Warning: I don't know WHYYY I did this... wait, yes I do. I had an intense desire... and thus, I would have no peace until I acted! This desire has been festering for about a few weeks until I finally decided to go for it. I realized, after I worked on this, that other people have written fics about the origins of the Tallest... and at first I was hesitant to continue. But you guys can help me decide if I should even bother continuing or not. I will, however, point out that this fic WILL be Red/Purple slash if I continue it. What do you think? And that is NOT an invitation to flamers, by the way. :P I guess I should be more careful and simply issue my question to the open minded people. Okay? ^^
Chapter One: Transference of Power
Purple sighed, miserably, as he paced back and forth. His long robes flowed elegantly about him, exaggerating his nervous movements. The majority of the robe was a delicate lavender while the sleeves, collar, and opening were a soft blue. Resting over his left breast was a small logo of an ancient scroll, yellow in color, over a pale green book. Purple stood straight, adjusted his robes, then returned to his pacing.
Purple stood in a large office room, filled with electronic books and majestic furniture that most Invaders could only dream of. Normally, Purple would indulge himself in the room's book supply, which was large but still did not compare to the Imperial library. However, his nerves refused to settle and allow him such peace and tranquility.
Purple continued to pace, muttering to himself, as his fingers fidgeted nervously.
"Calm yourself," a deep voice drawled, idly. "You'll only upset yourself further,"
Purple sighed and turned to gaze at the owner of the voice. A tall Irken stood behind Purple, wearing the same colored robe and pastel red eyes. He looked much older than Purple, with his cold eyes and aloof mannerism.
"I can't calm down," Purple grunted. "I just can't, Elder...,"
"I know it is hard awaiting the Tallest's decision," the Elder crooned. "But you have nothing to worry about. We all measured you... just like THEY measured HIM. You are just as tall as he,"
"I know...," Purple sighed. "... but supposing he sides with them?" Purple turned to stare at the Elder. "Their representative IS his nephew...,"
"Hush, boy. That matters little when it comes to the Tallest!" the Elder scolded. Purple flinched and looked away. The Elder shook his head and crossed his arms. "I assure you... he will make a fair and wise decision," he added, more gently. Purple returned to his pacing, refusing to look up. "Even though the Tallest's nephew is a Dominax... he won't ignore the Intellixar's equally valid claim,"
"...,"
Purple continued to pace, shivers running up his spine as the Elder watched him. He hated being scrutinized; however, the Elder could do as he pleased. The Elder was the oldest Intellixar on the Council, second in height only to Purple.
The Intellixar was one of two major factions within the Irken Empire; the Dominax was the other. While the Dominax favored more aggressive tactics and were mostly veteran Invaders of violent natures, the Intellixar were scholarly and accepted the fact that planning, tactics, and knowledge were just as vital as brute force.
A common joke running through the general public was that the Intellixars would theorize each other to death while the Dominax chase flies with giant fusion warheads.
As Purple reflected, he knew he had every right to be nervous. The current Tallest was aging; he would be dead soon, as everyone knew. A successor was needed. Both the Intellixars and Dominax fought over the position of successor, claiming their candidate was taller than the other's.
Both sides were horrified to discover that their candidates were exactly the same in height. At first, each accused the other of tampering with the results. However, after repeated measurements, it was discovered that both Purple and the Dominax candidate where exactly the same height, down to the smallest fraction.
Purple came to a stop and blinked. He wondered what the Dominax candidate was like. He had never actually met his opponent. For some reason the Dominax suspected that he would use as much foul play as they did. While Purple admitted that the Intellixar often bent the rules to suit their needs, he himself didn't harbor any ideas of murder.
Purple sighed and massaged his forehead. He hated being involved in the power struggle; he liked the idea of being the Tallest, but disliked being the sole target of the Dominax's movement against the Intellixars. The moment they realized that he was as tall as their representative, Purple's life became that much more difficult. He could no longer walk the halls alone, or else risk an untimely and 'coincidental' demise. Purple didn't dare think of what would happen if the Tallest chose him as a successor.
A knock at the door startled Purple, causing him to look up in alarm. The door slid open with a hiss, revealing another Irken wearing the same robes as the Elder and Purple. He looked rather panicked and out of breath.
"The Tallest... has made... his decision!" he gasped. Purple stared, then grabbed the Irken and shook him.
