"THANK YOU ALL for coming. I know it's been chaotic given all that has transpired. We have much to discuss so let's get down to business shall we."
Seated at a long blue marble table, before the newly crowned Emperor, dressed in their best clothing is: Prince Jamison Arsenio, General Fiora Elyra, Captain Sheila Carter, Headmasters Red, Brett, Reginald, Raven, Nemo, Oz, and Sonya.
Corin stands along the wall behind Fiora's chair. Silver flies about the room at his leisure.
"Oz, how are you and your family fairing?" Asked His Majesty.
"I've been better, sire. As for my wife Freyja, she has decided to return to her home country to recondition herself before going through the selection process of becoming a Valkyrie."
"Your wife hails from the Harmonia Empire then?"
"Yes Fiora, she does. Before she left and married me she was a Shield Maiden."
"What of your boys?" Asked Brett.
"They wish to train in the Lakonia Empire. My grandfather and uncles are still living there."
"Brett, what did you learn of the Takashi incident?" Maxwell asked, turning his attention to him.
"Sire, The Takashi Manor was burned down by Fuji Takashi. Yoshi Takashi's only son; he's currently wanted for a long list of crimes, he's also the current leader of bandit group Phoenix. The Violators, Black Fang, White Claw, and The Pyros also follow his command."
"Didn't a good majority of them get arrested or killed at the colosseum?" Asked Prince Jamison.
"Yes, they did."
"What happened to Yoshi's grandkids?"
"Ryo is fine, and has assumed the role of patriarch of the family."
"Doesn't that right go to Fuji regardless of his crimes?" Silver asked, hovering in front of Brett.
"No. Yoshi took care to ensure Fuji got nothing in case something were to happen to him." Maxwell informed them all. "I bore witness to this when I was still King."
"There's more," said Brett, "while returning home, Ryo and his party accepted a quest to help rescue folks who had been abducted by goblins. They took care of the nest, and in the process they learned that the nearby village was responsible."
"How so?" Asked His Majesty.
"The villagers were using the goblins to not only abduct travelers, but were using the captured women as sex slaves to grow their numbers."
"Sounds just like what happened at the Black Rose Mountains. Fiora, you were there. What do you think?"
"Yes, Sire, it does seem similar. Brett, when this meeting wraps-up let us grab a drink and compare notes on this matter."
"First rounds on you."
"Deal."
Raven is the next to speak. "Riho is currently in the care of her great aunt Rhea the Wondering Empress."
"What reason did she give for not sending a messenger of her arrival to our Empire?"
"Sire, she did in fact send someone, but they were killed in the mayhem that occurred at the Hyacinth Colosseum."
"That's quite unfortunate."
"She has extended a personal invention to His Highness and members of the Royal Family to visit her in the Harmonia Empire as an apology."
"I will need to give this great consideration. It's not often that they allow males into their Empire."
"Oz, can you ask Freyja to look after Riho. I know her brother is anxious to know she's alright. And I fear he may take off, to check on her himself." Asked Brett.
"You bet."
"Have they recovered Yoshi's body yet?"
"They're not sure if they have. Multiple bodies were found in the burned-out manor." Explains Red. "Cosmo, the head of security is also presumed dead."
Everyone remains silent for a bit out of respect for the Takashi family.
"Now some of you know of or have heard of the otherworlders Kiyomaro and his twin sister Kino. I was informed by Queen Cesmak that both of them are currently lying unconscious at her castle."
"Do we know what caused this?" Asked Sonya.
"Kino was infected with an unknown parasite that even Belphegor cannot identify."
"Has anyone found S.I. yet?"
"No. The search is still ongoing." Replied Maxwell.
"What's the situation with Kiyo? He was also one of my students." Asked Brett.
"Kiyo was found unconscious next to his sister's bedside. As far as Belphegor can tell he slipped into a coma. Cause unknown."
"Could it be the same thing that happened to your father?"
"It's possible Reginald, considering we don't even know what caused that to happen in the first place."
"I trust Belphegor's judgment, but I'd like to examine them both as well. I might notice something she overlooked."
"I'm sure Belphegor would welcome your input Sonya. Go when you're ready."
The Emperor takes a drink of water, wishing for something stronger.
"Now I need everyone's opinion on what I'm about to propose to you all."
