Hello, my lovely readers.
I'm back with a new chapter!
When I started on this, it was originally meant to be a short chapter (kind of like an omake, or OVA). But I got to thinking, and before I knew it, I ended up typing a whole chapter.
I want to state a few things about this chapter.
This chapter takes place mostly in the past. As one reviewer pointed out, I think it's best to show the past relationship between Spear and Makoto. This is because it'll later on connect to Ben at some point.
Also, the chapter returns back to the present day, and it contains a few mentions made by characters like Aria in past chapters. It'll explain some other things the manga and anime chose not to go into depth.
DISCLAIMER: I DON'T OWN ANY CARTOON SHOWS (YET!)
Now on with the chapter.
Chapter 39: The Special Friendship That Changed The Empire
Before the corruption and widespread criminality, and before the empire went into the despair that it became, the empire was once a flourishing nation. Though it still sought to spread its borders to other tribes and kingdom, the current emperor was not as ambitious as his forefathers.
Having seen the rising turmoil within, the emperor dedicated much of his time to fix it. This meant that he slowed down any means of expansion in order to deal with the poverty, racism and corruption that were overtaking the vast lands under his control.
Spear knew this goal very much as she accompanied her father, Prime Minister Chouri. Her father has been working for the current emperor for ten decades now. They were practically best friends, at this point. Maybe that's why they've been visiting the Imperial Palace more often than any government official would do. They even live in the Capital now.
One of the many things Spear admired about her father was his ambition to end the troubles within the empire. Though she hadn't seen it in person, she has heard about it in detail, and felt disgusted by the whole thing. That was exactly why she was going along with her father. She wanted to get enough experience in the field of government.
"Hmm?" Chirou muttered and raised an eyebrow at his daughter.
"What?" Twelve year old Spear asked.
The Prime Minister looked forward. "Nothing. I was just wondering how long you're going to ignore the little peeker behind us."
"Well…Why should we care?" Spear said with a light groan. "I'm not interested in knowing anything about him."
"But you rarely talk with anyone your age." Chirou then stroke his chin. "It's times like this that you should learn to live a little."
"I want to serve the empire. I don't have games for –"
Chouri cut her off by standing directly in front of her. On his face was a stern one, which surprised his daughter. "Then perhaps you should stay out of this meeting."
That statement was enough to shock the teenage girl.
"What?! Why?!"
Chirou sighed and simply turned his back against her. When he opened his mouth again, his tone was a bit lighter.
"Take the time to look around the palace. Who knows, you might find something interesting."
"But, father, I –"
She was interrupted when he walked past the opened doors to the throne room. The guards stationed there closed it almost immediately, thus ending whatever she had to say. Spear groaned and slumped her shoulders.
While she grumbled with herself, the person watching her was curious. As a kid at six years, he couldn't help but continue to watch the prime minister's daughter while at a corridor with just half of his head watching. It wasn't the first he has seen her and her father before.
But the mood changed when the girl suddenly turned to his direction with a frightening glare. He shrieked and quickly made a dash from the scene. However, Spear beat him to it when she suddenly closed the big distance between them, grabbed him from the back of his shirt and tugged on it.
The kid fell to the ground on his butt. "Ow! That really hurt, you know!"
Angered, he turned to face her, only to stutter when he saw a scary aura coming from her. From his view, Spear had a darkened face with purple glaring eyes and her light-brown hair failing in the air.
"Who are you?!" Spear demanded.
"Ma-Makoto!" He quickly said and bowed his head on the floor. "Pl-Please don't hurt me! I'm the seventh prince directly in line to the thrown!"
"You're a prince?!" Spear's mood changed to a shock. Fear and worry took over, and she quickly knelt down to get the kid off his knees. "Hey, um…let's forget I ever brought that up. H-How old are you?"
"Six years ago."
'Six? I guess that makes sense. He's probably the youngest child.' She thought and stood up with him. "How about we go and talk somewhere?"
