sister Lauliel. Lauliel was often absent from the Rule, as her frail health often left her bedridden. However, she was strong willed and fought hard with her brother to keep their family’s influence in the Rule strong. Her brother, Izeikiel, was nearly identical to Xous, at least in personality. His mind was filled to the brim with knowledge, and his every move was thought out. However, he seemed to be more talkative, at least when it came to his family and his position in the Rule.
“It would appear,” began Gisfel, his deep voice booming through the room and shattering the silence, “we may yet again have to begin without the Angellus siblings. Now, the first matter at hand is, of course, Xous joining our ranks, and our open position in the Rule.” He shot an emotionless glance at Xous, who simply mirrored the expression. “It is unfortunate that your parents have now left us, Xous, but thankfully they’ve left you as their gift to the world,” Gisfel somewhat grudgingly stated. Xous noted the tone and spoke up.
“My fellow nobles of the rule,” he began, his arms outstretched, “I am honored to be able to accept the role my parents have left for me. It is unfortunate that I’ve no sibling to take the spot left behind by my mother, but I will gladly assume both roles, if it would please the Rule. So, I would like to bring up a vote.” His face became serious, and his eyes surveyed the shocked expressions of the nobles, though, he noticed, the elder nobles seemed to have expected such a move.
“W-what!?” shot in Bartius, rising from his seat and slamming both hands down. “One person taking two spots in the Rule? Ridiculous! Ten is the number of nobles, and has been since the beginning, and that’s not changing!” He spat a little as he spoke, and his vision darted frantically around the room. He began shaking when he noticed the content expressions on the elder nobles’ faces. “Y-you’re not serious, are you?! How can we allow one man to take on the role of two people? It’s unthinkable!”
“Bartius,” began Urid in a laugh, “relax. I’m absolutely certain Xous would be more than capable enough to fill the role of both of his parents.” He stood up and raised his hand. “I vote in favor of Xous’ proposition.”
Bartius let out an almost childish gasp. “Urid, you can’t be serious! Do you forget that he’s also CEO of his corporation? There’s no way he’ll be able to hold a strong enough position in both the corporation and not one, but two seats in the Rule!”
Elias perked up. “Oh, sweet Bartius, do you mean to say you don’t think the son of such great minds as Adrius and Velia will be able to accomplish what he himself suggests? What a pity…” The somewhat feminine man put his hand in the air. “I vote in favor of Xous’ suggestion, as well.”
Bartius was left speechless – how could they vote so quickly on such a serious matter? He looked at Rahjad, who’d also stood and raised his hand, wearing the friendliest grin.
Jaquia stood and looked emotionlessly at Xous. “Young man, you’d better be able to fill your parents’ shoes. Should I find your performance anything less that magnificent, I will be sure to turn on you.” Upon finishing her little speech, she raised her hand, as well.
Bartius, knowing he was most likely outnumbered, slumped back into his seat and cast a defeated glare at Xous, who looked at Gisfel. A positive vote from the mysterious man would break a possible tie (Xous’ vote and the empty chair were taken out of account for the vote, of course), but should he vote against him, the vote would have to be continued at a later date, when the Angellus siblings were present. However, the old man did not disappoint Xous. He closed his eyes and raised his hand, his frown growing ever so slightly.
“Then it is official,” spoke a strong voice from the direction of the elevators. “Xous’ lust for power has granted him two seats, and therefore two votes, in the Rule.” Izeikiel walked to his post and rode the hover lift to his seat. He sat in his chair, crossing his arms and looking menacingly at Xous. “Tell me,” he growled, “where do you plan on taking this corporation and the world?”
This one is new (I'm not going to post my old ones, since they may not be all that good), but it's the "revival" of a story I lost when my old computer was wiped out. This is the story of Xous (pronounced Z-ow-ss, rhymes with house), my favorite original character. So, here it is! I'll be updating the story with drawings (most likely sketches) of some of the things in the story, so everyone's able to see what things look like. :3
Remember, this is a small taste of the story, and not exactly a chapter, and I'm going to gauge people's reactions and then decide if I'm going to continue or not.
______________________
She sat across the verdant field, her long, dark hair gently flowing in unison with the breeze. The soft sunlight soaked the field in radiant splendor, each ray gently caressed by the pristine blades of grass. She sat under an ancient oak, its protective branches shading her pure skin from the sun’s rays – however, a few fugitive rays pierced the spaces between the lush leaves of the tree and spotted her skin. He stood on another end of the field, looking at the perfect beauty that sat only a short distance from him, and he silently reflected on how she may enjoy his company, or perhaps… It may be best to leave her be? Nevertheless, he simply could not divert his gaze – however, her gaze was directed elsewhere, to a massive lake in the center of the field. Its crystalline waters shone magnificently in the sunlight, unmoving save for the gentle breeze’s playful tugs at the surface. He’d made up his mind. He was going to ask if she’d mind his company. As he walked towards her, her gaze was at last moved, and she focused on him. He froze for a moment to observe the face of the beauty… The sun would not have it, however. The few rays that punctured the shade of the oak now lay across her face, shrouding it in a brilliant mask…
Xous awoke, his mind desperately clinging to the now fleeting dream that was, only moments ago, so fresh in his resting mind.
