Months had passed since the Incursion War—months in which the galaxy never forgot the cold, unstoppable emperor who had torn through the Incursians without hesitation.But Alex?He didn't care about the opinions or legends left behind. He simply returned to his everyday routine:
Ruling Avalon Groups.Strengthening his Shadow Monarch powers.And spending time with his lovers—Velgrynd, Velzard, Venelana Bael, Grayfia Lucifuge, Albedo, Lucy Mann, and Charmcaster—who had all carved out their own place in his life.
On Earth, he often hung out with Ben and Rook. Ben still couldn't reconcile the Alex he saw during the war—merciless, terrifying, ice-cold—with the playful, calm, caring brother-figure standing beside him now. Gwen had mixed feelings too, especially since her past with Alex was… complicated.
But one thing was for sure:The whole galaxy had agreed on a single truth—Never get on Avalon's bad side.
Hybrid Alien Council? Proud.Queen Ma Vreedle? Bragged about her godson.Max Tennyson, Gordon, Betty Jean, Joel, and Camille Mann? Couldn't stop praising him.Vilgax, Milleous, and half the warlords of charted space? Afraid to breathe in Avalon's direction.
Life was peaceful.
Until Ben called.
A Request Only Alex Could Handle
"Alex! Bro, I need your help," Ben said, almost panicked over the call.
Alex raised a brow.Ben never used that tone unless something was seriously messed up.
"Alright," Alex replied. "But you owe me one later."
Ben instantly agreed.
Alex traveled to the meeting spot and found Ben, Rook, Gwen—and Kevin, looking rougher than usual. Gwen had massive dark circles under her eyes; clearly she hadn't slept in days. Alex didn't bother acknowledging it.
"So," Alex asked, crossing his arms, "why exactly are you four hiding?"
Before Ben could answer—
BOOM.
The ground shook.
Everyone turned to see a Tetramand war party approaching.And at the front—
Gar Red Wind, his warriors… and Princess Looma Red Wind.
Alex immediately recognized them.The Red Wind Tribe were long-standing allies of Avalon Groups. William's transportation network across off-world colonies relied heavily on them.
Alex stepped forward and greeted them respectfully."Gar Red Wind. Unexpected to see you here. What brings the Red Wind tribe to Earth?"
Gar answered with total seriousness:
"Shadow Monarch Alex Tennyson. We have come… for my daughter's bride."
Kevin blinked.Gwen choked on air.Ben and Rook froze.
Alex slowly turned toward Kevin.
"…Explain."
Kevin swallowed and explained the whole situation: a mistaken victory ritual, a misunderstanding of Tetramand courting customs, and somehow—Kevin had become Looma's 'bride.'
Ben, Alex, Gwen, and Rook stood in pure silence.
"…Kevin," Alex said finally, "you are the dumbest genius I've ever met."
Kevin groaned.
Gwen rubbed her temples.
Ben whispered to Rook, "Why does this kind of thing only happen to us?"
The Duel for Freedom
Gar offered the ancient solution:
"Through honorable combat, Princess Looma's claim may be challenged. Victory means Kevin is freed."
Ben turned to Alex immediately."Please, man. Help us. I know Gwen and you… have history, but Kevin doesn't deserve to get married off to a muscle goddess."
Alex exhaled dramatically."Fine. Only because you asked, Ben. But you owe me another favor."
He walked onto the battleground.
Looma grinned with excitement."I have heard of your strength, Tennyson. Show me!"
Alex cracked his neck. "Don't say I didn't warn you."
The duel began.
And it ended quickly.
Alex outmaneuvered Looma in pure technique, blended with Shadow Monarch reflexes and superhuman grace. He pinned her to the ground without injuring her, proving dominance without cruelty.
Gar announced loudly:
"Kevin Levin is free!"
Relief washed over Ben, Gwen, Kevin, and Rook.
But then—
Gar continued:
"However… Alex Tennyson, by defeating my daughter in an official challenge… you have become her bride."
Every human in the area:"WHAT?!"
Alex blinked once.
Ben's jaw dropped.Rook looked like his processor crashed.Gwen stared in disbelief.Kevin fainted face-first into the dirt.
Alex took it calmly—too calmly.
"I accept the title," Alex said. "But I must discuss it with my lovers first."
Looma's eyes sparkled.Gar bowed and declared:
"From this day, the Red Wind Tribe stands as allies of Avalon. Call, and we shall answer."
They left with honor and pride.
Leaving behind Alex, Looma, Ben, Gwen, Rook, and Kevin (still unconscious).
A New Introduction
Ben placed a hand on Alex's shoulder."You're… uh… good luck with that, bro."
Rook added, "Tetramand relationships are… intense. Please do not die."
Ben waved and left with Rook.
Kevin woke up screaming about muscles and marriage and ran away with Gwen.
Alex turned to Looma.
"Well," he said, offering his hand, "I suppose you should meet the others."
Looma took his hand eagerly.
"With pleasure, future mate."
And with that, Alex took Princess Looma Red Wind to meet:
Velgrynd.Velzard.Venelana Bael.Grayfia Lucifuge.Albedo.Lucy Mann.Charmcaster.
This… was going to be interesting.