Fate/DC Universe

Chapter 154: A Message



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Koriand'r stood tall on the balcony of the royal castle, overlooking the sea of Tamaranian faces that filled the capital's streets below. The people, who had suffered under the Citadel's oppressive reign for far too long, now gathered to celebrate their freedom and the rise of their new queen. The excitement was palpable, but there was also a quiet reverence, a collective breath held as they waited for the words of their ruler.

Draped in royal attire, her fiery hair flowing freely in the breeze, Kori raised her hand to signal the beginning of her speech. Her eyes softened as they swept over the crowd, seeing the hope and relief reflected in their faces. She took a deep breath and began.

"My beloved people of Tamaran," her voice rang out clear and strong, "I stand before you today, not only as your queen but as one of you—one who has shared in your pain, in your suffering, and in your hope for a better tomorrow."

The crowd fell into an even deeper silence, hanging on her every word.

"I cannot stand here without remembering our beloved parents, my mother and father, the perfect royalty for Tamaran. They were loved by all, a beacon of peace and unity. They gave their lives defending this world from the Citadel's invasion. That day, the Citadel took not only my parents but also the light from our people. I was just nine years old when I was left an orphan."

A collective murmur passed through the crowd as Kori paused, her expression somber.

"I was taken by the Citadel, experimented on, and stripped of my freedom, just as many of you were," she continued, her voice growing heavier with emotion. "At twelve, I managed to escape and joined the Tamaran Resistance. For four long years, I fought with everything I had, leading our movement, dreaming of freeing our people."

Her gaze dropped momentarily as she recalled the darkest moments of her past.

"But I failed," Kori said, her voice cracking slightly. "I was captured again. I stood on the brink of death, about to be executed for daring to resist. And in that moment, I thought I had failed you all forever."

She paused, letting the weight of those words sink in.

"But fate intervened," Kori said, her voice now filled with a quiet strength. "A hero from another world saved my life that day. A hero who would one day become more than just my savior—he became my love, my future husband, and now, your king."

The crowd erupted into murmurs of excitement and surprise as Kori gestured toward the balcony beside her, where Raiden stood with a proud but humble expression.

"Raiden Kagawa, King of Gaia, known to many of you as the Ghost of the Resistance," Kori continued, her voice filled with warmth, "has stood by my side in this fight. He helped liberate Tamaran, and together, we have brought an end to the Citadel's reign of terror. I thank him, not just as your queen, but as a woman whose life he saved, as someone whose heart he has touched."

Raiden nodded respectfully to the crowd, his stoic demeanor softened by the love he felt for Kori and the people of Tamaran.

"And today," Kori declared, her voice rising with determination, "we stand united. Tamaran will no longer suffer under the shadow of tyranny. We will rebuild. We will heal. And we will rise again, stronger than ever before!"

The crowd erupted in cheers, their voices filling the air with joy and hope. Kori raised her hands to calm them before continuing.

"I vow to protect you, to lead with love, strength, and wisdom—just as my parents did before me. But I will not do this alone. By my side, you have a king, a leader from Gaia, a world that shares our dream of peace."

She paused, her gaze sweeping the people once more, her voice filled with promise. "Tamaran shall join Gaia's vision of a peaceful universe. Together, we will build a future where our children will know freedom, where no invader shall threaten our lands, and where we, as one people, will thrive."

Kori smiled, her heart swelling as the crowd cheered louder than ever before. The future she envisioned was no longer a distant dream. It was within reach, and together, with Raiden and the people of Tamaran, she knew they could make it a reality.

"For Tamaran," she said, her voice ringing with finality, "and for peace."

....

Raiden sat on his throne within the Gaia Mother Ship, the command center of his vast empire, his fingers tracing the edges of the armrest as he gazed at the holographic projection before him. Merlin's image flickered slightly in the dim light of the room. The ancient wizard, still on Earth, appeared calm and composed, as always, offering his advice with the wisdom that came from centuries of experience.

"No threats yet, Raiden," Merlin said, his voice resonating through the chamber. "The Earth remains quiet for now. Your presence is not yet necessary. It seems our enemies are biding their time, waiting for the right moment to strike—if they strike at all."

Raiden nodded slowly, his gaze distant as he absorbed the information. His thoughts drifted to Tamaran, the planet he had helped liberate from the Citadel, and his queen, Koriand'r, who now ruled with strength and grace. Merlin's question pulled him back to the present.

"And what of your situation in Tamaran?" Merlin asked, raising an eyebrow. "Do you plan to return, or have you decided otherwise?"

Raiden leaned forward slightly, resting his elbow on the armrest of his throne. "Tamaran is stable for now," he replied. "Kori is more than capable of ruling without me. I intend to send Da Vinci to help in rebuilding efforts—her intelligence and innovation could provide the kind of technological advancements Tamaran needs to stand on its own two feet."

