Chapter 1

A/N: This is my new "first chapter". The prologue in the old one was ehhh. Several details are now different, and i think it makes things cleaner, and also makes more sense.

Chapter 1 - Genesis, the First

How Things Work: The Kings of Norea

 Prologue
"Over 700 years ago, the land of Norea was ruled by a race of super-humans, now known only as 'the Ancients'. Their rule was absolute for nearly 500 years, until a civil war all but wiped them out. Greatly weakened, the remaining Ancients were betrayed and murdered by their servants, the people of Norea. Unfortunately, without the stability of the Ancients' rule, the Noreans were put subject to the rule of vicious, power hungry Warlords.
These Warlords came to pass as a result of the darkness within the hearts of the Noreans. A lone hero, Teradoku, resisted these Warlords, and gave the land it's name - Norea, which, translated, means freedom. People who were tired of the Warlords' eternal bloodshed flocked to Teradoku's alliance of the same name as the country - 'Norea'. In time, the Warlords fell, one by one, and the 12 noble clans of Norean alliance became a new Norea, a government. They placed their war-time leader and saviour, the charismatic, Teradoku, as the king of Norea.
No king since has surpassed his rule, not one of the 6 following kings. However, the current ruler, Kumara, has been hailed as Norea's second greatest king. He ended a civil war started by anarchists, and is well on his way to retaking the Norean colony of Dracoa - a land of dragons and wurms. He likely would have retaken the land, if his son had not turned against him."

Act 1, Scene 1, A Palace Veranda
Prince Irakura: There are 11 other Nobles in the court. If all of you are on my side, my father will have to step down. He is weak, and he does not have the strength to-
Noble Datte: I don't need to hear your pompous rhetoric, Irakura. What is it that you want exactly?
Irakura: I want the kingdom. I want the crown. I want to bring peace and order. You support me, no?
Datte: Of course... so long as you support me.
Irakura: I thought as much. Your support is much appreciated. I will also ensure that no one knows about your involvement in the Kachi ring.
[Irakura discreetly presses a bag of gold into Datte's cloak.]

Scene 2, A Hallway Within the Palace
Noble Zen: You want to overthrow your own father?! Isn't that treason?
Irakura: Treason is betraying your own country! The king is NOT the country. He's the traitor. He is too soft on these people, allowing their evil to fester and their crimes to multiply! Surely you know I myself am more fit to rule.
Zen: ...
Irakura: Remember, our school days? Were you now always impressed by my exploits?
Zen: Yes, it's true that I did admire you. But this is not a boyish exploit! Your father was kind to me, promoting me over my brother-
Irakura: You think that was his decision?! I was the one who told my father that you were the better choice! You have always known which of two choices was better, and I respected such a talent. You surely see who to choose between now, don't you? You can support me, and make the decision unanimous, or fight with my father, and fall from your position. The choice is yours.

Scene 3, The Court of Nobles
[Irakura is meeting with 7 Nobles.]
Irakura: Zen and Datte already support me. You 7 make up the remainder of the Court. I'm certain that the others will go along with your decision, as you are the most influential and powerful of the Nobles.
Noble Gachi: You are correct when assessing our importance, but why should we choose you over your father? You can pay us handsomely, but we already recieve certain... business benefits under Kumara.
Irakura: Because you all will become so much more under me. I plan on moving more power to the Court of Nobles, and after my father is gone, we will elect one of you to be the head of the Court. Does that not interest you?
Noble Pachi: It does, but we would take a risk supporting you. There are benefits under Kumara, so why would we risk losing them?
Irakura: It is no risk to support me. Te other four Nobles have little influence, and are afraid to go against the grain. They are not united as we are, and cannot stand alone. They will have no choice but to cede to our authority. And if you do not support me, I will have my vengeance. You will all be removed from your position, and jailed. If you think that the King has turned a blind eye to your "businesses" you are dead wrong. I have hidden the evidence from him up until now, but I am willing to bring it to his attention in the blink of an eye.
Gachi: I believe I speak for the group when I tell you that we will all support our glorious Prince.
Irakura: I knew that you would see things my way.

Scene 4, The Same, but Later
King Kumara: I know call this session of the Court of Nobles to order!
Irakura: Father, I would like to speak.
Kumara: Of course, my son.
Irakura: Thank you. As we all know, you are getting up there in age.
Kumara: ...!
Irakura: The strains of not one, but two wars have weakened your health. You are not as young as you used to be. It is a fact of life.
Kumara: Surely you're not saying I am unfit to be king?!
Irakura: That is not exactly what I am saying... I merely believe it is time for you to retire. I will become king when you die, as every other king has. I am only calling for you to retire, and allow me to rule in your stead.
Kumara: I am shocked by your ambition, Irakura. Surely the Nobles see your recklessness as well?
Gachi: I support Irakura.
Pachi: I do as well.
Zen: As do I.
Datte: You have been a great king, but it is time for some new blood.
Kumara: None of you support me any longer...?
All: ...
Kumara: I see. In any case, I cannot rule a kingdom when my Nobles, and my own son don't support me. I must retire. The Prince shall rule Norea. I warn you son, not to let this ambition ruin you. Learn from the kings of the past, become a great ruler. Although I have been betrayed, I wish you luck.
Irakura: It's nothing personal father... it's just that I make a better ruler than You do.
[Kumara leaves]
Noble Hebimaru: All hail The Prince! Long live the Prince!


A Quick Look At ~ Kumara
King Kumara is the 7th King of Norea, and was the former 5th Prince. Unlike his father, he is kind and benevolent. His father was a heartless jerk, similar to Irakura. Notable achievements include, but are not exclusive to, ending a civil war, giving birth to the curent Prince, and turning his back on his father's beliefs about the darkness of people in Norea. His son has forced him to retire.
Quirk: He will never stop believing his son is, at his very core, good.


Next Time! Look for a Noble's secret! Is the Court as united as it seems? Will anyone ever rise up against this Prince?!