“I’ve lost her again, it seems,” he spoke aloud to himself with a halfhearted chuckle. His heart momentarily ached for the beauty that so persistently haunted his dreaming psyche. “No time to dwell on ethereal nothingness, I suppose,” he concluded, rising from his bed. He neatly made his bed and began getting dressed. From behind the massive curtains of his window he could see radiant sunlight – its brilliant glow harkening back to the bliss of his dream. He shook the thought from his mind and concluded his dressing, then left his room. Walking downstairs at his quick pace, he reached the kitchen with celerity. He prepared a decent meal – eggs, toast, and strips of ham, with a tall glass of freshly squeezed orange juice. It was his hackneyed breakfast routine, but at least it was enjoyable. He sat at a massive table – its length could easily fit thirty people. In the middle was the insignia of his corporation, an “X” split into three parts, deeply engraved into the black granite. He called forward his computerized assistant as he ate.
“What news has come about since last night?” he asked the small levitating robot.
“Sir, official word from the Noble Rule about your rise as CEO of Corporation Xous has reached the rest of the world. Feedback is generally positive.”
“As expected,” Xous remarked, taking a small sip of his drink. “Has anything else come about?”
“Yes, sir. It would appear that the Noble Rule would like to throw a ball to celebrate your promotion ---“
“Putrid old nobles,” Xous quickly shot in, his perpetual frown growing. “Send out an announcement to the Noble Rule that there will be no time wasted for celebration. If they’d learned anything from my childhood, I would have hoped it’d been my likes and dislikes.”
“Right away, sir Xous.” The little bot quickly sent out an official electronic announcement of the cancellation of the ball.
“Right, then. Anything else, before I head out?” asked Xous, lifting his finished breakfast from the table and walking to the kitchen, with the bot following close behind.
“No, sir. That would conclude the news for today.”
“Alright, then. You’re dismissed.” Upon hearing that command, the little robot returned to its post. “No time to waste, then,” Xous said to himself. He headed to the bathroom to brush his teeth and prepare his hair before leaving his building. He looked at his reflection for a while, his view constantly returning to his eyes. His left eye, with the red pupil that was hidden behind his hair at most times, seemed driven to burn into the soul of whomever it gazed upon. His right eye… If his left burned into its target’s souls, this one simply shattered their soul upon viewing them. The pupil was yellow, whereas the rest of the eye was a pitch black, “a void”, Xous once noted. His right eye had given him quite the reputation amongst his fellow nobles – many feared his hateful gaze. Because of this, Xous had lived most of his life away from others, giving him plenty of time to saturate his mind with the knowledge of the world. He finally quit staring at himself and left the building, grabbing his black cloak on the way out.
__________________________________________
“So, Xous has chosen to dismiss the ball as unnecessary, then?” asked Izeikiel, a look of expectedness on his face as he read the electronic mail.
“He must simply wish to work immediately,” remarked his sister, a melancholy chime in her voice.
“Ah, fear not, Lauliel,” Izeikiel softly spoke, “you’ll be able to spend time with Xous soon.”
The saddened sister let out a long sigh. “Xous simply hasn’t time for me, or anyone, for that matter.”
Izeikiel knew his sister wasn’t one to be persuaded by soothing words. “Unfortunately, you may be right, Lauliel. Xous simply seems to be more interested in becoming more powerful.” He let out a small, hateful laugh. “He really knows how to sicken me.”
“Brother, please don’t speak of Xous that way. His parents had done a lot for the Noble Rule before their demise…”
Izeikiel let out a piercing laugh. “Just because those two lead the Rule and turned it into what we have today doesn’t make what they did right. Don’t you think maybe it would have been better if our mother and father spearheaded the Rule? Maybe then we wouldn’t have had the creation of that cursed corporation. No, instead the nobles voted Xous’ parents to be leaders of the Rule. Remember, sister, that mother and father had an equally important role in creating the Rule. Why couldn’t they have made them leaders of the Rule?!” His temper was beginning to overwhelm his thoughts, and he decided it was best to cease talking. His sister was nearly ghost-white. He couldn’t stand upsetting his sister, his one and only tie to his bloodline, however weak a tie she was. “Lauliel, maybe it would be best for you to get some rest. You look sickly,” he gently spoke, hoping his kind words would work for once.
