In a Flash, Fifteen Years passed.
The Elders of the Demon Families and the Leaders of the Empire sat around a table arguing.
At one head of the Table was the Demon King Ooran, beside him was Zao Ho, the White Matriarch and Ying Qingchi. At the sides, the Eight demon families and across from them were Eight heads of state throughout the Empire.
Sitting on the other end of the Table was the Emperor and his Family.
"We know that the Empire has been doing something in secret for almost a generation, the children we've born have now come to be youths. Surely there is no reason to keep whatever it is that the Empire is hiding a secret any longer." Goast laughed but stared the Demon King down, though he was the Demon King, the position was held by power alone.
"These matters, I know of them." The Demon King shook his head. "I was unwilling to discuss them, since we are now at the same table. I think its time I let you know, I approve of the Emperor's choice to hide this information from the public and know of its details. The Demon Region has nothing to fear."
"I am not afraid!" Goast stood up and was arrogant to the point of insubordination but he dared not take the bait. He sat down after his outburst and looked to the Emperor. "Is this true? Does the Demon King truly know what the Emperor is doing?"
"He has as much information as he needs. As far as what's fair? I've already given the Demon Region plenty of room for growth and those who are within have had nothing but prosperity, exactly what else could be given?" Emperor Zao stood up, seemingly offended.
Goast sat silently in thought with his hand holding the room in suspense. "I've long heard a rumor."
Wu Hai could feel a tense atmosphere while he waited for the final bit of Goast's reply. "Even if you spread this 'rumor' the mere threat to expose or proliferate that rumor, is an act of aggression, are you sure that the Demon Region is ready to fall out of favor with the Empire? My own daughter now commands most of the forces of Hell, a feat you could never accomplish. If she is capable of such, do you still think you can stimulate my senses?"
Goast had been humiliated in front of everyone, he rose into a puff of shadow, hovering around his chair, eager to speak threats. "Emperor Zao, you test my patience."
"Your patience? Don't make me laugh. I do not seek or require your input on anything much less the plans I may have in store for the future." Wu Hai waved his hand and a spacial device appeared, before anyone could say anything he had pressed the button.
A bubble appeared around Goast, trapping him.
"This is one means I have to control such outburst. Because of your insubordination and threats against the Empire and Imperial Secrets, you will be locked away for 100 years for your own good. May you take the time to reflect." Wu Hai pressed another button on the device and the bubble vanished. "Are there any more questions?"
"What's with the 100 years theme you seem to be using lately?" Prince Tero asked.
"This.. Its just a figure I have, that way events like this matter. Any shorter a time would be inconsequential to the Demon Race, they live such long lives that 100 years is like doing a handstand. One day you'll understand further, as such, you're still growing in strength. Your sister would hardly be a match for you at your age, you do the family proud." Wu Hai spoke to his son in front of the meeting, it set a strange tone for the room and murmurs began to fly around.
"ENOUGH!" Wu Hai slammed his fist on the table, cracking it. "I know what you all want to know.. but you'll get no answer on this subject from me today. In less than two years time, all will be revealed."
Kuzunoha and Vira both nodded by his side, reassuring the room.
"If the Empress believes you, my concerns are of no consequence. I still believe that you test the limits of our cooperation and submission." Haastor blipped out of the room and a yellow fog trailed him.
The others followed using their own methods of egress.
"You've really done it now." Kuzunoha sat on the Emperor's lap. "So.. how much longer is the project really going to take?" She wrapped her arms around the Emperor.
"We'll be ready by next week. I have a meeting with the Elders, there are some people who've gotten wind of what we've been doing and they have their own proposals." Wu Hai shook his head. "Retiring .. what was I thinking." He laughed to himself and kissed Kuzunoha. "Get up."
She got to her feet and Wu Hai channeled to take them all back to the Tower City Pagoda. Dropping them off, he gathered a few items and made the trip to Greensong.
Standing atop a portal pad, Mike, Gefést, Munju and Ragann were all waiting for the Emperor to arrive. "Its about time, the meeting was suppose to have started. Ho has decided to meet us there."
"So what do you know about this guy?" Wu Hai asked the group.
"Not much, he's pretty cut throat in business but about ten years ago he had some strange things happen to him. Now, he's been waiting to see the Emperor for five years." Ragann said quietly.
"Five years? Why didn't anyone arrange a meeting beforehand?" Mike asked.
Ragann couldn't find an answer and just replied "I don't know, but we can ask them."
Wu Hai channeled and the group disappeared, arriving in Porto de Paulo.
The City was spread out and there were a lot of people moving around outside, materials were in everyone's hands. A large building that looked out of place stood into the skies. "Munju, I thought you were the only heavy hitter." Mike laughed to himself.
"Seems like I've got some things to work on." Munju appraised the building's exterior. It was massive and a feat of construction. The words, "Kinky Company" were written down the side of the building in massive letters.
"Subtle." Mike stared up, forcing himself to crane his neck. "Well, at least he does things big."
Heading inside, they were met by an associate. He led the way to an elevator, when they arrived at the top floor, there was a large barrier that kept the energies inside circulating. It extended all the way down to the first floor and likely into the foundations, this made the Emperor gaze in admiration. The formations required for such a thing were top notch.
"Thank you for coming." Several chairs were positioned around a large table. A familiar scene for the Emperor lately but he had plenty of reason to be interested in meeting them.
"I understand you've been waiting for five years to see me. I am Emperor Zao Wu Hai, Leader of the Zao Empire and Demon Region." Wu Hai gave himself an introduction. It seemed rather impressive but Kink just looked at his partner with a questionable look. "Is there something I can help you with? My forces have been busy with important matters, I've been unable to get away for some time. Perhaps you could explain what it is you think I can do."
"First, allow me to introduce myself and my associate here. My name is Errit but I go by the name Kink, I am the Magistrate of this City and founder of Kinky Company. This is my long time friend and partner Mike, though you may know of his exploits in Lonestar City."
Mike stood up to greet the Emperor. "My name is Titan, or you can call me Mike, I just don't care. I heard the Emperor is the one responsible for going to Earth, I know you're busy so I'll make this quick. I want the Emperor to take me back, even if only for a day."
Wu Hai looked at Gefést and Munju.
"We haven't said anything, I swear, our security has been very vigilant." Munju held up both hands to defend himself.
"Tell me, what do you know?" Wu Hai closed his eyelids further and looked over the pair sitting across from him. "Such subjects are well guarded secrets."
"I only know what happened decades ago." Kink went on, "You arrived on earth, wrecked the place and left with several million people."
Titan nodded, "This is what I've heard as well, with minor changes."
"Then you've been misinformed." Gefést looked to the Emperor, he waited for a response but Wu Hai nodded to Munju and Gefést, giving his approval.
"Actually...There is a lot more to the story." Munju took a deep breath and began to explain.
֍ꟷꟷꟷꟷ֍
It was six months later, Titan and Kink's requests had been taken into consideration and with a project that took sixteen years, a six month extension was nothing. There was a gathering of the forces, Elders and territory leaders had been given advance notice, all remaining forces were to defend the territories.
The Empire was on the move.
A bright violet colored City had appeared on the plains outside of Zao City, it was loaded with people and preparations. "Sir, there are only a few more groups yet to arrive. We can go on your order."
Wu Hai nodded, Tower City shrank down to the size of a baseball and then disappeared into his storage. He looked up at the night sky, 'I hope the future looks kindly on me.'
A streak flew across the sky, a shooting star, it was likely a Qilin but it still meant a sign of fortune and good luck in his past. Emperor Zao made a wish to himself and turned back to Zao City, taking one last look. 'Father, I've come full circle.'