"What is it!? WHAT IS IT!?" he cried.
"PURPLE! Control yourself!" Elder hissed. Purple flinched and released the Irken, then stepped back. "One would think, dear boy, that you were a Dominax with that tendency of yours," the Elder admonished. Purple felt his face flush with embarrassment but quickly suppressed it. "Now then," the Elder continued. "What was his decision?"
"... Well...," The Irken began, cautiously. "... he said... that since they're the same height...,"
"Yes?" the Elder urged, patiently.
"... that they both will be the Tallest,"
"...,"
"...,"
"... Excuse me?"
------------------------------
Purple resisted his urge to fidget, forcing himself to look calm and dignified as he stood with the other Intellixars. They awaited by their chairs for the Dominax's entry, knowing full well that they were as pleased with the decision as the Intellixars were.
Purple sighed inwardly. Both of them the Tallest? The decision was ridiculous but both sides knew they had to obey. Both candidates would rule the Empire. Atleast, as long as both of them were alive. Purple knew that his premature demise was all but assured, now. Such a thought dampened Purple's enthusiasm severely.
The Elder coughed, causing Purple to straighten. He looked up and watched as the Dominax filed in, their robes all but blinding him. The robe was mostly neon yellow, so brilliant it blazed like a star. The trim, collar, and opening created a serious contrast with their deep ebony color. On their right breasts sat a logo of three blood red slashes.
Purple was distinctively aware of the vicious glares he received from the Dominax as they filed in, standing next to their chairs opposite the Intellixar. Purple's eyes unconsciously wandered, with hopes of seeing who his competitor was.
That was when his eyes fell upon him.
Purple stared as Red stormed in to the room, his expression livid. Red was both passionate and wild, like a raging inferno. He didn't seem to care what the Intellixar thought of him as he carried himself with intense arrogance and unyielding dignity. His red eyes blazed with scorn as he looked over each member of the other party until they fell on Purple.
In that briefest of moments, the two locked eyes. Purple felt as if his height and abilities had been torn away from him, then shown every insecurity or weakness he ever felt or displayed. He felt vastly inferior. Red's lips curled up in a vicious sneer. Purple silently cursed himself and tightened his jaw. Purple refused to flinch, though he was shivering inside. He was terrified, and yet knew that if he showed weakness to Red, the other Irken would attack it like a rabid beast and destroy him both inside and out.
"You are, no doubt, aware of the Tallest's decision on his successor," the Elder began.
"I am," Red snorted, before any of the others could speak. He tilted his head and sneered, fixing Purple with yet another gaze. "I'll be working with that one?"
Purple's eyes narrowed as his jaw clenched even further. He disliked Red's condescending tone, as well as the look in his eyes. He had a feeling that Red was far worse than all the other Dominax combined. Purple silently vowed to sleep with one eye open and a weapon in hand.
"Yes," the Elder replied, tartly. "I trust you'll get along?" he said, with a tone that made it very clear that he had no such feelings.
Red chuckled, darkly.
"We'll see," he grinned. "He doesn't look like Tallest material to me," he added, smirking at Purple. "Far too subdued,"
"Hardly subdued," Purple hissed, suddenly. The other Intellexar looked stunned at his sudden decision to speak. The Elder scowled but said nothing. "But then... you don't look like Tallest material, either. I suspect you'd need a weapon of massive destruction to find your way to the restroom,"
Red scowled as the other Dominax flushed with anger. However, Red's scowl disappeared quickly to be replaced with a cocky grin.
"Looks like I'll need to be careful around you," he grinned.
"As will I," Purple growled.
"If you're quite done," the Elder began, casting Purple a disapproving glance. Purple continued to glare at Red, unwavering. Red simply smirked. "As you well know, the Tallest has ordered immediate transferal of title and duties... I need not remind you of his current state of health. Therefore... we have much to arrange,"
"YOU do the arranging crap," Red scoffed, refusing to break eye contact with Purple. "I and the PURPLE ONE have to deal with more immediate matters,"
Purple tensed, though he refused to allow Red to notice it.
"What's more immediate then the ceremony?!" one Intellexar barked.
"LIVING arrangements?" Red sneered. He quickly glanced at Purple and chuckled. "Though... I wonder if he'll be around long enough for that to be necessary?"
