The Castle of Viltrum stood silent and imposing atop Mount Everest, its gleaming spires piercing the thin atmosphere.
Within the grand throne room, an unprecedented gathering had assembled.
All fifty surviving Viltrumites stood in perfect formation, their disciplined ranks a testament to millennia of martial tradition. General Kregg at their head, his scarred face set in solemn reverence.
Behind Thragg's massive throne floated six cylindrical chambers, each containing one of the High Council Elders - ancient beings who had survived from the time of Argall himself.
Their withered forms suspended in luminescent green fluid, sustained by technology that barely kept death at bay.
The Scourge Virus had ravaged them so thoroughly they scarcely considered themselves Viltrumites anymore, their bodies more scar tissue than muscle.
Yet their minds remained sharp, and Thragg valued their counsel above all others.
They had known Argall personally, had witnessed the glory of Viltrum before the civil war and plague. Their wisdom was irreplaceable.
Below the dais where Thragg's throne stood, the assembled representatives of Earth knelt in formal submission - the Guardians of the Globe, the Teen Team, Cecil Stedman, and other dignitaries from human governments.
Mark Grayson knelt beside his father, Nolan, both positioned directly before the throne as befitted their Viltrumite heritage.
Amanda alone knelt on the steps of the dais itself, elevated above the others but still below Thragg.
The crimson cape with its distinctive white sash draped across her shoulders, marking her unique status.
The Viltrumites maintained their disciplined silence, but their eyes occasionally flickered toward her - curious about this human female who had somehow captured their Grand Regent's interest.
Thragg sat motionless upon his throne, his massive frame draped in the Battle Beast coat, his expression impassive as he surveyed those assembled before him.
The silence stretched, heavy with anticipation, until Thragg finally spoke.
"Do you remember," he began, his deep voice resonating throughout the chamber, "our greatest quest since the civil war?"
The non-Viltrumites exchanged confused glances, uncertain what he meant. Mark looked questioningly at his father, but Nolan's expression remained carefully neutral.
From his suspension chamber, Elder Thalos spoke, his voice transmitted through speakers. "The finding of the blood of Argall," he intoned, his ancient voice crackling with age despite the fluid sustaining him. "To bestow upon them the Throne, as is their birthright."
Another Elder, Vex, scoffed audibly. "Foolishness," he declared, his tone informal yet still respectful toward Thragg. "Have the rest of you fossils forgotten that Lord Argall himself did not place emphasis on blood, family, or such sentimental notions?
He valued a ruler's strength and the wisdom to exercise it correctly for the benefit of the Empire."
Vex's withered form shifted slightly in his suspension fluid as he continued, "Lord Thragg is as much a son of Argall - if not more - than any who merely share the Emperor's blood, if such ones even live somewhere in this vast universe.
Lord Thragg was raised by the former Emperor himself.
He is the very reason why, despite the civil war and the plague that reduced us to less than one percent of our original forces, we still rule thousands of galaxies.
If that is not wisdom and strength used correctly, then I know not what is."
His voice strengthened with conviction. "Lord Thragg should simply end this quest and declare himself Emperor already."
The assembled Viltrumites tensed visibly at these bold words. Even the other Elders seemed taken aback, though none voiced disagreement.
Deep down, all elders shared Vex's sentiment. They knew that Thragg, though he never vocalized it, had loved the former Emperor as a father.
It was why he had instilled in all remaining Viltrumites such deep respect and reverence for Lord Argall.
Thragg remained motionless throughout Vex's speech, his expression betraying nothing of his thoughts. When he finally spoke, his words sent a shock through the assembly.
"I have found the blood of Argall."
Gasps echoed through the chamber, quickly stifled as Viltrumite discipline reasserted itself. Lucan, one of Thragg's most trusted lieutenants, broke the stunned silence.
"Grand Regent," he said, his voice carefully controlled, "who is it that carries this honor?"
Thragg's gaze shifted deliberately to Nolan Grayson. All eyes followed, understanding dawning as they realized the implications.
"Nolan Grayson," Thragg announced, "is the son of Argall, lost during the civil war."
The revelation hit the assembly like a physical blow.
The Viltrumites stared at Nolan with new eyes - not as the agent who had spent decades on Earth, but as the heir to their greatest leader.
The Guardians and Teen Team members exchanged shocked glances, struggling to comprehend the significance of this announcement.
Nolan himself felt as if the ground had disappeared beneath him. The implications crashed through his mind like a tidal wave.
This meant he would inherit the Throne - become Emperor of thousands of galaxies, responsible for the survival and future of an entire species.
But he didn't want it.
He didn't want that crushing responsibility, to be the one who must embody the ideals of all Viltrumites and dedicate himself entirely to their progress.
His life with Debbie, with Mark, the balance he had found between his Viltrumite heritage and his human connections - all would be sacrificed.
And Thragg... Nolan felt a surge of respect and gratitude toward the being who had maintained their species, who had guided them through their darkest hours, who had shown unexpected wisdom and restraint in his governance of Earth.
Thragg deserved the throne. He had earned it through millennia of service, while Nolan had spent decades actively avoiding his heritage.
Desperately searching for a solution, Nolan found his voice. Rising to his feet, he spoke with clear conviction that surprised even himself.
"I do not want the throne."
Murmurs rippled through the assembly, quickly silenced as Nolan continued.
