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Part XXV – The Void and the
Compromise
Outside the stone walls
of High Garden Clearing, an organized chaos was taking place. The mayor stood
huddled in a tight group of high ranking officials that had exited the city
once the threat from the Ura was over. Takeshi Hakizimana and Mayor Warren were
doing most of the talking.
Several dozen meters away from the group of officials
stood Momotaru, surrounded by some of the deadliest females on the planet.
“So does this mean that we’ll get to visit the
capital of this country?” asked Arif Zahur whose personality was bubbly
compared to when she had first met Momotaru.
“I can see that traveling with The Butterfly Samurai
has changed you a great deal,” said Momotaru. “Your aura is almost completely
different. It seems like you’re more comfortable with yourself now.”
“And yes,” said Iris with a beaming smile. “I take
full credit for helping our young friend here embrace who she really is. She
has great power inside of her, if only she’s willing to accept it.”
“Who exactly are these people my liege,” asked Kya
who looked at the other two females with narrowed eyes and her arms folded
across her chest.
“They’re… friends,” Momotaru replied hesitantly.
“From my home country.”
“Do we have to take them with us when you show me
around your home country?” asked Monel with a sly smile as she seductively
rubbed her fingers along Momotaru’s neck.
Momotaru bristled slightly at the gesture but
remained standing stiffly. “Let’s hurry up and get this nonsense with my father
out of the way so I can be done with him,” said Momotaru. He ignored his
companions and strolled towards the officials. “Are you and your flunkies ready
to travel to the capital?”
Takeshi and the other officials turned to look at
Momotaru while wearing frowns and furrowed brows. Each of the officials wore
shocked expressions. Wearing a smile, Takeshi stepped forward.
“I’m just glad to see you show some enthusiasm for
once,” said Takeshi. “But to answer your question, yes, we have an impromptu
meeting with the emperor so just stick close to me and keep your mouth shut. If
you follow my lead then all of this should be over quickly. Then we’ll be able
to discuss the terms of you going back to Aver.”
“Keep my mouth shut--” said Momotaru heatedly.
Takeshi held up a hand. “Oh, just relax. You remind
me so much of myself that it’s like looking into a mirror. Trust me my son;
this meeting will go much better for everyone involved if you just follow my
lead… like I said. You must understand that you still have much to learn when
it comes to politics. Besides, you’ve spent your entire life dwelling amongst
the elves so you have no idea how we humans handle things. Believe me when I
tell you this, I only have your best interests in mind.”
“Why the hell should I believe you,” said Momotaru.
“I can understand why you would not believe my
words,” said Takeshi. “So instead just give me the chance to let my actions
speak for themselves.”
Momotaru responded with a frown. He crossed his arms
over his chest.
In a matter of moments, Momotaru and his group of
deadly ladies were sitting down inside of a large hover shuttle while his
father and several high ranking officials were inside of another hover shuttle.
After an hour ride through the sparse air traffic, the hover shuttles touched
down in the city of Ardile, which was not the capital, but instead considered
the political capital of Eioda. The city was located along the eastern shore of
the country and was home to the building known as “the pyramid”, located near
the black sand beaches of the cities shore. It was where the emperor and all of
the other politicians and military officials were located.
As soon as the shuttles landed and everyone exited to
stand on solid ground again, several platoons of troops stormed forward to
stand in formation.
“We stand ready and waiting for your orders, sir!”
said the lead soldier.
Momotaru stood watching with a furrowed brow and
gingerly rubbed at his chin.
“Excellent,” said Takeshi while wringing his hands
together.
Before Momotaru or his team of killers knew what was
happening, Takeshi Hakizimana casually threw on an exosuit helmet and suit of
body armor. They watched in horror as if things were unfolding in slow motion.
His father gave the order.
“To
those of you who have put your trust in me,” said Takeshi. “Your patience is
now being rewarded. Storm the pyramid and take no prisoners… that is, until you
get to the emperor. Save him for me.”
