The next days after becoming emperor couldn't have gone as well as Youden anticipated. He now technically had full authority over all possessions within the Empire itself, and there was no secret loophole to take it away. For as long as he lived, the world could finally be his and his true dream be realized. The only thing truly in his way was the final real stronghold overseas and Jamal Wrint himself. No matter the costs, would he refuse to give up in any instance.
Today, however, was a rather big publicity stunt, as he had the event designed to visit around the capital and the surrounding towns. By acting like the everyday folk, Youden could continue to prop up support for his regime, even though he actually didn't need to do this. But it was the belief that counted. He already had visited a hospital, a school, and yet more to do as midday arrived.
Surrounded by dozens of the best-trained Reserve Guards, the procession was being led to a local supermarket, as hundreds of nearby citizens could see who was in their presence. A few gasps and more cheers came through the air, as Youden remained stoic and raised his hands in greeting. As the assembly entered the building, those inside could finally see the commotion coming up to them, as a noticeable observation was made. Despite his power, a small but sliver taste of disdain was in the air. Youden himself could sense it, as several of the customers within had their eyes lasered onto his face, lacking any happiness or excitement.
"How's everyone doing!" Youden raised his arms in greeting.
A few murmurs came through, but otherwise, the store was mainly silent. Some of Youden's guards were a bit uneasy at this change of energy, expecting unwavering support.
"I see, you all just want to shop. I understand." Youden let loose a soft chuckle to try to lighten the mood.
"When is my son coming back from the war?" a mother's voice rang through the store, as now more people began to follow suit.
"You're destroying the lands my family came from!"
"Can you do something about these prices? It's getting ridiculous!"
"Can we truly trust you, after everything you've done?"
"Youden, you're a piece of sh-" someone else wanted to add until Youden cleared his throat.
"I understand truly, that you have many questions and want answers. I can assure you that the overseas war is coming to a close, and victory will be ours. Everything will return to normal and the world order will finally be established." the man put a pained smile on his face.
His guards moved closer to him, as Youden's words did little to assure the crowd. It seemed as if the common person had a lot more on their mind than the elites thought. His lies about that false future clearly didn't resonate with this group, and the reality of others who shared a similar view couldn't have been lower. The sight sickened Youden, as his clenched jaw remained tight with hidden fury.
"Sir, I think it might be best for us to leave." one of his aides muttered in his ear.
"I suppose so." the nation's leader raised his hand, to which more boos followed, as the procession quickly left the building.
As soon as he was out, Youden waved down his waiting carr, ready to finally leave this city for the day. He needed no assistance, as the vehicle parked right in front of the store, as the man opened and entered the vehicle on his own. The urgency to leave the building was clear to all, as the rest of the guards moved to their own assigned vehicles and positions within the convoy.
Youden held his hand against his face, as he looked down at the current route on a map against one of the seats. A short ride through some of the main streets, before getting on the highway for about thirty minutes would lead them to the town of Donntel. Its main source of income was through its steel mills, as it was a significant supply on the main continental side of his newly-rebirthed nation. At least they should have some common courtesy, the man sighed, ready to head back overseas towards the ongoing war.
As the vehicles began to move, the signage changed into townhouses and small businesses that lined up on one of the main streets of Youdenio City. The thoughts of those people in that store remained embedded in Youden's head, despite his efforts. They thought he wanted to waste all these lives, like they were expendable? Well, technically, they were, but that wasn't necessarily the mindset Youden wanted to project to his subjects. It was a grand effort for the greater good.
As the signs leading to the highway were finally becoming visible, the carr's brakes screeched to a sudden halt, as everyone inside almost jumped out of their seats. Youden himself almost had his face smushed against the soft seat in front of him, as he braced for the impact with his legs, jolted from the change of acceleration.
"What in the powers?" Youden was shocked at the change, as loud shouting could be heard outside through the doors.
"Sir, it appears that some type of demonstration is blocking our way." the driver managed to make out, before taking a deep gulp, "I'll look for an alternative route."
Youden cranked the window down, and a quick look outside confirmed his worst suspicions. Out of all times, did a demonstration have to go down? He could see thousands of people waving signs and large posters overhead, as they were moving around the entrance to the highway, and covering the exit a couple thousand yards away. This means that not only could no one enter, but no one could exit this area because of some stupid people. Youden didn't even wait for permission or his security to get to his side first, as he exited and slammed the door with a sense of urgency.
He now had a better look as to what type of event was going on, as it was clearly a protest against his regime. Those signs that the line of carrs had seen were all against Youden becoming leader, the true reality of the oversea war, or other problems going on locally. How did they even get so many people together without his knowledge, Youden had many questions he needed to find out, but for now, had this to deal with.
Moving closer to the action, the man could see plenty of his own soldiers rush toward the opposition group, shouting out commands in an attempt to corral the protesters. Youden could see one of his nearby security leads rush towards his way, face filled with concern. How did none of them clear the sector prior and stop any of this nonsense from forming?
