Ruling the galaxy got lonely.

Don't get him wrong. Ex liked having an iron fist on his subjects. They were submissive and obeyed orders without question. It was just that being the sole ruler of a large galaxy got boring. Not to mention tiring. There were only so many times you could throw a citizen into the empty void of space for your own entertainment, after all.

Not to mention his brother, who always let him know that he didn't approve of how he was ruling. The way X ruled was much gentler, and more forgiving. He spared mercy on the people of his galaxy, and was known throughout the universe for his compassion. But the way Ex saw it, that wasn't much of a way to keep undying control over a galaxy full of subjects.

And control was his main priority.

He sighed a little, settling back into his throne. Loneliness really was what he was feeling right then, though he'd never let that on of course. Ruling in such a way didn't make the admin many friends or connections, and his differences with his brother tore that rift between them.

So in the end, he hardly had that connection going for him. He couldn't help but wonder if that was even a connection he wanted. Maybe he was hiding from the truth of the answer, but regardless he felt he had to cope on his own.

It was today that Xisuma had decided to pay him a visit. A knock sounded through the vast room Ex sat in--yet another thing his brother disliked. Too much room, he chided. You're wasting resources.

What's the point of being a ruler if you can't intimidate your subjects with large rooms and showing off your wealth? Ex had asked. X had simply shook his head and sighed.

"Come in," Ex called.

A moment later, X poked his head in. Upon seeing the room, he scoffed. "Did you do some redecorating?"

"Yeah. You like it?" Ex grinned, propping his feet up casually and meeting his brother's gaze.

"Where'd you get the money to refurnish?" X asked skeptically.

"The civilian's taxes. Where else?"

X just sighed, irritated that Ex couldn't see his point of view.

"You need to stop ruling with this--this iron fist," X said, trying not to lose his temper. "Stealing civilians' money, throwing them out like they're expendable--ruling isn't just showing off your wealth, you know."

"Then what is it?" Ex asked. "Being kind to your subjects? Using your gift of admin to help them? You're a pushover, Xisuma."

"If I'm a pushover, then you're a dictator. This isn't the way to rule. You know that. You're a coward, hiding behind your piles of money and garish castles."

Ex's face hardened. "Get out."

"Wait--"

"GET OUT! I can't look at you anymore. I don't want to see you here if you're going to treat me like this."

X's scowl was one to match Ex's own. "Fine. See if I care."

He stormed out, furious at his brother's remarks.

Ex watched his brother leave, his hardened expression softening a little as the reality of what just happened properly sunk in. The feud with his brother really went beyond one of ruling methods. Their differing views tore a rift not only in their relation as rulers, but in their brotherhood itself.

It was something Ex really couldn't face.

--

Score: 10