Last Wish
"Faith must be truly novel, beautiful and timeless, so gives life to thee."
Act 0
Chapter 11 - Invitation
Anneth looked down at Phanuhel and then at Xavier. Her expression was unreadable, but there was a flicker of recognition in her eyes.
"Your apprentice, hm?" she said quietly, looking at Xavier. "And you are the one Phanuhel himself took a hit for."
"Help him, quickly! He is going to die!" screamed Xavier.
Anneth raised an eyebrow, seemingly unperturbed by Xavier's outburst. "And why should I help him? He made his choice to take the hit. That's on him, not me."
Xavier was at a loss for words. He knew Phanuhel was in bad shape, and he needed help fast. He took a step closer to Anneth, pleading. "Please, you have to help him. He saved my life!"
"Anneth!" a voice cracked, and suddenly loud steps were heard somewhat from afar.
Anneth turned her head at the direction of the sound of the steps, her expression unchanged. "Hm? What is it now?"
"WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU ARE DOING, ANNETH?!" screamed a woman, who was running to Anneth. It was Agaue Veres.
"Ah, Agaue," said Anneth, her tone still eerily calm. "What brings you here, my dear friend?"
Agaue stopped in front of Anneth, panting heavily from the running. "Cut the crap," she said, her voice filled with anger. "You know very well what I'm talking about. You were about to let an innocent man die! More than that, Phanuhel is my friend and guest!"
Anneth raised an eyebrow, seemingly unfazed by Agaue's outburst. "Innocent, you say? He broke the rules by entering the slums without permission, and Xavier as well. They both have broken the law of Crazar by entering the slums without a yellow badge. No matter who they are, they have to follow rules. And as for Phanuhel, well, he seems reckless, sacrificing himself for a mere apprentice. It's not my fault if he ends up in situations like this."
Agaue clenched her fists, taking a step closer to Anneth. "That's not the point! You can't just let someone die like that! It's immoral, unjust, and against everything we stand for!"
"And who are you to decide what is moral and just, Agaue?" Anneth asked, her voice still calm, yet with an edge of irritation. "The world is cruel, and sometimes we have to make difficult decisions. You of all people should know that. Why do you worry of this peasants?"
Agaue looked at Anneth incredulously. "And since when have you become so heartless? Did you forget our principles, our duty to protect and serve?"
Anneth's expression darkened. "Ah, I see. You always had a soft spot for the weak, Agaue. But you know I never cared for such sentiments. I am not heartless, I am practical. And as an umpire, I have a duty to uphold the laws of Crazar, not to worry about the feelings of some peasants."
Just take him the doctor, for God's sake!" exclaimed Xavier.
~~~
Phanuhel woke up in a soft bed, disoriented and confused. He looked around, trying to remember how he had ended up there, when Agaue walked into the room, a warm smile on her face.
"Ah, you're awake," she said, coming to Phanuhel's side. "How are you feeling?"
Phanuhel attempted to sit up, wincing with pain. "I...I'm not sure," he said weakly. "What happened?"
Agaue helped him sit up, adjusting the pillows behind him. "You got hurt pretty badly," she said. "But don't worry, you're safe now. You've been here with the doctor for the last three days, recovering."
Phanuhel's eyes widened in shock. "Three days?! I've been unconscious for that long?"
Agaue nodded. "Yes, you were in pretty bad shape. But luckily, the doctor was able to stitch you up and you're going to be just fine."
Phanuhel let out a sigh of relief, some of the tension leaving his body. "Thank goodness," he said. "But... how did I end up here? The last thing I remember is..." His face contorted into a mixture of confusion and fear. "Feletheus... and Xavier..."
"Where is Xavier? I need to see him!" shouted Phanuhel.
Agaue gently placed a hand on Phanuhel's shoulder, trying to soothe his agitation. "Calm down, Phanuhel. Xavier is safe. He's waiting outside."
"As a matter of fact, there's something I needed to discuss with you," she said, a serious tone entering her voice. "The Politburo of Crazar has decided to hold a meeting, and they've extended an invitation for you to attend."
Phanuhel's eyes widened in disbelief. "The Politburo... they want me to attend a meeting? But why?"
"It's an interview of sorts," Agaue explained. "They want to assess your capabilities and motivations before allowing you to attend the main meeting. It's a formality, but it's also an opportunity for you to prove yourself to them."
"If Xavier goes I'll do it too."
Agaue raised an eyebrow. "You want Xavier to accompany you to the interview?"
Phanuhel nodded firmly. "Yes, I do. We're a team, and I won't go without him."
Agaue studied Phanuhel's determined expression for a moment, then nodded. "Alright, I'll arrange for Xavier to come along with you to the interview. Get well soon, it's in 4 days."
Phanuhel nodded, a grateful smile on his face. "Thank you, Agaue. And...I appreciate everything you did for me. Not just bringing me to the doctor, but keeping me safe here."
Agaue smiled back. "Don't mention it. You're a friend of mine and my family, and friends look out for each other."