"Sir, I'm so sorry about this, but it appears that some type of prote-" the flustered man began to sputter out.
"I'm aware, it's disgusting." Youden couldn't help but admit, as the lead just shook his head in agreement.
"I think one of their main leaders wants to speak with you."
"Really?" Youden was a bit surprised, as he could see a group of his Reserve Guards coming towards them, bringing someone in view.
Once they were only a few feet away, his men cleared the way and in the middle was a young woman dressed in bright clothing, her naturally brown hair free in the wind. Even though she looked like a clown, at least to Youden, he could only attempt to understand her carefree attitude with the situation at hand. She held a resenting stare as she took a quick glance at the security lead next to Youden before turning towards him.
"What do you people want?" Youden followed suit, not breaking eye contact but full of a burning hatred.
"That's quite an introduction," she replied, her voice assertive but somewhat calm, "But I think you know."
"I really don't, to whoever you are?" he waved his arm toward her, not knowing her name.
"I'm Pelina Cooks, one of the co-founders of the Liberation of Liberties."
Youden just stared off with such a lack of energy to respond. First, it was the resistance, then it was the slowing progress of the world war, and now some more protests coming about even in the capital. All these issues did little to benefit him and the created empire, so why even keep them alive? After all, the thoughts began to come clear into his mind. He had absolute control. There were few that were even on his level of power in the first place, so who would stop him?
"We simply wish for the truth to come out, and ask for proper democra-" Pelina began to speak, shifting Youden's focus back to her.
"Shut up." the man's motion remained expressionless.
"Excuse me?" the woman raised her eyebrow, as even the protestors in front of the Reserve Guard began to slow down and look towards the site.
"You have no damn power here." Youden began to laugh, as everyone's eyes were on his. "This is my rule."
"You think most people agree with you? They're simply doing what is required to stay alive." Pelina remained resilient, unwavering in her thoughts.
"I can respect your efforts, but unfortunately this lil' movement ends today."
"Make me." Pelina put her hands to her hips, as the Reserve Guards looked back at Youden, shocked to see someone standing up to him with no care in the world.
"I could use my powers, but that's not needed for someone of your strength." Youden took one step forward, now face-to-face with the woman, "I'll give you one chance to stand down now, and move on with your life."
Pelina couldn't help but smile, seeing how Youden was giving her a rare moment of mercy. She took a deep breath, as she briefly closed her eyes, before gasps from the crowd followed. Her brown hair was starting to slowly grow longer in front of their own eyes, as it began to wrap around her.
"I won't move an inch until we get what we demand. Our return of democracy and an end to this senseless war and violence." Pelina's hair was covering up half of her body as she spoke, stiffing up in layers.
"Alright, as you say." Youden motioned for the security lead that was with him to come closer, before speaking loud enough for everyone to hear, "I want every single Reserve Guard to aim their weapons or power at these dissents and kill them all."
The lead moved his head back in shock, surprised by the lack of empathy that their leader had. Just cold-blood murder right in front of them, and no way for any attempt to pacify the situation.
"What?" the lead stuttered out.
"Do it. Now." Youden's eyes narrowed, "Or I'll make you the first example for everyone to see."
The security lead could only nod, as Pelina's eyes widened in fear. She was prepared to go to jail or beaten, but killed was not on the menu.
"You wouldn't dare! You'll bring more people against you! You'll start a whole new war here on the mainland. We will never stop. We will gro—" Pelina began to panic and stammer out.
Youden didn't even respond, as a single shot rang out. Pelina couldn't even speak, as a sharp gasp erupted from her throat. Instantly, her hair pulled back, as everyone could see what had happened. A dark and growing red spot was growing from her chest, as she staggered a couple of steps back before falling on the ground.
A Reserve Guard near the back of the initial procession had taken the shot with his rifle, the barrel still smoking. The air on both sides was silent, unable to process what had just happened. Such an act of removal was deemed for one of prisoners and terrorists. A new dread of this reality had moved quickly through both sides, as in those moments the action was processed through their heads. Before anyone could respond, someone on the protesting side began to scream in pure shock, as the Reserve Guard had their way.
Youden could only stare with a smile on his face, as he watched hundreds of rounds move through the crowd in seconds, mowing down the dissents with ease. If these people wanted to have their old way of life, they should have fought harder when he invaded all those years ago. It wasn't his fault that they didn't try hard enough. Even still, the chance of more motivation against the regime was going to be higher regardless, so he'd have to implement more security measures and restrictive control over all holdings under his control. Too bad for them.
"This, this is truly marvelous." Youden raised his arms high in glory, as the site of bloody chaos remained in front of him, as the carnage and totalitarian oppression was here to stay, "This is just the beginning! This will help shape up the new world order!"