KINGS

Prologue: Open Rebellion.

Generations ago, a global cataclysmic event scorched the world whole.

Newly exposed and volatile material combined with an Mobius shattering tectonic collapse, dismantling civilization whole.

The world order was destroyed. History as they know it: changed forever.

But from the ashes, a new era began.

Hundreds of years have passed.

Mobian kind and humanity are now in the time known as:

AFTER CALAMITY.

...

At a Conference Room in the Kingdom of Kascadia's military headquarters, a royal cabinet was assembled as they awaited their king. Suddenly, the announcer appeared in the room.

"Ladies and gentlemen, may I introduce to you, His Royal Majesty, King Asher." the announcer said.

Suddenly, an anthropomorphic Mobian hedgehog entered the room. He had ice blue eyes, black nose, tan muzzle, small triangular ears with tan canals, gray fur, a patch of white fur on his chest and orange stripes, with the majority of them running at the edges of his many quills. He also wears gold rings on his arms and wrists, white gloves with gold trimmings and white shoes with gold cuffs and rings. He is also wearing his royal uniform, which consists of a white coat and white pants with gold stitchings and trimmings. Best known as Asher the Hedgehog, he is the Ruling Monarch of the Kingdom of Kascadia. Having just turned 21 years old three months ago, Asher has lots on his sleeve for the future of his kingdom as the new year is approaching, which is why he called this meeting.

"Please be seated." Asher said as his cabinet took their seats. "Alright, for a long time, our kingdom, our beautiful Kascadia, has been an associate member of the Mobocean Federation for the past 50 years and we have worked with them in a number of endeavors, including dealing with the first artificial exclusion zone and of course helping them win the war against the Kingdom of Mercia, way before I was King. However, in recent years, the Federation has been exploiting Kascadia's geothermal resources, particularly cordium, to expand across the world by force and conquest rather than provide aid like before. So, as you all know, I have ordered the process of Kascadia withdrawing its membership from the Federation and I declared Kascadia full independence and sovereignty to stop the Federation's conquests. You all know that one of my goals as King is to give our kingdom, our people, independence and sovereignty from the Federation. The Feds however refused and decided to fully vassalize Kascadia into itself entirely. This gave me no choice. Not only will I declare Kascadia full independence and sovereignty, but I'm declaring a full open rebellion against the Federation."

"Your Majesty. You do realize this will lead to a full blown civil war, right? Half of our people are in favor of independence and those remaining loyal to the Federation." a Kascadian Army General said.

"I understand, but if we want to stop the Federation from exploiting our resources, then a war is needed. War is something I don't want to resort to but it's now the only option. I know many are going to suffer, but in the end, it will benefit our people once the Federation is fully out of Kascadia, and you all know how much I care about my people. General, any word on our military forces?" Asher asked.

"We do have enough military manpower for the Kascadian Independence Force, but our airpower could use some help." the Kascadian General said.

"Very well. Look into our air force. Find the best pilot that can be a liaison. I will be hiring mercenary pilots to help the war in our favor. Send an ambassador to the Periphery to drop off contracts and information." Asher said.

"Very well, Your Majesty." the General said.

"Any further objections?" Asher asks, but gets no answer from his cabinet. "Meeting is adjourned."

Asher leaves the room, not knowing what's to come for Kascadia, or the help he will soon get.