"Though I remember not my father, his ideals have been preserved faithfully by those who knew him." Nolan glanced at the suspended Elders, then back to Thragg. "And knowing his story, I find myself in agreement with Elder Vex.
My father would have valued strength tempered by wisdom, dedication to our species' survival and prosperity. Lord Thragg embodies all these qualities."
Nolan took a step forward, his voice growing stronger. "I acknowledge Thragg as my brother - another son of Argall, though not by blood.
The throne would be better suited to the eldest son of Argall," he gestured to Thragg, "not to one who has only just learned of his heritage."
The silence that followed was absolute, heavy with the weight of Nolan's declaration. No one moved. No one spoke. All eyes turned to Thragg, awaiting his response.
Thragg rose slowly from his throne, his massive frame towering over everyone present. "Is this how you all think?" he asked, his deep voice betraying no emotion.
Elder Farn was the first to recover from the shock. "What are you all waiting for?" he roared, his ancient voice cracking with emotion. "Thragg is the son of Argall!"
As if a dam had broken, the Viltrumites erupted in unified acclaim.
"Hail Thragg, son of Argall!" "Hail the Emperor!" "Long live Emperor Thragg!"
The chants grew louder, more fervent.
The non-Viltrumites, barely keeping pace with these momentous developments, quickly joined the acclamation, understanding enough to recognize a historic moment when they witnessed one.
Thragg raised a hand, and the chamber fell instantly silent. All waited, breath held, for his next words.
"Very well," Thragg declared, his voice carrying to every corner of the vast chamber. "Henceforth, I, Thragg, first son of Argall, command all of you: acknowledge me as Emperor!"
The chants resumed with renewed intensity, the sound almost physical in its force. "Emperor Thragg! Emperor Thragg! All Hail Emperor Thragg!"
After allowing the acclaim to continue for several minutes, Thragg raised his hand once more for silence. "This assembly is dismissed," he commanded. "Return to your duties with renewed purpose. The Viltrum Empire enters a new era."
As the gathering began to disperse, Thragg descended from the dais. He approached Nolan, who stood with Mark at his side. Amanda, Eve, and Roberta positioned themselves respectfully behind them.
"Grand Reg - I mean, Emperor," Nolan began, inclining his head. "I apologize for my presumptuous action. I spoke without being granted permission, and I-"
"Your apology is accepted," Thragg interrupted, his tone revealing nothing of his thoughts. "You spoke your mind, as Argall would have wished his son to do."
Nolan nodded, relief evident in his posture. After a moment's hesitation, he asked with a hint of humor, "Should I address you as my sibling now?"
The corner of Thragg's mouth curved slightly upward - the closest thing to a smile most had ever seen from him. "You may address me as you wish... little brother."
The tension in the room eased perceptibly at this exchange. As the remaining dignitaries filed out, leaving only Thragg's closest associates, the newly proclaimed Emperor's thought back to why he did this.
With hundreds of human women now pregnant with Viltrumite children, with Earth's integration proceeding apace,
with his authority now more firmly established than ever before, Thragg had eliminated the final potential challenge to his rule.
Before he could expand his empire to other universes, he needed to be established as the ultimate authority, with no alternative ruler for dissidents to rally behind.
By bringing Cecil, the Guardians, and the Teen Team to witness this ceremony, he had demonstrated the absolute unity of Viltrumite purpose.
They had seen firsthand that even Argall's own son deferred to Thragg's right to rule. The message was unmistakable: resistance was not merely futile but illogical.
Later, in Thragg's private chambers, Amanda watched as he removed the Battle Beast coat and set it carefully on its stand.
The formal ceremony had lasted hours, and even Thragg's legendary stamina showed signs of the day's mental exertion.
"So," she said, a playful smile curving her lips, "am I to be the Empress of the universe now?"
Thragg turned to her, one eyebrow raised, the corner of his mouth quirking upward. "That remains for you to determine," he replied. "Though before such a title becomes appropriate, you would need to bear me an heir."
Amanda's face flushed crimson at the directness of his statement. For a moment, she was speechless - a rare occurrence for her. Then, composing herself, she crossed the room to where he stood.
"Well then, Emperor," she said, her voice low and filled with barely hidden desire, "perhaps we should begin working on that... immediately."
Thragg's eyes darkened as he pulled her against him, his massive hands gentle despite their strength. Their lips met in a kiss that started tender but quickly deepened.
In one fluid motion, Thragg lifted her and carried her toward the enormous bed that dominated one side of the chamber.
Amanda's arms wound around his neck, her body pressed against the solid wall of his chest.
As he laid her on the bed with continued gentleness, their eyes locked with one thought.
The universe could wait.
Tonight belonged to them alone.
The Emperor and his chosen.
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(Author note: So... I know this chapter is shorter than the others, I'm kinda tired, so hope you guys don't mind, but yeah, Thragg is now finally Emperor.
Don't worry, Thragg thought this whole thing through, remember he can see the soul which has... implications. Like being able to see someone's true nature for example.
Their loyalty, and towards who that spirit is directed and all that.
I'll get to that later in the future.
Also, I've decided to choose not to do R-18 scenes. I see no reason to. And personally don't believe I'll be good at it.
Well, I hope you all enjoyed the chapter,
See you all later,
Bye!))