Chapter 34

It was a typical day back home.

Well, at least it should have been. It was hours just before his father left for the feast of the demi gods, Botan was at the Heroes Association not for training as he told his father, but something far more important. He sat at a table before Sitch who appeared at a loss. "I am so sorry to burden someone as young as you with this…"

Botan gently raised his hand. "I am rather aware of the situation. Metal Knight doesn't know that I have one of father's shadow warriors within his own. I am more than aware of the plan he has against us."

Sitch paused, despite his suppose age. Botan spoke very elegantly. He shouldn't considering who his fathers are! "What do you wish to do?" Sitch asked.

Botan thought it over. He has spoken of battle strategies before with Jima and the other shadows within his father's realm. They all have great input but the all vary in ideas and tactics as to how to go about it.

What is known is this. Metal Knight has kept himself in isolation for a reason. He is planning on taking out his father to become the new Shadow King, and gain a new body. From there, he wishes to 'cleanse' the world of Others and use this power befitting of their wealthy investors.

Death came at a good time to pick up father for the feast, but the rest will be on Botan's shoulders. "I say let him come," Botan decreed.

"What? But you know…"

"I am fully aware of his intentions and actions. However, we are in a good place right now. We are in an abandoned district of City Z. We are away from Saitama's house and I will be certain to protect it in his absence. Our fortress is made of Mana, and there is so much of it. Metal Knight has no idea who follows my father, the legions who will protect the castle and us for that matter. I say let him come, and let him learn the hard way."

"There's Garou's influence in you…" Sitch said with a sigh.

Botan smiled. "My fathers, despite how brash they are. They are good people and know when to fight. This is one of those instances where we need to draw a line in the sand. If metal Knight wishes to confront my family, so be it. I will leave my aunt here with you for protection with grandpa Bang."

Sitch nodded. "Do you know when he intends on striking?" Sitch asked.

"Sooner than later, he has been observing my father and was waiting for him to grow weaker. No doubt his scanners picked up on that just a few days ago. Father hasn't been able to keep up his efforts in maintaining himself, my dad and siblings within in. So I have little doubt he will be coming any day now…"

Silence befell the table. Botan stood up from his chair. "Bloodbore…" he said gently.

The shadow of the vampire appeared!

Sitch gulped their pride as Botan began to speak shadow to Bloodbore. He appears didn't understand a single word of it. "Bloodbore, I wish to speak with all within father's legions who can fly if you please. Have them meet me in the Shadow Realm in the next twenty minutes if possible."

He bowed and nodded before vanishing. "Sitch…" he called.

"Yes?"

"I want matters settled between Metal Knight and my father as soon as possible. It appears he will not learn his lesson in the state he is in, so be it. But there are other methods in making him see the errors of his ways."

"Botan…"

"In case this gets out of hand, please send out the alarm to the civilians, however I fully intend on keeping this battle to a minimum, and I hope that it will end far sooner than later."

Sitch nodded. "Oh, one other thing… I won't get in trouble for this, right?" he asked as he had a wicked grin, worthy of Garou himself.

"If you have to explain yourself to your dads, I will certainly do it for you!" Sitch vowed.

"It's all I ask."

With his peace spoken, Botan went to the shadow Realm. There he was confronted by all the shadows capable of flying in his legions. "I know I am not my father… I have no right to order you in such a state, however I ask for your strength," Botan said and lowered his head.

"Young prince, stop!" Bloodbore demanded. "You may not be the Shadow King, but you are his son. When he is not here, you're words carry the same weight as his!" he then bowed, all the shadows followed suit. "We are yours to command"

Botan smiled to them. "Thank you my friends. You have always looked after me, now it is time to protect what is ours. Metal Knight is taking aim at my father. He seeks to kill him to become the new Shadow King to break the curse casted upon him…"

"Wait, he cannot, after all, the enchantments are done by the councilman Z!" Bloodbore protested.

Botan smiled and nodded. "Indeed, but he doesn't know that… if anything, how about we toy with him for a little bit… after all…" Botan laid a hand against his chest, in a puff of smoke he turned into his father, bloated belly and all. "He doesn't know whose who, let alone that father has left for a few months…"

Bloodbore smiled. "My Prince, what is your plan?"

He turned back but smiled. "I intend on doing this, but first, I need to speak to my uncle about some acting lessons…"