ACT 9: Fraethes

The Gifted Heir

“Taking revenge will not make you less than them.”

“I want to know the truth.”

“Should I just give up?”

“I can't fall asleep, I'm being haunted in my dreams.”

Nation: Khover

Sex: Male

Birthday: August 19

Fraethes is a Draconic cat from the land of Khover. He is one of the second playable character limited theme editions in the DEFVERSE cosmos. He has returned once again to seek revenge and shed light on the mysteries of his clan years ago.

Fraethes was a pure soul, innocent as many would think of him. He lived his life in their community as someone who would help anyone in need, a befitting leader of his clan. People see him with admiration in their eyes, as everyone in the village knows his good deeds. However, when secrets finally revealed themselves, the people that once were allies were now giving you a glimpse of disgust. Suddenly, the past events have risen from its grave and spread gossips around. Krismi, the remaining living heir of the Draks, kept her mouth shut and refused to answer anything, making everyone spit in anger. Only the same bloodline could know the tragic ending of the Drak's reign. In her last days, Krismi knew that it was Fraethes turn to go through the ritual of ascendance where the family's name is passed down.

Fraethes was a curious child. Growing up without his parents made him see his imperfections as the next heir of the Draks. He was easily influenced by his emotions and the words of others that it made him unable to feel the love and care of the people around him. At a young age, he was forced to grow up and be the rightful successor of his grandmother his only living family. No matter what people say about the past, he shall only face them with the pride of his family. Still, his experiencing ritual of ascendance changed him into a different person, desiring only to be the best of his family.

DIGGING ONE'S OWN GRAVE

When the day finally came, his grandmother, Krismi, sat him down to reveal the truth behind his ancestry. His ears couldn't believe what he heard at that moment; it was as if the life he knew was a lie. Being mocked for having a disgraceful family tortured him for years. His mind kept wandering in them; as if until now, he couldn't believe it all. Still, countless questions chose to be left unanswered. Despite that, he lacked the courage to oppose their words, which destroyed his family name's dignity and pride. In the end, they were right about them, for the same blood had also forsaken them before. Yet, he kept a smile on his face in front of everyone while his heart churned in pain. It was his mission as the last heir of the Draks to shed light on the mysteries of the past.

Blinded by revenge, Fraethes lost sight of his true goal and went astray on the right path. He saw those revelations as a chance to push others away. He was stubborn, invalidating every sweat and effort he made. He would never be good enough in their eyes. Like a machine on the brink of crashing, he was unstoppable. He would train himself to death every day until water couldn't satisfy his thirst anymore. He only wanted to be strong for his grandmother; as a sign of gratitude, would he finally become the rightful heir of the Drak. Little did he know that the more he opened doors alone would be his greatest regret. In these hardships, he realizes the weakness he tried so hard to overlook was his strength after all. Fighting battles will always be meant for a group to work together.

A DRACONIC'S PAINFUL TRIBUTE

One hot afternoon, Krismi asked him to gather ingredients at the market near the pier, for they would celebrate the death anniversary of his late great-grandmother. Ever since Fraethes learned the truth from her, his heart became heavy and light at the same time. Somehow, he felt relieved as questions bugging him before were finally answered. Still, he couldn't bring himself to understand the anger of why Zakul and Azura, along with the fairy cats, that attacked their clan years ago. Sisters betraying one another was unthinkable; it was suspicious how the history happened to that extent. While Fraethes was drowned in his thoughts in front of a vegetable stand, a vendor snapped him off. Being brought to his senses, he purchased the ingredients and went home.

Dinner was silent between Fraethes and his grandmother, and even Smug, his own dragon, couldn't break the awkwardness in the air. Although he would still be an obedient grandson, the usual talkativeness they shared before was gone. Even if Krismi's reasoning for keeping the secret was valid, he was still hurt for having to experience that at a young age, wherein it brought trauma to even think about it. After the trip to the marketplace, it was no shock that he fell asleep after they ate. However, Smug suddenly jumped unto him and woke him from slumber. He wanted to scold his pet dragon when he realized that it was too quiet in the house. He heard the stove was open, but there was no sign of his grandmother. He walked inside only to see her unconscious and not breathing. At that moment, things were happening so fast, but the beat of his heart could not deny the panic of realizing it was it. Immediately, he called Smug and rode on his back, carrying the meal his grandmother cooked while calling for help.

FRAETHES, THE DRACONIC CAT'S WISH

The night was approaching; the usual house full of light and warmth was now empty and cold. Fraethes rubbed his dry eyes and was about to eat his grandmother's soup when memories started haunting him again. It was like yesterday when his grandmother told him to be strong even if she's not here anymore. He misses the soft hand of her caress in his cheeks or the way she embraces him tightly when he goes home. He had taken everything for granted, and now, she's gone. Smug licked his tears away, now decided to fly again in the night sky, along with the meal his grandmother cooked.

Flying over the plaza when the snow began to fall, they saw many cats were celebrating, and the three gods were present. He then realizes that it was the time of the offering to the gods, a tradition that they do during the Noel season. All cat races were present; the kings and queens, leaders and elders of important races witnessed the events and offered expensive and extravagant gifts. However, the three gods were not pleased; they wanted a genuine offering instead of the riches of Neko Sekai. Smug bit Fraethes' hand and dragged him in front of the gods that all eyes were set unto him. He was about to smack Smug, but it quickly fled away.

Him being in front of the three gods of the DEFVERSE cosmos, he bowed before them as a sign of respect. Not knowing what to do, he offered his grandmother's soup; it was for sure made with love and effort.

The three gods didn't need to taste it; the sincerity in his eyes was enough for them to be pleased with his offering; he was chosen. Everyone praised and celebrated the blessing given by the three gods. Alas, Fraethes' wish for the Drak clan was granted. The draconic cats were blessed too in their food, and crops. For his grandmother's love for everyone was why the three gods chose their clan and race in these moments of despair. Still, the delight in Fraethes' heart couldn't disguise the grief in his heart. Being overwhelmed by his emotions made him push the people who cherished him away. The past indeed can't be changed; all the what-ifs and doubts continued to hinder him in seeking forgiveness. Like a shackle that chained him tightly to the pain of the past. A mirror that would only let him see his mistakes and the things he could have done differently. With this new change in their lives, he will do his best to atone for his faults and lead the clan to prosperity for his grandmother.