Night fell, blanketing the world in moonlight. Talhaven castle basked in the pale glow of the moon. Rats had polished the gemstones inlaid in the old crests adorning the pillars. While they didn't have their originally brilliant luster, they still glittered beautifully when the moonlight refracted off them. The rats toiled rearranging the market district to make room for the feast. Excitement filled the castle, bringing to a close the waiting and anxiety of the past two weeks. The beginnings of their Golden Age had drawn so close they could taste it in the air.

Queen stood on the balcony outside her bedroom, located on the highest remaining tower of the castle. She looked down over all that she ruled. The hard part begins now. Deep breaths Queen, deep breaths and relax. Just ignore the fact, the fate of my race is hinging solely on my shoulders. Queen faltered as the gravity of her actions up till now suddenly weighed heavily upon her.

"It'll work out." Fixer stated as he massaged the stress out of her shoulders, "Just don't push him away being too timid or too overbearing. Feelings take time to develop."

I can't in good conscience just tell her to do what feels natural. There's a long history of political, social, and economic strife I had to clean up in her wake after all. Fixer thought as he continued.

"Advisor... thank you," Queen stated somberly, her voice carrying the weight of her poor decisions over the years. She dragged her eyes slowly over the city. "I know you're responsible for the success I've enjoyed."

"Queen..." he started.

"No. My actions as a ruler up till now have been poor and selfish. If not for you, this city would not have progressed to where it is today." she continued, "I want you to assume your old role as my advisor."

Fixer looked over Queen's tiny frame as he stood behind easing the burden she felt on her shoulders. Where'd the sudden maturity come from? He traced the direction she was looking. I see. She had swept her gaze over the city, stopping over the guest hall.

"How easy it would have been had the prophecy remained on course." she muttered, "Find him in the woods as a young child, nurture him to adulthood. Our future would be secured under the protection of a god turned mortal."

"I doubt it would be that easy, Queen." Fixer sighed. "Prophecies never tell of the hardships required... besides, his clan had his protection when we invaded, did they not? That didn't work out so well for them, and what if we didn't have peaceful intentions?"

Queen fell silent as a dense cloud silently covered the moon. She looked over the deadly silent city and brought her hands together. A single crisp clap broke the silence, echoing throughout the ancient castle. The main hall erupted in lights of Rat-man design. Pinwheels adorning tables spun in the gentle breeze, sparks of light spewed forth, forming an arch of pure light overhead. The colors were as numerous as there were pinwheels. "It's been too long since we last had something to celebrate," she stated overlooking the spectacle.

Rats filled the repurposed marketplace, stalls lit into action as men and women prepared appetizers. Musicians worked their way to the center, Brains and Brawn were among them. Brains carried a simple baton, while Brawn carried a drum set. Yes, the sheer mechanics behind that alone are mindboggling. He had Brains help him sort it so he could make a single trip.

"Isn't it about time for you to make your appearance?" Fixer asked, overlooking the festivities below. Eager himself to throw caution to the wind and enjoy life for a change.

"Haha. No." Queen scoffed, "After seeing how the handmaidens dolled up that little one... Emily, was it? I dare not show up dressed any less magnificent."

"You have your work cut out for you, Queen." Fixer chuckled, "Don't get too gaudy."

"Go celebrate already, and fetch me some help." Queen dismissed with a wave.

Jaden looked over three outfits that had passed his first requirement of 'I can see myself wearing that'.

He pulled on a white undershirt. Next, he picked up and put on a pair of long black pants. The final piece, he pulled on a black vest. He looked himself over in the mirror, his scar drew his attention and he frowned. "That makes me look like a bandit."

"Not really," Bayne commented as he was also getting ready.

"Why do we all have to wear the same outfit though? I liked what I had on before," Evan complained.

"So that I'm not the best looking one of us out there, we all look the same." Jaden retorted. Daryl passed his gaze between Jaden, himself, Evan, and Bayne. "Try as you might, you still look better than we do."

"It's the same clothes though." Jaden frowned. A crisp clap echoed, sparking the beginning of the festival.

"He's right though, your skin complexion is perfect for this outfit," Bayne stated.

"We all have grey skin!" Jaden threw his hands up in defeat, "Fine, wear what you want."

"I just want to go eat. I don't care anymore." Evan stated and left after buttoning his vest.