Merlin's lips curled into a slight smile. "Da Vinci, hmm? Always a good choice. But are you certain? You may need her on Earth soon if war does come."

Raiden's eyes darkened momentarily, and he sighed. "That's exactly what I'm considering. She is a valuable asset, not just for Tamaran, but for Gaia as a whole. I might delay her departure until we're certain. There's still the matter of the Citadel to deal with."

At the mention of the Citadel, Merlin's expression turned more serious. "The Citadel is no small threat," Merlin said, leaning forward in the projection. "They're a hive mind of sorts, all connected to one central intelligence. Destroy that, and their colonies crumble. But as long as that core remains intact, they will continue to press their influence across the galaxy."

Raiden clenched his jaw, his fingers tapping the armrest of his throne. The scar on his chest, a remnant from one of his greatest battles, began to burn, its constant irritation gnawing at him. It wasn't painful, but it reminded him of the scars his empire carried, the burdens he bore as its leader.

"I'll deal with them," Raiden said firmly, his voice low but resolute. "If the Citadel's central mind is their weakness, I'll find it and crush it. Once they're eliminated, every colony they control will be freed. And it will send a clear message."

Merlin tilted his head, his eyes narrowing in curiosity. "What kind of message?"

Raiden's gaze grew steely as he stared directly at the projection. "A message to everyone in the galaxy: Earth and Gaia are not to be trifled with. We've held back long enough. After I deal with the Citadel, I'll return to Earth. And then, we'll be ready for whatever comes."

.....

The remnants of the Citadel's reinforcement fleet fled back to their stronghold, limping through space after the decisive defeat at Tamaran. The Gaia forces, with their advanced technology and strategic brilliance, had crushed the reinforcements before they could even make a dent in the newly liberated planet. The skies were clear once more, but the echoes of battle still reverberated across the universe.

Inside the Gaia Mother Ship, Raiden stood by a large viewport, his eyes on the stars, lost in thought. The throne room, usually humming with activity, was now quiet, save for the soft whir of the ship's engines. Koriand'r entered the room, her soft footsteps drawing Raiden from his reverie. Her new queenly attire shimmered, but her eyes were filled with concern.

"Raiden," she began, her voice carrying the weight of Tamaran's future. "The Citadel's reinforcements have been dealt with, but what about the future? What are your plans now?"

Raiden glanced over his shoulder at her, the intensity of his gaze softened by her presence. "I've been thinking about it," he replied. "The Citadel won't take their loss of Tamaran lightly. But I'm planning something. They'll regret ever underestimating us."

Kori stepped closer, her eyes searching his face for answers. "The Citadel has fortified its other colonies after losing Tamaran," she said, her voice tinged with sadness. "The people of those planets—they're suffering. Their cries for freedom grow louder. Will you help them, Raiden? Will you liberate those worlds too?"

Raiden turned fully toward her, his expression thoughtful. He placed his hands on her shoulders, feeling the weight of her plea. "Kori," he began, his voice steady but filled with gravity, "I won't expand Gaia's reach beyond what I can control. I have no desire to become a conqueror. That's a path I refuse to walk. It's too close to tyranny."

As he spoke, the familiar, searing burn from the scar on his chest flared again, a sharp reminder of past battles and the weight of leadership. He winced slightly but quickly masked the discomfort. The pain wasn't the issue; it was the message his body was trying to tell him. Yet, Raiden ignored it, focusing on Kori.

"But," he continued, "I will handle the Citadel. Their central power is what keeps these colonies under control. Once I bring them down, their hold will crumble. The colonies will be free to govern themselves. There will be no need for Gaia to stretch its influence further."

Kori frowned slightly, worry etched across her face. "And you believe they'll manage on their own? That without Gaia, they'll have the strength to rebuild and find peace?"

Raiden nodded, resolute. "They must. It's not for me to decide their future. Liberation isn't about ruling over them—it's about giving them the chance to stand on their own feet. I won't turn Gaia into an empire built on conquest. My fight with the Citadel is to end their tyranny, not to replace it with my own."

Kori's gaze softened as she looked into Raiden's eyes, understanding his intentions but still troubled. She knew the cost of leaving worlds to rebuild alone, the dangers of chaos that could follow. Yet, Raiden's words carried a conviction she trusted.

"And when you deal with the Citadel," she asked quietly, "will you return to me? To Tamaran?"

Raiden's expression softened, a faint smile touching his lips. "You are my queen, Koriand'r. My place will always be by your side. Once the Citadel is no more, I'll return. Gaia and Tamaran will stand together, side by side, as they should."

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If you Like this story! Check out my other story! One Piece: Elden Lord!

and

If you wish to read more or simply support me just because ? than check out my patréon at

"https://www.patréon.com/Riadooo"

Don't forget to change "é" to "e"


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