"Of course. Whatever you need I shall do my best to help you."
"I agree with Reginald. Whatever you need." Said Brett.
"Thank you both." Maxwell takes another drink then tells them what he wants.
"I want to tell every empire we are allied with about the Black Archers. For too long they've operated in the shadows. I want to end that. By ousting them, I hope to eliminate the freedom they've had."
"What exactly are we supposed to tell them?" asked Red. "We know next to nothing about who they really are."
"That's not entirely true."
"Care to elaborate Nemo." Asked Brett.
"I could, but I think hearing it straight from a member of the Black Archers would carry more weight."
The room falls silent. No one utters a syllable. Nemo pulls out a Lapis Stone, speaks into it, and then excuses itself.
"Did Nemo just say a member of the Black Archers is coming here? Or am I going insane." Captain Carter asked, speaking for the first time since the meeting began.
"No, I heard it too." Answered Fiora.
Everyone waits until Nemo returns with Dale and Bonaluria in tow.
Oz's eyes go wide with surprise. "Big sis Bon, what are you doing here?"
"Hey Oz, it's good to see you."
"Where have you been, big sis? You just disappeared one day. You left Arcaena behind. Why would you leave her?"
Oz's rapid fire questioning doesn't give Bonaluria a chance to respond.
"Oz, how do you know this woman?" Asked Nemo.
"We come from the same village. I was an apprentice to her mother. Even Bon taught me a few things.
"Well let's have it." Said His Majesty.
Bonaluria takes a deep breath to calm her nerves. Having all these people staring at her makes her feel a bit uneasy. Which is ironic considering she's a professional killer.
She is especially nervous about having to reveal who she really is to Oz.
"My name is Bonaluria, but you all know me by the codename Five of the Black Archers. I'm here today to confess my involvement in the planning of killing the previous ruler Emperor Maxwell Arsenio Sr. I'll answer any questions you may have for me to the best of my ability."
𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐆!!!
Fiora jumps out of her chair, onto the table, and runs towards Bonaluria, drawing her blade.
𝐂𝐋𝐀𝐍𝐆!!!
The sound of metal striking metal rings out. Fiora's blade is blocked by Corin.
"Corin, why the fuck are you protecting this bitch?!"
"Then shouldn't you be attacking her instead of me."
"Huh?"
Fiora steps back, confused, she looks around realizing she was nowhere near Bonaluria.
"What the fuck did you do to me?!" Fiora demanded pointing Masamune at Bonaluria.
Bonaluria doesn't reply.
"Fiora, please take your seat. Dale and Bonaluria are here as my guests and under my protection. You'll do well to remember that." Said Nemo.
"Please sit Fiora.
"Yes, Sire. Corin, I'm sorry."
Fiora walks back, picks up her chair, and retakes her seat.
"My name is Dale, former leader of the Black Archers, codename Zero."
"Bonaluria has come here seeking our protection. Which I have granted her." Explained Maxwell.
"With all due respect Your Highness, but have you lost your fucking mind!"
"That's enough Fiora!" Shouts Prince Jamison.
"This bitch helped plan the death of your father, and my husband lost his life in the process, and no one has seen Aria since."
"I said that's enough!" Roars the Prince leaping from his chair. "You will not speak to His Majesty that way! I will not stand for it!"
Corin appears beside Fiora, putting a hand on her shoulder. "Let's hear what they have to say."
"I can't be here right now, I need some air. Corin, remain in my stead." Fiora gets up and leaves the room. Corin takes her seat.
"I think it's best to start at the beginning." Suggests Reginald.
"Agreed," said Maxwell, "Bonaluria, if you would."
She does and once done, Bonaluria waits in silence.
"Dale, Bonaluria, please wait out in the hallway."
After they leave, Maxwell opens the floor for discussion.
"Hang on a second. Is it wise to discuss anything when Bonaluria can easily hear us?"
"No need to worry, Captain Carter," said Red, "I always cast a sound proofing spell on the room before we discuss anything of importance."
"Sorry, dumb question. I'm still new to this whole thing."
"Don't worry about it. Asking questions is how you learn."
"Now back to the matter at hand," said Maxwell, "I'm in favor of using Bonaluria's inside knowledge to bring down the Black Archers. Their anonymity has only helped them get away with whatever they want."
"But we can't overlook the crimes she has committed thus far." Remarks Raven.