Jaden, Bayne, and Daryl left the guest house entering the main hall. Tantalizing aromas from the appetizer stalls filled the air. Brawn beat his drums getting the celebration rolling. Four beats later, Brains waved his baton getting the musicians playing full swing. Everywhere the music reached, magic was in the air. Husbands and wives danced the night away, young lovers did the same. Emily bobbed her head to the music and her foot tapped, she had gone around picking flowers earlier and was busily making her crown. Molli watched on in amusement as young rat boys worked up the courage to ask her daughter to dance.

"Ay, Evan!" Jaden called, Evan turned back.

"What is it?" Evan asked, "I was going to ask Emily to dance."

"I know. I just thought you would find this entertaining with me." Jaden replied.

"What are you on about?" Evan asked.

Jaden pointed to a group of young rats approaching Emily. His hand shot to Evan's shoulder when he was about to run off. "Bury your jealousy for a moment and just watch."

Every Jadendajuda present watched the scene unfold. Emily smiled happily when asked to dance. Emily loves dancing!

Evan watched as one after another the boys dancing with Emily bowed out and collapsed exhausted. They pit their stamina against her endless energy and suffered defeat. Jaden laughed heartily, "Okay, you can go ask Emily to dance now."

Evan paled as he looked over the failed attempts before him, wondering why he thought dancing with Emily would be a good idea. Jaden gave him a nudge, "Just go. She's looking for a new partner."

The couples dancing around Emily, all the men tipped their hats to her in a show of respect. The women smiled knowingly at her. She hadn't wanted to dance with any of them, but she still had fun.

"It's simple Evan, just don't let her lead the dance." Jaden encouraged, "Go dance with her, or I will."

Bayne felt the music stirring something within, he found his wife and carried her to the dance floor, not taking no for an answer. As embarrassing as it was, she liked the boldness he displayed. Molli fell into his arms as the music kickstarted their blood pumping, they joined the other couples and danced into the night. Daryl watched on enviously and departed to find his wife.

"She just danced 12 boys to exhaustion and the night is still young. I'll pass." Evan stated.

"Suit yourself," Jaden said and abandoned him, walking to Emily. The smile on her face from all the fun she was having turning blindingly bright when she saw Jaden approaching and her azure eyes sparkled, "Lil Bro!"

"May I have this dance?" Jaden extended his hand to her and bent over.

"Yesh!" she took his hand. After seeing the way she chewed through dancing partners and spit them out, the men looked at Jaden like a sacrificial lamb. Two women in particular paid very close attention.

Jaden lead Emily through a series of complicated twists, turns, and twirls. Not only matching her pace, but he used her boundless supply of energy to his benefit. Her smile turned into a happiness beam, infecting anyone that saw it.

"That wash fun!" Emily tackled him in a death grip. "Can we dansh like that again?"

Jaden fell into thought and scratched his chin; his usual method for delaying an answer just for the sake of teasing her. She started to pout. "Whatsh there to think about? When we get married, we have to dansh like that again!"

Jaden froze, looking like a deer caught in headlights. Married? what?! What did she mean 'when'??

Emily kissed his cheek and ran off leaving him soulless, "Thanksh for the fun dansh, Lil bro!" Jaden slowly rose to his feet and stumbled towards a street vendor. She was just messing with me, right?

"Is she after him too? Of course, she is, why wouldn't she be?" Queen asked the Liralau.

"That certainly complicates things even more." Liralau complained, then her eyes lit up, "Since she broached the topic, now it's just to follow up."

"Great idea," Queen stated finally ready to approach him. Jaden's initial reaction to the subject wasn't lost on her.

Perfect. Let her ruin her chances right here! Liralau thought.

Jaden requested water from the vendor. As he was drinking, a sight caught his eyes. Queen was approaching him wearing a red one-piece dress. It wasn't like he recognized her among all her people, but the way they all stopped and parted was a dead giveaway; admittedly, the dress helped too.

"I'll have one of those please." Queen addressed the vendor and pointed to the drink Jaden was holding.

"It's just water," Jaden stated.

"I'm just thirsty," Queen replied. The vendor handed her the requested water with a wink. "That dance was amazing."

"That was nothing... you should see her on her own." Jaden wasn't being modest.

"If you say so, but that smile of hers says otherwise." Queen sipped her water and waited.

"How often do you have celebrations like this?" Jaden asked.

"This is the second during my reign," Queen replied, realizing how sad that sounded.

"So often? Must be nice to have things to celebrate." Jaden was genuinely envious.

"The first was my ascension to the throne, the rise of a new ruler is always celebrated," Queen stated.

