While Vincent was settling in on the ship, he worried that people would see him naked. People on Planet Strara were watching and cheering for the people on the vessel.
Across the planet, stadiums, theaters, and plazas were full of people. The regular people could only watch their family and friends in these places, but the rich, powerful, and nobles were in the Royal Palace or their homes.
Royal Theater.
Richard and the rest of the family were in their sections watching Vincent. Patty had tears in her eyes as she watched him arrive and board the ship. "Richard, look at him. He looks so confident and prepared. I wish I could give him a hug and kiss goodbye." Richard quietly patted her arm in understanding.
"Patty, I see you are as clingy as ever." A woman said with a smile. She was wearing a green dress that reached her ankles with a slit on the side. Patty took the tissue from her and sniffled.
"I want to see how you act when you and Billy stop delaying the inevitable. You two won't be young forever, you know."
The woman flipped her hair. "I am not even 40 years old, Patty. Billy just turned 38 last year; we have plenty of time." Patty shook her head at her. "In that case, you can't make fun of me when I show support for my kids." She hugged the woman.
"Fine, I guess I won't tease you anymore. You are my big sister, after all. Billy will be here late, and some idiots wanted to rob a bank." Richard laughed. "This time of the year continually makes the city's criminals itchy and greedy." The woman rolled her eyes at him.
"If you let your elite guards help out, there wouldn't be so many cases." "Paula, we have been through this before. My elite guards protect the gates and escort the nobles who come here to watch the awakening. Kyle is only here because he is my son, and his little brother is in this year's awakening."
Paula relented and went to speak to her nieces and nephews. Patty patted him on his back. "You can't blame her for trying. Billy is the chief of guards in Staple City." Richard shook his head and looked over at Ryker. He was chatting up some women and watching the screen.
Patty stopped him from getting up. "No. I will not let you ruin today. It is the first day of the awakening. Today, your focus should be on Vincent. You can criticize Ryker later." Richard let out a tired sigh and sat back in his chair.
"He is 31 years old and hasn't had a stable girlfriend in almost ten years. I want us to retire someday." Patty leaned on his chest and rubbed it.
"I know you mean well, dear, but Ryker has never been the type to be serious. He needs the chance to be himself. You have put him through every political, war, and etiquette class he could be in since he was five. Let him discover who he is." Richard was quiet but rubbed her back.
Nobles trickled in one by one. They were all dressed extravagantly and gave off an air of riches and arrogance. They were bragging and pointing at their kids on the screens. Richard shook his head at them.
The doors were almost blown off the hinges.
The once festive atmosphere went away. It was like a black hole had formed in the room. The air became cold and void of sound. Markus was the one who kicked open the doors with a manic smile etched on his face.
Vera had a soft smile and apologized to the staff. Pyea stood with a stoic expression. Tyre was on the phone talking to someone. Simon was smoking and bored as he glanced at the crowd. Jekel was reading a book. Horton wore the same cloak as Vincent but didn't wear an undershirt, and he had a beer in his hand.
Markus addressed the crowd. "Listen up! You know who we are and why we are here, so move! You weaklings will be in the presence of a hero today." He walked forward while the others followed him. They all wore the cloak that proved they were students of Caden the Reaper.
No one dared to get in their way. The nobles who were sitting down now found themselves standing up in attention. Something inside of them told them to stand in respect. Ryker even stood up. The playful playboy was gone in an instant. He was afraid to even move from his spot.
Markus reached the Grimm's section. "We will be sitting here with you guys. I hope you have a problem and try to make us leave." Markus passed Richard and his family up. He plopped down in a chair and started eating from the buffet. "I apologize on his behalf. He is in his manic state and is just overstimulated." Vera told them.
Richard numbly nodded his head. He was focused on the doors behind her. An older man who stood 5'0 was slowly walking. He looked as if the most gentle breeze would make him fall. The man stopped at the door and looked up.
Everyone fell to their knees shaking. Those who were weak were full of fear, and some passed out. The strong were full of disbelief and admiration. Markus, acting unruly moments before, stood at full attention and saluted the older man.
The man walked towards Richard and the others. The only noise made was the man's footsteps and his cane. As he passed people up, they found themselves catching their breaths. 'Who is that man!?'
Richard positioned himself in front of his family. The man reached him and looked him in the eye. The man smiled and put his hand on his shoulder. "I can see why my disciples chose your son. I am Caden. People like to call me silly titles like Reaper, but you all may call me Caden. I want to watch my first grand disciple."
He sat down and closed his eyes. The hall was silent as the others took their places. Ryker returned to the Grimm's section and sat down with them. He faced Caden and the others. "So...any stories to tell while we wait for something interesting to happen." Richard felt his heart almost burst inside his chest.