"I'm not saying she gets a pass. She will be held accountable. All she's asking for is protection and her daughter be found."
"And her daughter is where?" asked Captain Carter.
"She believes her daughter is somewhere in the Marijuana Empire. She believes Fiora's son, Corym, can find the child."
"I will ask him, but It'll be up to him if he wants to help."
"Thank you, Corin."
"Sire, what was your plan before Bonaluria arrived?" Asked Raven.
"I was gonna personally request Dale's help in hunting them down. I knew he was once a top class assassin, but I never knew he once led them."
"Nemo, they trained at your school under your direct tutelage. So how is it that you don't know their true identities." Inquired Brett.
"For the same reason none of you know my true identity. Anonymity is one of the best tools we use as assassins." Replied Nemo.
"I say we accept her offer to help us bring down the Black Archers for good," said the prince, "but my concern is who will help us bring them down."
"Let's ask them then. Captain Carter, please bring them back in here."
"Sire."
Now back in front of everyone His Majesty speaks.
"If we agree to help you these are the terms: First, I want a fully detailed report on every member of the Black Archers, leave nothing out no matter how insignificant you think it is.
"Second, I want a report on every single crime you all had a hand in. How you planned everything, who all was involved, again leave nothing out.
"Third, Provide a list of names of who you think would help us bring down the Black Archers."
"I don't know the reason, but the leader, One, seemed obsessed with this otherworlder Kiyomaro."
"What about his sister Kino?" Asked Nemo.
"Never came up."
"Sire, if they're targeting Kiyo then we need to inform The Queen at once." Said Brett.
"Agreed. Let's stop here for now, break for lunch, and reconvene in two hours."
****
Vice Captain Carters Office
Captain Carter walks into her office to find Fiora there, a bottle and two glasses one of which is half full on the desk.
"You know you really should change the sign on your door. You're not a Vice Captain anymore."
"I guess it hasn't quite sunk in yet that I'm in charge now."
"Here." Fiora fills the other glass for Carter and hands it to her. "Kerym wouldn't have picked you as his second in command if he didn't think you could handle it."
"Thank you General." Carter takes a sip of her drink."
"When it's just us, call me Fiora."
"Sheila."
"Tell me what was decided, Sheila."
Sheila brings Fiora up to speed.
"I see. Well I guess I should go and apologize to His Majesty and The Prince." Fiora downs her drink and stands. "Also I know my husband left some big shoes to fill, but remember you don't have to follow in his footsteps, you can simply walk beside them."
"Thank you."
****
Throne Room
"Greetings and salutations everyone."
The Emperor rises from his throne, showing the utmost respect for his guest who dropped by unannounced. Prince Jamison, General Fiora, Captain Carter, and the headmasters all bow as the Emperor approaches his guest.
"I, Emperor Maxwell Arsenio, welcome you, Rose The White Dragon, leader and mother of all dragons. It is an honor to have you and your escorts here."
"Thank you Emperor Maxwell, and do forgive me for our unannounced visit. This is Rolrenuss the Gravity Dragon and Hallossonth the Ice Dragon."
"Think nothing of it. Can I get you anything? To drink? Or perhaps something to eat?"
"Not right now, no. I wish to talk about why I'm here."
"Very well, let us talk in my study."
****
𝐵𝑒𝑒𝑝…𝑏𝑒𝑒𝑝…𝑏𝑒𝑒𝑝.
"𝐷𝑟. 𝐷𝑎𝑣𝑖𝑠, 𝑦𝑜𝑢 ℎ𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝑎 𝑝ℎ𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑐𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑜𝑛 𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑒 𝑜𝑛𝑒. 𝐷𝑟 𝐷𝑎𝑣𝑖𝑠, 𝑦𝑜𝑢 ℎ𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝑎 𝑝ℎ𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑐𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑜𝑛 𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑒 𝑜𝑛𝑒."
"How are you doing this evening?"
The night nurse on duty asks this question with every patient she oversees in the ward. She picks up the chart that's hanging at the end of the bed.
"Mmph—mmph."
The nurse looks up from the chart, surprised that her patient is awake, she immediately gets on the phone.
"Dr. Adams it's nurse Jackie. He's awake. Your son Kiyomaro has come out of his coma."
TO BE CONTINUED. End of Volume 2