"What are you celebrating today?" Jaden asked.

"..." Queen's voice caught in her throat.

"I'm sorry? I didn't catch that."

"The arrival of..." she racked her brain for a second and finished, "the Golden Age."

"Is that something you can predict?" Jaden inquired.

"Sometimes we get lucky." Queen breathed, and asked a question of her own. "Aren't you going to ask me to dance?"

"Are you going to ask me to marry you in the end?"

"That wasn't my intent." Queen shook her head.

"Really?" Jaden looked at all the dancing couples, they all were already married or the question was popping up randomly in the crowd.

Queen sighed, "They've all known each other most of their lives, it's also a popular time to ask; during a celebration. Of course, it will happen. But if you'll listen, you'll notice it's always the man asking."

"I'm already in love with you, so in this race, I'm waiting for you to catch up at the finish line. As long as it takes." Queen added with a smirk, "It is impolite to keep a girl waiting too long though."

Jaden pinched his nose between his eyes. "What do you know about me?"

"I know you hold your clan above everything, you only ever raise your hands in defense, and despite the damage they caused, you didn't seriously injure any of my people that I sent to raid your clan. Let's see... you're rational and calm. Oh and you can dance, that's a big bonus." Queen ticked off her fingers as she thought of things to say.

Rat race: Unnamed The current ruler referred to as Queen. Has no siblings, her mother passed from illness when she was aged five. Ignored her Advisor and made decisions based on her whims for years. The decision to occupy this ancient castle and expand from the safer foundations was one of her better ideas. Her favorite...

Sasha, you're not helping me here.

Don't complain to me, I have no control over that information. Perhaps you're more interested in her than you're letting on since that takes a conscious effort on your part to display. It's time to stop lying to yourself, and her.

Jaden hit his forehead with his palm and dragged his hand down his face towards his chin. "Queen, may I have this dance?"

"I was starting to think you'd never ask," she elegantly placed her hand on his waiting palm with a smile. The warmth of his hand sent her heart racing again. Let him know, she thought, I'm sure he can feel it.

Jaden smiled, "Now we can spend some time talking."

Queen smiled back, letting him lead her to the street for a dance. Now I can just enjoy a moment of bliss as he holds me.

Jaden brought his hand overhead, drawing her closer. He spun her around, and when she stopped, her free hand found his shoulder naturally, as his hand found her waist. "Where'd you learn to dance?"

"Believe it or not, Emily is a good teacher," Jaden replied, keeping her on her toes as he danced in time to the music. An upbeat melody designed to get your blood moving. Queen's dress billowed lively as Jaden led her throughout the marketplace. Through twists and twirls, the two moved as a single being. The tempo increased to follow their movements. All the other couples watched in merriment and clapped in time to the music. The song came to a close, Queen's eyes sparkled, "One more?"

"Right... I got lost in the moment and forgot I wanted to talk." Jaden responded sheepishly.

Queen's expression brightened further. When she caught Brains' attention she gave him a nod to continue playing.

In the shadows, Liralau was gritting her teeth. "Well played."

Brains led the musicians into a slower song. Queen returned to his embrace, she near melted in the warmth of the man she loved. "Ask me anything you want to know." She rested her head on his shoulder.

Jaden's heart stirred upon feeling her gentle breaths hitting his neck. They gently swayed with the music, the very image of lovers lost to time. Anything Jaden asked, she answered. There was no place she'd rather be. As they swayed, she wormed her way even closer into him. Lost in their own little world, they were still swaying together long after the music ceased. That was when he asked his last question.

"Queen, what do you expect of me? Outside of fate and destiny, why me?" he asked, staring at her with his deep onyx eyes.

"I..." she looked into his eyes, her body froze as that familiar powerlessness enraptured her.

"I see." Jaden stated as he released her from his gaze, "I find that answer acceptable."

"That's unfair." Queen pouted, "That was worse than feeling naked in front of a crowd."

"Is it different that only I can see?" Jaden mused.

"No. I feel... violated to a degree I didn't know was possible. I'm not sure how to describe it. What answer did you get anyway?" Queen asked, her ears slightly red.

Jaden didn't answer. Instead, he twirled Queen and pecked her cheek in her confusion. All the couples watching cheered for their Queen. A low rumbling noise emanated from Queen causing her to blush further.

Jaden chuckled as he led her toward the market stalls, "Let's grab something before the main course shall we?"

