[h2][color=ed1c24]Maddox[/color][/h2]

The red-haired mage narrowed his eyes as he looked toward Masahiko. [color=ed1c24]"That's specific. Thankfully I am skilled with Light Magic,"[/color] he responded, returning his attention forward. [color=ed1c24]"Listen. Your job is to ensure the greater good of Fiore and lately you haven't been doing the best job. Perhaps I'm not one to give advice..."[/color] Maddox's expression grew more serious. [color=ed1c24]"But I'm not going to [I]give us time[/I]. We're going to solve the problem here and now. I need as much details as you can give me."[/color]

[h2][color=red]Edo-Maddox[/color][/h2]

The giant Legion passed over the courtyard in front of the castle, flying low enough to allow Edo-Maddox to jump down gracefully. His arrival was far from undetected and the crowd of people going about their day in the streets all stopped to watch. The leader of White Hydra, often called Viper, was a well-known man throughout Edolas. His feats of power and terror were often regarded as urban legends, but whether there was truth to them or not the populace knew he was a dangerous man.

When Edo-Maddox turned to face the street, several people flinched and more still began backing away. [color=red]"I have come to make an announcement!"[/color] he spoke out, making sure the entire crowd could hear him. Despite his volume, his eerily neutral expression didn't change. By now, armed soldiers began flooding from the castle and lining up behind Edo-Maddox. Despite their quantity and their position behind him, Edo-Maddox didn't even glance at their assembly.

[color=red]"In life, all that matters is power. Regardless of what form, it is power that drives some to success and a lack thereof that leads to depression and poverty. I have asserted my position in Edolas through my power. But I have not reached my ceiling."[/color] Edo-Maddox pointed towards himself with his thumb now. The general looks of the crowd were fearful and confused, not entirely sure where he was going with his speech.

[color=red]"I will be taking the next step! I declare myself the King of Edolas!"[/color] Without any warning, Edo-Maddox spun around to face the soldiers. Many of them jumped back in fear from the motion alone. He pointed at the imposing castle now. [color=red]"Your present King and Queen are not powerful enough to keep the throne. It belongs in more fitting hands. But I am not an unreasonable man..."[/color] He lowered his hand, now glaring at the guards. [color=red]"The Kingdom has twelve hours to surrender to me and give me the throne. Or else..."[/color]

[color=red]"I will destroy the entire city and all those within its walls."[/color] Several of the soldiers grew furious from his claims and one even began to march forward to attack, though he was held back by another soldier. Now Edo-Maddox faced the citizens again. [color=red]"I am not pleading for support. I am not preaching a brighter future. I am merely warning the Kingdom. Do not think that I will be kind or merciful. Do not think that I am bluffing, either. I hold the most power in Edolas, and I want the title to prove it."[/color]

Edo-Maddox removed the box from his back and stood it upright on the ground in front of him. He gave a sharp whack to the side of the box, causing the wooden boards to fall apart and reveal what was inside. A long [url=http://www.ocostumes.com/htc/1621507.jpg]staff[/url] with a snake head shape at the top, almost as tall as Edo-Maddox. He grasped the staff in one hand and held it up above his head. [color=red]"If I am not King in twelve hours, then there will be no Kingdom left."[/color] The red eyes on the snake head started to glow and a powerful gust of wind blasted in all directions.

It even knocked several people and soldiers over, causing some of the crowd to panic. Edo-Maddox lowered the staff and looked over his shoulder at the soldiers, daring them to attack him. Yet none made a move. The intimidating man brought his free hand to his mouth and whistled, bringing his Legion to the ground with Beatrix still unconscious on its back. [color=red]"I will return in twelve hours."[/color] He leapt onto his Legion. As soon as he was near Beatrix the eyes on the snake head began to glow faintly. The Legion let out one last roar before taking flight. The crowd was baffled by how suddenly this all unfolded. By how brazen Viper was. By the fact they may only have a day left to live.