When the volcano ceased rumbling after the coronation, Firelonia expected peace.
Instead, the first test of Bao Bao's reign arrived only days later—quiet, political, and far more dangerous than war.
The elders called it:
"The Formation of the Sun-Council."
But to Bao Bao, it marked the moment he learned that being king did not mean being free.
Old power refuses to fade
The chamber of the Elders was carved deep within the Sunspire, its walls etched with the laws of a thousand years. Bao Bao entered expecting to discuss borders, treaties, or survivors of the war.
Instead, the Elders rose when he stepped inside—an unusual show of respect.
Elder Yura spoke first.
> "Sun-King Bao Bao Hamato, the throne is powerful…
But a king without structure invites fear."
Another Elder added:
> "The clans will not accept a monarch ruling alone.
A council must rise with you."
Bao Bao nodded. He had expected this.
> "Then we will form a council of unity."
Silence.
Soft. Heavy.
Then Elder Ronma said:
> "And unity requires… lineage."
Bao Bao frowned.
> "My lineage? I've only just taken the throne."
The air tightened.
Elder Yura did not flinch.
> "A king must have a queen.
A dynasty.
A bloodline strong enough to stabilize the clans."
Duty before desire
Bao Bao's chest tightened.
He knew what was coming before they said it.
> "We have already chosen," Elder Ronma said.
"Lady Naelith, daughter of the High Celestial Scholar. And she is also from the Hamato clan ."
She stepped forward from behind the Elders—tall, graceful, polished by formality, not battle. Her long pale-gold hair shimmered like sunlit smoke, her robes embroidered with constellations
Naelith of the Hamato Clan.
Tall, composed, carrying herself with the quiet grace of a scholar raised for leadership.
Chosen since childhood for political bonds, trained for diplomacy, lineage pure and old.
It was clear from her posture alone—this was not her choice either.
Naelith bowed.
> "I am honored, Sun-King."
Bao Bao swallowed.
He did not know her.
He did not love her.
Naelith's expression never wavered—calm, composed, unreadable.
Elder Yura raised a hand.
> "Your union is not for affection.
It is for Firelonia."
Bao Bao spoke slowly.
> "And if I refuse?"
The Elders exchanged glances—dangerous, disappointed, ancient.
Elder Yura finally answered:
> "Then the clans will whisper that the Hamato line is weak.
That a bachelor king lacks stability.
The rebellion embers will reignite."
Bao Bao stood still.
He had fought a war to end flames—yet now he was trapped by politics thicker than smoke.
He bowed his head.
> "Then I accept."
Naelith bowed in return, though her eyes softened for a brief moment—pity, perhaps.
Not affection.
Not yet.
Maybe never.
---
Thirteen seats for thirteen fires
The coronation drew cheers.
The council meetings drew tension.
Just three days after the arranged marriage was declared, the thirteen council seats were unveiled before the clans.
Each seat represented a force within Firelonia and they were picked from the 13 clans which resided in Firelonia
When the seats filled, the hall glowed with thirteen flames of different colors—symbolizing unity.
Yet unity was a fragile illusion.
The moment the last flame dimmed, arguments erupted:
> "The Rana should oversee law!"
"Nonsense, the Sarurama were created for that!"
"Why is the Saru given shadow authority?!"
"The Hamato bloodline alone cannot rule—!"
"Silence! Firelonia needs direction!"
Bao Bao slammed the Sun-Staff once, golden sparks bursting across the hall.
> "We stand here to prevent another war—
Not ignite a new one."
Slowly, the council quieted.
The throne's golden chains
By sunset, Bao Bao stood alone on a balcony overlooking the fiery plains.
Raijin approached quietly.
> "You did well today."
Bao Bao didn't turn.
> "I became king to protect the clans.
Not to be trapped by them."
Raijin sighed.
> "This is what power looks like, Bao Bao.
It is never free."
Behind them, Naelith emerged silently.
She bowed again.
> "Sun-King.
Our wedding plans must begin soon."
Bao Bao forced a calm breath.
> "Very well."
As she left, Raijin whispered:
> "You don't love her."
Bao Bao stared into the volcanic glow.
> "Love is a luxury."
"Right now… Firelonia only gives me duty"
Unity creates cracks… and cracks create opportunities
Far beneath the Sunspire, in a cavern where magma hummed like an ancient heart, the hooded figure stood observing a glowing rune-map of Firelonia.
Thirteen flames flickered on the map—each representing a council seat.
The figure touched the Hamato flame.
> "A king forced into marriage."
"A council balanced on pride."
"And a land still healing from war."
Their voice softened into a chilling whisper.
> "Perfect."
"Let the cracks widen."
The magma surged.
The figure smiled.
> "Soon, the clans will beg for change.
And when the time is right…
The Shadow Organization will rise."
---