Lauliel hesitated for a moment, then, noticing how emotionally drained she felt from her brother’s slander against not only the Noble Rule, but also Xous’ parents, she conceded. “I’ll be in my room if you need me for anything, brother. I’ll be looking outside, observing the clouds as they move across the beautiful sky. After all, it’s such a lovely day outside…” She looked down at the ground to hide her dismal expression from her brother. “Would it be alright with you if we were to go for a walk later? After all, it’s still quite early…”
Izeikiel smiled at his sister’s request, and took her hand. “Of course, Lauliel. I’ll gladly accompany you on a walk later. But for now, I’ve got some business to take care of at the Rule.” Lauliel brightened up a little and slowly went to her room. Izeikiel waited until he’d heard her door shut before leaving.
__________________________________________
Xous, after traveling for a short while in his black and gold hover vehicle, arrived at the Noble Rule building. The structure itself was imposing, not only because the nobles inside ruled the known world with unquestionable force, but also because of its pitch-black exterior and massive height. It was by far one of the tallest structures in the world, second only to the building of Corporation Xous. The windows of the building were nearly invisible, tinted black to match the rest of the building. The doors were elegantly framed with gold, and a massive garden, filled with dainty, lush trees, flowing fountains with icy blue water that shone in the sun, and magnificent sculptures of the founding Nobles, quietly stood before anyone that wished to enter the structure. Xous quickly and quietly strolled through the garden, casting a glance at the sculpture of his parents. Despite the almost dismal appearance of the Rule’s massive headquarters (though, the thought of black being “dismal” never occurred to Xous, he found the color soothing), the beauty of the garden adeptly outshone any darkness. Xous solemnly recalled earlier days in the garden, reading books under the shade of trees and, on rare occasions, actually running amidst the trees with his parents. However, his quick pace soon brought him to the doors of the Rule’s building, where an old friend stood awaiting his arrival, much to Xous’ surprise.
“Xous, I knew you’d show up today,” the wizened man chuckled. “Everyone here at least half expected you to call off the ball, but it seems like only I expected you to show up so early.”
“Ah, Rahjad, it’s refreshing to see at least one person knows me well. Though, I suppose it’s to be expected – you and my father had known each other since childhood, and seemed to only have been separated by death’s scythe.” Xous continued to walk into the building, slowing his pace dramatically to allow the old man to keep up. Each step they took on the black marble floors echoed through the first floor. The nobles they passed bowed politely to Xous, who simply nodded as he and Rahjad headed towards an elevator.
“It seems like you’re as blunt as ever, Xous,” Rahjad chuckled. Xous simply kept looking ahead. “So, you’ve finally taken your father’s place. What plans do you have? Being one of the major ruling nobles here, now, and the CEO of the Corporation must leave your ever-thinking mind in a raging storm of ideas – though, knowing you, you’ve had several plans thought up at least a year in advance.”
“Right again, Rahjad,” Xous replied seriously, the two men now stepping into an elevator. Xous pressed the button that lead to the highest floor. “I’ve got an idea for what my role for the Rule will be like, and as for the Corporation, I’ve got a separate plan for that.” The elevator doors shut and it began its slow climb to the top floor of the gigantic building.
Rahjad silently grumbled. “So, he doesn’t plan on abolishing the Corporation,” he thought to himself. “His parents really knew what they were doing when they built it, then. Where does this family plan on taking the world with that Corporation? It was the one topic Adrius and I seemed to have never spoken on… Xous… What are you planning?”
Xous ignored the man’s sudden silence. The elevator continued its climb, and the two men didn’t speak to one another until it reached the top. The top floor, obviously reserved for the ruling nobles, was decorated in the same manner as nearly every noble room was – black walls and black marble floors with gold designs sprawling across all sides. However, the floor was lit ever so slightly with a soft blue, imbuing it with a sense of mystery.
“It would seem most of the ruling nobles are present,” Xous thought to himself. Counting himself and Rahjad, seven of the nine ruling nobles were present. “I’m going to take my post now,” Xous said, turning to Rahjad.
“And I’ll take mine,” the old man smiled. The two parted, and each headed towards their post. Each post resembled a tall, black rectangular slab of stone, each with a seat imbedded into the top of the post, much like the seat of a judge. Engraved into the front of each post was the chosen insignia of the ruling noble. Each insignia glowed with a mystical flame – Xous’ was a deep blue.
The first ruling noble to welcome Xous was Bartius, a somewhat hefty and short noble with fiery red hair and tan skin. He spoke with a bit of a lisp, which added a “th” sound to the end of an “s”, and had a somewhat selfish nature. “So, Xous, welcome to the Rule. It’s nice to see you sitting amongst us.”
The next noble to acknowledge Xous’ entry was Elias, a slender male that looked to be the age of Xous, but was actually fifteen years older. He had golden hair and a pale complexion. He was fairly calm, but was known to speak passionately about topics such as money and romance – Xous despised his piggish nature. “Ah, Xous, I’ll echo Bartius and welcome you to the Rule.”
