Quick Note: Some of you may not like this chapter but it needed to happen. It needed to be addressed. Also, read to the end of the chapter before you comment.
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After my advisors left we finished up our meal and I double-checked everything and made sure that I knew what I wanted to say. This meeting was very important as it would be my first official announcement and would set the stage for everything else. I needed to make sure I addressed everything correctly and that by the end of it they came away knowing I was king not just in name and title but in strength and will as well.
I stood from my seat and stretched as I remembered I hadn't introduced Migi to the others yet. I took a quick glance around to make sure there were no maids then sent a mental command to Migi. He appeared a moment later and I coughed loudly to catch everyone's attention.
"Everyone this is Migi, he's a new summon," I said, as Migi moved his gaze across the group.
"It is a pleasure to meet all of you," Migi said.
Domino raised an eyebrow. "What is he, an arm? Did you replace your arm with him?"
I shook my head. "No, he's a parasitic creature that has attached itself to my arm. He will provide to me with a wide array of abilities and benefits. He may seem emotionless and cold but trust me that's just the way he talks. He's also quite intelligent."
"Gible!"
Gible waddled over to Migi and they stared into each other's eye for a moment before Gible lunged forward and bit Migi.
"Gible!" I shouted, tensing. Then I sighed in relief as Gible released Migi who came out unharmed. "Bloody hell Gible, no biting please."
Leone chuckled. "I think that's his way of saying hello."
"Gible!"
"So you're an alien or a mutant?" Zombieman asked, taking another pull from what seemed like a new cigarette. Was he always smoking? then again with his regenerative abilities, it wasn't like he was gonna get hurt.
Migi moved his gaze to Zombieman then nodded. "I am extraterrestrial in nature. You are undead?"
Zombieman shook his head. "Sort of... it's complicated."
"Well the meetings going to happen any time now, and Richard and Susana should be back in a few minutes, you guys coming along?" I asked.
"Not me," Leone said. "I'm not really a fan of meetings, though if you need me during then just summon me."
"I'd rather not attend either," said Zombieman. "I'm not much of a meeting person, well not in this type at least. I'm good at finding things out and I need to meet people for that but things like this? Not for me."
I nodded. It was understandable. If the meeting went well then not much was going to happen. They were most likely going to be arguments and protests no doubt as I brought in new laws and policies, but that was the way of things. I wasn't just login to take over. No, I was going to change things. This would truly become my kingdom.
I wonder if I can change the name, I thought as I sent everyone but Domino and Lilah back to storage. Having Gible or Kurioboha round would be distracting and I did not need distractions right now.
"You nervous?" Domino asked.
I sighed. "Is it that obvious?"
"No," She replied. "But I'm good at reading people. You'll do good, it's normal to be nervous when doing something for the first time especially when it's something like this. I've seen what you can do. When you're truly in your element, you thrive. You just need to get yourself into that mindset, maybe set a trigger of some sort. A memory or something to push you into that state. And... well if you need to relieve some stress I'm always here."
My head snapped up at that and I stared at her for a long moment, not really knowing what to say. Fuck what do I do? I thought.
"Ermm... I think I need to use the bathroom."
I didn't miss her smirk but chose to ignore it in favor of heading out of the room and through a hall into the bathroom. I slammed the door behind me and took a deep breath.
I would be lying if I said I wasn't attracted to Domino or Leone for that matter, and at first, I hadn't cared but was it fucked up to sleep with someone who couldn't say no? or could they and they were choosing to say yes? or was it all just part of something else that the system did?
I leaned my head against the door and slid down it, feeling my nerves rise. I was acting like a moron and probably overreacting but that thought didn't sit well.
"Migi, you have any advice?"
Migi appeared and moved up to my face. "Yes, but you might not like it."
"Speak, Migi I'm not averse to criticism," I said. If I was to grow then I needed to learn from my mistakes and my actions even the foolish ones.
"Well," Migi began, "Your morality is flawed. Do you not use us as weapons and tools. Are we not constructs of the system created for the singular purpose of serving you. You are fine with us killing and sending us into combat yet you draw the line at sexual intercourse. It makes no logical sense though from your expression I am assuming it is a mental conflict of an emotional nature created due to your upbringing and morals and values taught to you."
The words were cold and emotionless but hit like stones flung at me. I opened my mouth to respond but Migi wasn't done.
"We are not on earth. It is illogical to follow the same set of rules. I am not suggesting you abandon your principles as I am aware that is part of what makes you, you. However, you should be open to changing or even abandoning some if the situation calls for it. Adaptation is key as is evolution. I am not solely speaking on the matter that occurred with Domino but in all things. The end justifies the means. You must decide whether or not that will apply to you. For the short time and information, I have collected I do not think it does apply to you buy my analysis could be wrong. Certainty is not guaranteed after all."
I let out a breath once he was finished and thought over his words. They were logical and factual in nature, but there was no denying the truth in them. Ever since I had come here I had tried to act off morals and principles from my old world which wasn't a bad thing and I wasn't about to abandon common humanity or my morality, but Migi was right. I would need to adapt. I had made my mistakes since I had come here, a few because I had learned and tackled the situation based on principles from my old world.
Adaptation is key. The words rang in my mind and I nodded. I would change throughout my journey to reach the pinnacle, that was a fact, but whether I changed for the good or bad would be up to me. I needed to grow in a way that allowed me to retain certain morals and principles while changing some and abandoning others. I wanted to remain myself, to remain Nathan, but also grow into something greater.
Damn when did I get so philosophical, I thought.
I took a deep breath and tried to do as Domino had said. To set a trigger. It was an easy choice as to what memories to choose. I thought back to the looks on Lemma's face when I had saved her, my family, and the weakness I'd shown during my time with Adarra. I felt a cold feeling wash over me and my thoughts stopped racing as my mind set to a single task. The meeting. One thing at a time. I would think more on Domino's offer later and truly consider it, as a king and adult not as some blushing fool who wasn't man enough to stay and speak.
"Migi, thank you," I said earnestly, getting to my feet. "I'm glad I summoned you."
"You are welcome, now I believe we should return. Your advisors may be looking for you."
I took one last deep breath then turned and opened the door.