The entire attendance did full justice to the prepared feast; every serving platter lay bare and every plate was so clean, it could be mistaken they had been washed already. Brawn rose from his seat, "I propose some after-dinner entertainment."

"What did you have in mind?" Queen asked, knowing that the Brawn were known for their prowess in combat and not thought.

"I want a sparring match with King." Brawn pointed at Jaden, a grin on his face.

"Why not?" Jaden shrugged, "Wooden swords?"

God's above, don't let them hurt each other. Queen prayed.

"Help me clear our arena," Brawn couldn't prevent the excitement oozing from his form as he pushed groups of tables out of the way.

"Brawn is sure fired up," commented Brains, just barely able to get out of the way.

"What's your best weapon? Staff?" Brawn asked as he sifted through his collection.

"That's currently the only one I've used." Jaden replied honestly, "But it doesn't feel like it's 'my weapon'."

"I understand, every warrior has a particular weapon that calls out saying 'I'm the weapon for you'." Brawn nodded sagely, handing a few different weapons to Jaden, "Give these a swing."

"Do you carry all this everywhere you go?" Jaden asked as weapons piled up at his feet.

"Nah, I carry four weapons at most, they get me through most situations," Brawn replied.

Jaden didn't even bother giving any of them a swing, he just picked it up and when the weapon felt awkward in his hands, he simply moved on to the next. Spears, daggers, maces, swords of all shapes and sizes passed through scrutiny to be abandoned. "This one feels more comfortable than the rest, but still not there yet."

"This is a shame." Brawn frowned. "What do you want to use then?"

"Give me a staff, I have the most experience with one so far."

Brawn nodded approvingly as he tossed a staff his way. Brawn looked through his assorted weapons, finally settling on a two-handed broadsword. Brawn swung the sword fancily to showcase his strength and skill, eliciting a reaction from the watching rats. He took a ready posture and waited momentarily.

Jaden took a moment, feeling the material of the staff, and to adjust to the weight spun it experimentally, and settled into a defensive posture.

"You ever attacked first, or always accepting the first blow?" Brawn probed as he lunged at the invitation. Steel met wood, Jaden stepped to the side to aid in deflecting the blow. In the same movement, he landed a blow against Brawn's chest. "I prefer letting my opponent waste the energy to approach me."

"Negligible, but over time that wasted energy could add up, I suppose. Nice execution, you created an opportunity to strike and took it. Let's up the difficulty a bit, shall we?"

Brawn discarded the two-handed sword, picking up a pair of long swords and rushed at Jaden's defensive. Jaden spun his staff, deflecting the two swords at a record pace as Brawn just kept on swinging. He smirked and increased his speed up to his skill level, flipped a sword to the flat side and smacked Jaden across the chest, sending him crashing into the floor several meters back.

"I still have much to learn," Jaden rose to his feet and brushed himself off. Brawn jumped at him before he was ready.

Jaden picked himself off the floor once again; his clothes tattered and dirty, callouses that formed on his hands earlier were now torn and bleeding. He had some welts on his arms and legs. Through heavy breaths, Jaden finally panted, "I yield." Upon hearing that, a roar of applause filled the hall. Queen dashed forward to tend his injuries, in truth they looked worse than they were.

"You've got some serious power in that tiny frame of yours." Brawn complimented, dropping his staff, his legs wobbled beneath him as he took a seat on the floor, and shielded his eyes from the morning sun, "You completely overshadow me in that regard."

"Skill also plays a role, I've known that for a long time, Mother has repelled opponents several times that were stronger than her."

"When you're completely outclassed, I wouldn't be counting on luck to save you," Brawn stated gravely.

"I'd love to spar with you again," Jaden shocked everyone present after the mostly one-sided beating he just received.

"Rare to see one so young with such wisdom. Come find me at any time." Brawn stated.

"You can only learn so much from training dummies." Jaden shrugged.

Why does he bother with weapons at all when he has those other abilities? Liralau asked herself.

"Thank you, Queen, it just looks worse than it actually is and not to mention the callouses are necessary to toughen my hands."

"If you would, round up my clan it's high time we head back to our city," Jaden stated.

"I was hoping you could all live here." Queen pouted slightly.

"Anya can't, she's bound to the city at present... actually, I wonder if its the city or where the city used to be." Jaden explained, upon seeing her thinking about solutions, "And you don't need to relocate your people either."

Queen sighed in resignation. He's right. I shouldn't rush things, more than I already have at least. But still...