The third noble to speak up was a fit noble – which was somewhat rare in middle-aged nobles, who tended to be either large or thin – with lavender hair. His name was Urid, and he was a smart trickster, to say the least. He often used his wit to tease the other nobles and win his way in passing laws. Despite his somewhat bad reputation, his mind was certainly close to Xous’ in thinking power. “And what would I be if I didn’t welcome our newest member? Welcome, Xous,” he said with a playful smile.
The fourth and fifth nobles present simply nodded at Xous. They were near the age of Rahjad – closer to their 90’s rather than the 40’s like most of the other nobles of the Rule – and had been close friends with Xous’ parents, and therefore, Xous. Jaquia, one of the two female nobles of the Rule, had pale blue hair that messily fell past her shoulders. She had a strong opinion, but was mindful of others and usually kept within the boundaries of manners. The last present noble, Gisfel, had black hair that fell below his jaw line, which was covered in a thin black beard. He was usually quiet, much like Xous, but a deep brooding could be seen in his eyes at all times. His mind was sharp, but no one was certain just how sharp it was.
The two nobles that weren’t present were Izeikiel and his sister Lauliel. Lauliel was often absent from the Rule, as her frail health often left her bedridden. However, she was strong willed and fought hard with her brother to keep their family’s influence in the Rule strong. Her brother, Izeikiel, was nearly identical to Xous, at least in personality. His mind was filled to the brim with knowledge, and his every move was thought out. However, he seemed to be more talkative, at least when it came to his family and his position in the Rule.
“It would appear,” began Gisfel, his deep voice booming through the room and shattering the silence, “we may yet again have to begin without the Angellus siblings. Now, the first matter at hand is, of course, Xous joining our ranks, and our open position in the Rule.” He shot an emotionless glance at Xous, who simply mirrored the expression. “It is unfortunate that your parents have now left us, Xous, but thankfully they’ve left you as their gift to the world,” Gisfel somewhat grudgingly stated. Xous noted the tone and spoke up.
“My fellow nobles of the rule,” he began, his arms outstretched, “I am honored to be able to accept the role my parents have left for me. It is unfortunate that I’ve no sibling to take the spot left behind by my mother, but I will gladly assume both roles, if it would please the Rule. So, I would like to bring up a vote.” His face became serious, and his eyes surveyed the shocked expressions of the nobles, though, he noticed, the elder nobles seemed to have expected such a move.
“W-what!?” shot in Bartius, rising from his seat and slamming both hands down. “One person taking two spots in the Rule? Ridiculous! Ten is the number of nobles, and has been since the beginning, and that’s not changing!” He spat a little as he spoke, and his vision darted frantically around the room. He began shaking when he noticed the content expressions on the elder nobles’ faces. “Y-you’re not serious, are you?! How can we allow one man to take on the role of two people? It’s unthinkable!”
“Bartius,” began Urid in a laugh, “relax. I’m absolutely certain Xous would be more than capable enough to fill the role of both of his parents.” He stood up and raised his hand. “I vote in favor of Xous’ proposition.”
Bartius let out an almost childish gasp. “Urid, you can’t be serious! Do you forget that he’s also CEO of his corporation? There’s no way he’ll be able to hold a strong enough position in both the corporation and not one, but two seats in the Rule!”
Elias perked up. “Oh, sweet Bartius, do you mean to say you don’t think the son of such great minds as Adrius and Velia will be able to accomplish what he himself suggests? What a pity…” The somewhat feminine man put his hand in the air. “I vote in favor of Xous’ suggestion, as well.”
Bartius was left speechless – how could they vote so quickly on such a serious matter? He looked at Rahjad, who’d also stood and raised his hand, wearing the friendliest grin.
Jaquia stood and looked emotionlessly at Xous. “Young man, you’d better be able to fill your parents’ shoes. Should I find your performance anything less that magnificent, I will be sure to turn on you.” Upon finishing her little speech, she raised her hand, as well.
Bartius, knowing he was most likely outnumbered, slumped back into his seat and cast a defeated glare at Xous, who looked at Gisfel. A positive vote from the mysterious man would break a possible tie (Xous’ vote and the empty chair were taken out of account for the vote, of course), but should he vote against him, the vote would have to be continued at a later date, when the Angellus siblings were present. However, the old man did not disappoint Xous. He closed his eyes and raised his hand, his frown growing ever so slightly.
“Then it is official,” spoke a strong voice from the direction of the elevators. “Xous’ lust for power has granted him two seats, and therefore two votes, in the Rule.” Izeikiel walked to his post and rode the hover lift to his seat. He sat in his chair, crossing his arms and looking menacingly at Xous. “Tell me,” he growled, “where do you plan on taking this corporation and the world?”