Purple hissed as many Intellexars sat up with a cry of protest. Red immediately raised his claws, in an attempt to label his comment as merely harmless speculation. Purple knew better, as did everyone else. But not much could be done.
Regardless of Red's political standings, he was still a Tallest.
Purple sighed, inwardly.
A seriously dangerous one at that.
Chapter One: Transference of Power
Purple sighed, miserably, as he paced back and forth. His long robes flowed elegantly about him, exaggerating his nervous movements. The majority of the robe was a delicate lavender while the sleeves, collar, and opening were a soft blue. Resting over his left breast was a small logo of an ancient scroll, yellow in color, over a pale green book. Purple stood straight, adjusted his robes, then returned to his pacing.
Purple stood in a large office room, filled with electronic books and majestic furniture that most Invaders could only dream of. Normally, Purple would indulge himself in the room's book supply, which was large but still did not compare to the Imperial library. However, his nerves refused to settle and allow him such peace and tranquility.
Purple continued to pace, muttering to himself, as his fingers fidgeted nervously.
"Calm yourself," a deep voice drawled, idly. "You'll only upset yourself further,"
Purple sighed and turned to gaze at the owner of the voice. A tall Irken stood behind Purple, wearing the same colored robe and pastel red eyes. He looked much older than Purple, with his cold eyes and aloof mannerism.
"I can't calm down," Purple grunted. "I just can't, Elder...,"
"I know it is hard awaiting the Tallest's decision," the Elder crooned. "But you have nothing to worry about. We all measured you... just like THEY measured HIM. You are just as tall as he,"
"I know...," Purple sighed. "... but supposing he sides with them?" Purple turned to stare at the Elder. "Their representative IS his nephew...,"
"Hush, boy. That matters little when it comes to the Tallest!" the Elder scolded. Purple flinched and looked away. The Elder shook his head and crossed his arms. "I assure you... he will make a fair and wise decision," he added, more gently. Purple returned to his pacing, refusing to look up. "Even though the Tallest's nephew is a Dominax... he won't ignore the Intellixar's equally valid claim,"
"...,"
Purple continued to pace, shivers running up his spine as the Elder watched him. He hated being scrutinized; however, the Elder could do as he pleased. The Elder was the oldest Intellixar on the Council, second in height only to Purple.
The Intellixar was one of two major factions within the Irken Empire; the Dominax was the other. While the Dominax favored more aggressive tactics and were mostly veteran Invaders of violent natures, the Intellixar were scholarly and accepted the fact that planning, tactics, and knowledge were just as vital as brute force.
A common joke running through the general public was that the Intellixars would theorize each other to death while the Dominax chase flies with giant fusion warheads.
As Purple reflected, he knew he had every right to be nervous. The current Tallest was aging; he would be dead soon, as everyone knew. A successor was needed. Both the Intellixars and Dominax fought over the position of successor, claiming their candidate was taller than the other's.
Both sides were horrified to discover that their candidates were exactly the same in height. At first, each accused the other of tampering with the results. However, after repeated measurements, it was discovered that both Purple and the Dominax candidate where exactly the same height, down to the smallest fraction.
Purple came to a stop and blinked. He wondered what the Dominax candidate was like. He had never actually met his opponent. For some reason the Dominax suspected that he would use as much foul play as they did. While Purple admitted that the Intellixar often bent the rules to suit their needs, he himself didn't harbor any ideas of murder.
Purple sighed and massaged his forehead. He hated being involved in the power struggle; he liked the idea of being the Tallest, but disliked being the sole target of the Dominax's movement against the Intellixars. The moment they realized that he was as tall as their representative, Purple's life became that much more difficult. He could no longer walk the halls alone, or else risk an untimely and 'coincidental' demise. Purple didn't dare think of what would happen if the Tallest chose him as a successor.
A knock at the door startled Purple, causing him to look up in alarm. The door slid open with a hiss, revealing another Irken wearing the same robes as the Elder and Purple. He looked rather panicked and out of breath.
"The Tallest... has made... his decision!" he gasped. Purple stared, then grabbed the Irken and shook him.
"What is it!? WHAT IS IT!?" he cried.
"PURPLE! Control yourself!" Elder hissed. Purple flinched and released the Irken, then stepped back. "One would think, dear boy, that you were a Dominax with that tendency of yours," the Elder admonished. Purple felt his face flush with embarrassment but quickly suppressed it. "Now then," the Elder continued. "What was his decision?"
