As the ships docked, King Hydrosphere stepped off and spoke. "Friends, allies, newcomers, and all! Welcome to Paradise Isle! Please allow me to introduce..."
The Spectators at the dock gasped in awe and shock as the Liberty Union disembarked from their ships, all dressed in their best attire.
"SAILORS! AIRCORP! PRESENT ARMS!" Shouted Admiral Nolan. At his side was the Busch Hunter, wearing his camo suit, camo tie, and Liberty Union Flag Stetson. The 12-gauge in his hand raised as the spectators watched them.
"Presenting, Sir Liam of the Northeastern District and his attendant, the Honorable Victorian, Demi." Shouted the Busch Hunter as the two walked down the ramp and bowed before the crowd. They clapped as the Busch Hunter announced the next group.
"Presenting! Sir Keith Lonestar of the Southern District, Federal Council President of the Liberty Union! Additionally, he is accompanied by his attendant, Lady Morgan, the small, humble, and well-respected Lady of Western District."
The crowd clapped and some bowed as they made their way onto the dock, then stood next to Demi and Liam.
"Finally, presenting the last of the Liberty Union's non-participating delegates, Lady Susan of the Southeastern District. Upon her arm is her attendant and husband, Sir Jim."
The crowd clapped and their gaze turned to the Liberty Union ship, Yorktown II. There, the royal crier announced the last to members of the party.
"Presenting the honorable widower and presiding leader of the Liberty Union, Sir Archie of the line of Hans and Tillie. His wife, Patricia May, regrettably passed away before seeing the strides the Surface Worlders have made."
Archie had combed his snow-white hair, and put on the best suit he had. His pocket square had been pressed and ironed by his staffers and on his lapel, he wore a rose that matched the hair color of his late wife. He carried a lone rose down and presented it to the Queen of the Banshees before extending his arm upward.
The crowd had all seen Archie as a humble, well-refined butler... that was until the Grey Ghost...
"Now, my friends, fellow citizens, and competing young men, I am honored to present the strongest and mightiest warrior of the Liberty Union. The Grandson of Sir Archie that stands before you now, arm outstretched as to invite his successor down upon our soil, I present to the affectionately nicknamed, "Angel of Death"... The Grey Ghost of Ottawa."
The crowds looked up to see him standing there. Sam watched with eyes locked on him, and Archie smiled as his Grandson emerged from the ship's darkness and scanned the crowd with his star-spangled eyes.
"Remember the words?" Asked the Vestige of John. F. Kennedy.
He simply nodded and raised his hand. "When power leads man toward arrogance, poetry reminds him of his limitations. John Kennedy truly captured the moment I caught a glimpse of Sam's soul. He reminds me of my own limitations, to be humble enough to know where I fall short, yet bold enough to overcome them..." He closed his eyes and channeled the red, white, and blue energy into his arms. A pair, one of Redtail and the other of Bluetail ripped from his carrier decks and allowed him to hop on them. "Sam's soul reignited my fire, my will-powered fire, and I will fight anyone who stands in my way."
The Grey Ghost leaped off of the two planes as they returned to energy and re-entered his body. As he landed there was no thud, no cloud of dust to disrespect the clothing of those gathered. Rather the crowd looked up to see the Grey Ghost air walking down towards the King, Queen, and first Prince. He had put himself in a well-tailored gray suit, the coat-tails that swayed commandingly in the wake of the gentle breeze he was creating. Once he had stepped onto solid ground, he bowed before them.
"I am the Grey Ghost of Ottawa. While that is my title, I'd prefer you to call me as such. For thy Queen, Mighty King, I present a bouquet of the Liberty Union's finest flowers. For the First Prince, a crate of the Liberty Union's finest cuisines. As for the Mighty King, I hereby present thy, a case of the Liberty Union's finest liquors. May their burn inspire you to seek bolder victories and stronger relations with those closest to you."
"Young warrior. You have impressed me. Of the other nations, only you have been thoughtful enough to bring gifts for us all, but I am curious... what have you brought for my Second Prince?"
"I offer two things. I offer my undying loyalty that rages to be by his side even in death, and the finest mead and a duo of roses, as there shall be a lifetime to shower and praise him, help him to be a prince worthy of his people, not the throne alone by blood."
The crowd gasped as the King chuckled. "Splendid my boy. Grand Master, award this young man the first series of points, fifty to be exact, fifty king-impression points."
The crowd cheered and smiled as the other competitors glared daggers at him, but found him to be unphased. He adjusts his blazer and coattails before opening the carriage door for Archie, allowing him to ride inside while the others make their sponsors ride outside. As they entered the city, the Ghost hovered alongside the coach.
As the King and Grand Master rode in behind them, they conversed.
"That Grey Ghost is something. He's allowing his Grandfather and bodyguards to ride in the carriage while he hovers beside it."
"He has the makings of a strong leader. Mark my words, Grand Master... If for some reason he is unsuccessful, I want him to force a battle and stop the wedding. He, out of anyone here, has already earned my blessing...
As the coaches arrived at the grand hall, the feast was about to begin, as was the first test of the race for Sam's hand in marriage...