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Part XXVI – The Void and
the Emperor
“What in the nine hells
do you think you’re doing old man?” Momotaru demanded as he sprinted to stand
in front of his father. “You never said that you were planning to take over the
government by force.”
“Look son,” said Takeshi who fought hard to keep the
agitation from his voice. He continued speaking slowly and calmly. “Like I said
before, you don’t understand how politics works over here in the Eioda Nation
States. The emperor has had every chance to do the right thing. Just take a
step back and place your emotions under check and you’ll understand what I’m
saying. You’ve barely been in this country for a month and you dare to try and
lecture me. Just think about things logically… in the short amount of time that
you’ve been here, you’ve seen the sad state of affairs that Eioda is in. You’ve
heard the plea from the mayor of High Garden Clearing who basically begged you
to take care of the Ura demon menace that plagues his city. Why should a mayor
have to seek help from a stranger in order to protect his people? The emperor
knows that the people of High Garden Clearing are under constant attack from
those foul demons yet he does nothing. He’s a corrupt and inept political buffoon.
He has no idea how to protect the people of Eioda. Therefore he needs to step
aside. He needs to let a real man rule over the people of this land.”
“But there has to be some sort of democratic process
that you have to go through in order to win the title of emperor,” said
Momotaru.
“Like I said,” responded Takeshi. “You have no idea
how real politics works. Sometimes in order to accomplish things you must use
force. I can only guess that this is a lesson that you have yet to learn while
dwelling among your elven brethren. Your mother has probably babied you for far
too long.”
Momotaru let out a low growl as he bristled at his
father’s comments. “I may not understand how things work here in the ENS but I
can guess that the people of this land will not accept an illegitimate ruler.”
“Once I’m the emperor I can make whatever rules that
need to be made,” said Takeshi. “What the people respect is power.”
The lead soldier ran up to Takeshi and saluted
sharply. Takeshi gave the soldier a head nod.
“I’m pleased to report that we’ve cleared the first
dozen floors of the pyramid and we’re making our way further upwards,” said the
soldier. “We’re ready for you to make your entrance.”
“Thank you for that excellent news,” said Takeshi.
“I’ll be making my way to the top floor immediately.”
“But sir, you’ll need a security detail and all of
our troops are busy elsewhere,” said the soldier.
“Don’t worry about providing a security detail,” said
Takeshi. “I have my son and his female assassins to look out for me.” Takeshi
wore a smile. He turned his head slowly to regard his son.
Momotaru wore a frown. “What makes you think that I’ll
protect you?”
“Would you really allow some nobody to strike down
your dear old dad?”
“You make it sound like I should care. From what I
can remember you were never a dad to
me.”
“Well I’ll put it to you like this. If they were to
strike me down, then the next person that they would go after would be you.”
“Well I can protect myself,” said Momotaru. “And so
can everyone else that stands with me.”
“Well let’s just say that I have faith your familial
connection would override any hurt feelings you may currently have,” said
Takeshi. “Besides, if I don’t take over the throne then the chances of you
being allowed to go back to Aver are slim to none… the emperor would probably
lock you up and everyone else with you. If he doesn’t decide to execute all of
you on the spot.”
Momotaru could only respond with a growl of
frustration.
Takeshi strolled towards the massive double doors of
the pyramid. He did not look back to see if his son was following him. He
entered the elevator. When Momotaru nudged him aside to rest his back against
the wall of the elevator, Takeshi smiled. The assassin sisters followed suit.
In a matter of seconds they had reached the top of the pyramid where the
emperor’s office was located.
As they exited the elevator, they were greeted with
rows of las-gun assault rifles. The Eioda royal guard were formed up outside of
the emperor’s office. Inside of the elevator Takeshi could feel his advanced
guard of highly trained martial artists tense up behind him. He held up a hand
to forestall any sudden movement as he exited the crowded elevator while
wearing a cocky smile.
“Oh great emperor please step forward,” said Takeshi.
“I know that you’re back there hiding behind these weaklings.”
“And I see that you’re emboldened by having your son
at your back,” said the emperor exiting his office. “I knew that you were
planning something stupid but I didn’t think that you were this stupid. Tell me
one good reason why I shouldn’t have my guards end you and your foolish
offspring.”
“Because I’m going to offer you a chance to walk out
of here with your life,” said Takeshi.
The emperor laughed in response and began to turn
around and walk back into his office. “Guards fill him and the rest of them
with laser fire. Then bring me the officials’ bodies afterwards that were
responsible for this travesty.”
Before the triggers on the laser weapons could even
be pressed, Takeshi slapped his hands together and formed a series of ancient
hand seals that cast a spell. A force field formed around himself and everyone
behind him. The guards could not believe their eyes when they fired. The lasers
could not reach their target. Each bolt of condensed light struck the magical
shield and dissipated.
“This is your last chance emperor,” said Takeshi.
“Kill him, kill him now!” demanded the emperor.
More shots were fired but they did little to disrupt
the magical force field. Takeshi slowly turned around and locked eyes with his
son before he gave a nod to Iris Longwing and Arif Zahur. They sprung into
action. Arif cast a miniature force field around Iris who dove forward with her
broadsword leading the way, slicing the heads from any guards that were not
already foaming at the mouth after locking eyes with her. In a matter of
minutes, rivers of blood flowed down the hall.
The emperor watched in stunned horror as he tried to
retreat back into his office. Before he could reach it, Arif cast another spell.
The emperor rose into the air and floated down the hall and towards the assassins.
“I warned you didn’t I,” said Takeshi wearing a
heartless smile.
“Wait, wait,” pleaded the emperor. “I’m sure that we
can work out some sort of deal.”
“Too late,” responded Takeshi. He pulled out a
las-gun pistol and shot the emperor in the forehead.
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