"... Well...," The Irken began, cautiously. "... he said... that since they're the same height...,"
"Yes?" the Elder urged, patiently.
"... that they both will be the Tallest,"
"...,"
"...,"
"... Excuse me?"
------------------------------
Purple resisted his urge to fidget, forcing himself to look calm and dignified as he stood with the other Intellixars. They awaited by their chairs for the Dominax's entry, knowing full well that they were as pleased with the decision as the Intellixars were.
Purple sighed inwardly. Both of them the Tallest? The decision was ridiculous but both sides knew they had to obey. Both candidates would rule the Empire. Atleast, as long as both of them were alive. Purple knew that his premature demise was all but assured, now. Such a thought dampened Purple's enthusiasm severely.
The Elder coughed, causing Purple to straighten. He looked up and watched as the Dominax filed in, their robes all but blinding him. The robe was mostly neon yellow, so brilliant it blazed like a star. The trim, collar, and opening created a serious contrast with their deep ebony color. On their right breasts sat a logo of three blood red slashes.
Purple was distinctively aware of the vicious glares he received from the Dominax as they filed in, standing next to their chairs opposite the Intellixar. Purple's eyes unconsciously wandered, with hopes of seeing who his competitor was.
That was when his eyes fell upon him.
Purple stared as Red stormed in to the room, his expression livid. Red was both passionate and wild, like a raging inferno. He didn't seem to care what the Intellixar thought of him as he carried himself with intense arrogance and unyielding dignity. His red eyes blazed with scorn as he looked over each member of the other party until they fell on Purple.
In that briefest of moments, the two locked eyes. Purple felt as if his height and abilities had been torn away from him, then shown every insecurity or weakness he ever felt or displayed. He felt vastly inferior. Red's lips curled up in a vicious sneer. Purple silently cursed himself and tightened his jaw. Purple refused to flinch, though he was shivering inside. He was terrified, and yet knew that if he showed weakness to Red, the other Irken would attack it like a rabid beast and destroy him both inside and out.
"You are, no doubt, aware of the Tallest's decision on his successor," the Elder began.
"I am," Red snorted, before any of the others could speak. He tilted his head and sneered, fixing Purple with yet another gaze. "I'll be working with that one?"
Purple's eyes narrowed as his jaw clenched even further. He disliked Red's condescending tone, as well as the look in his eyes. He had a feeling that Red was far worse than all the other Dominax combined. Purple silently vowed to sleep with one eye open and a weapon in hand.
"Yes," the Elder replied, tartly. "I trust you'll get along?" he said, with a tone that made it very clear that he had no such feelings.
Red chuckled, darkly.
"We'll see," he grinned. "He doesn't look like Tallest material to me," he added, smirking at Purple. "Far too subdued,"
"Hardly subdued," Purple hissed, suddenly. The other Intellexar looked stunned at his sudden decision to speak. The Elder scowled but said nothing. "But then... you don't look like Tallest material, either. I suspect you'd need a weapon of massive destruction to find your way to the restroom,"
Red scowled as the other Dominax flushed with anger. However, Red's scowl disappeared quickly to be replaced with a cocky grin.
"Looks like I'll need to be careful around you," he grinned.
"As will I," Purple growled.
"If you're quite done," the Elder began, casting Purple a disapproving glance. Purple continued to glare at Red, unwavering. Red simply smirked. "As you well know, the Tallest has ordered immediate transferal of title and duties... I need not remind you of his current state of health. Therefore... we have much to arrange,"
"YOU do the arranging crap," Red scoffed, refusing to break eye contact with Purple. "I and the PURPLE ONE have to deal with more immediate matters,"
Purple tensed, though he refused to allow Red to notice it.
"What's more immediate then the ceremony?!" one Intellexar barked.
"LIVING arrangements?" Red sneered. He quickly glanced at Purple and chuckled. "Though... I wonder if he'll be around long enough for that to be necessary?"
Purple hissed as many Intellexars sat up with a cry of protest. Red immediately raised his claws, in an attempt to label his comment as merely harmless speculation. Purple knew better, as did everyone else. But not much could be done.
Regardless of Red's political standings, he was still a Tallest.
Purple sighed, inwardly.
A seriously dangerous one at that.