"Oh, sure." He said with an excited grin. Something about that made him dash away. "I know just the right place. Follow me."
"Wait for me!"
For a kid at such a young age, he was fast. Spear wasn't really putting much of her own strength, though she would admit that she was almost out of breath. They went through some areas in the palace before arriving at a garden and Spear got the chance to catch her breathe.
"What do you think?"
"Huh?"
Makoto was pointing at a water fountain in the garden. Just a few feet away, it was a magnificent structure with a beautiful woman with angelic wings at the top. Spear straightened herself and gave her answer.
"It looks amazing, prince." She said.
"Do you mean that?" Spear noticed a change in his tone. Though his back was at her, he bowed his head and shifted his head to her. "It's…It's not good to lie, you know. You don't have to treat me highly just because I'm a prince."
Spear opened her mouth to refute. But a thought dawned on her, and she frowned. "The woman…the statue…she's your mother, isn't she?"
Makoto made no attempt to answer. His face went back to the statue.
"She died from an unknown illness two years ago. But…I still remember how wonderful she looked. Even though she was suffering, she was looking out for me. Sometimes…I wonder if she's still watching over me right now from heaven."
Unknown to him, Spear understood the way he felt. Before he knew it, he was embraced by the girl from behind, with his head feeling the cushion that was her chest. She was knelt down when she comforted him.
"I know it may not mean much, but…thank you."
"Why…?" Tears were slowly coming out of his tears.
"You were looking for someone to talk to, right? Well…" She smiled warmly, and added. "I think that's really adorable and daring of you."
Makoto sniffed and recovered his state of mind. Building a strong front, he stood up and looked down at her. "I'm…I'm not a baby! Don't treat me like I'm someone you can look over!"
Spear was a bit startled by his outburst. She remained quiet though, as she noticed a shift in his tone when he tightened his fist and added. "My mother…was just the fourth wife to my father. I'm just an only child, so I've always been alienated by my half siblings. But mother…"
He couldn't keep his mind straight anymore. His emotions got the better of him, thus he ran off without saying another word. Spear made no attempt to run after him. She simply watched him with pity until he couldn't be seen again.
An hour later, Makoto was back in his room, and specifically on his bed. With his head buried on the pillow, his mind traced through his past memories, with most of them being painful. He rarely saw his father these days, and his half-siblings weren't any better.
Because he was the lone child of another woman in the emperor's concubine, his half-siblings treated him as a lesser being. When they pitied him, they were holding it with resentment, like he was thrash that should just be tossed out.
Makoto hated it, hence the reason he rarely interacted with them. He hated being looked down on, and he hated his father for being so negligent.
The center of his pillow was soaking with his tears when his room's lights activated. Confused, he looked away with teary and red eyes, just in time to see Spear standing by the closed door.
"W-What are you doing here?!" He shouted at her.
"I came here because I was concerned about you." Spear answered with a stern face. She then marched over to him. "You were crying your eyes out. Why? Who did this to you?"
"I…" He paused and turned his head away.
The teenage girl wasn't going to let it go away, however. She stomped her right leg as loud as she could, and shouted with a stronger voice.
"Tell me!" She demanded. "Do you think crying in your room will fix anything?! Have a backbone and –"
"You won't understand!"
Makoto was panting heavily with his eyes red from crying. "You can't do anything! My half-siblings…they're too strong and popular to do anything! When Yamito becomes emperor, I…I'll just be tossed aside! So just leave me alone!"
At the last syllable, he threw his pillow at Spear. She caught it with one hand with ease and tossed it aside. Her anger earlier subsided, before she took a sit next to him. Yamito was the crowned prince, which obviously meant Makoto won't have a chance to become emperor.
"I'm an only child too."
Makoto's eyes widened a bit. He still made no attempt to look at her. Nonetheless, the teenage girl continued without looking at him.
"My mother died at childbirth, so…it's not like I could have a sibling." She then sighed and rested her elbows on her legs. "It used to bother me a lot. People in my homeland kept saying that I killed my mother, so I began to believe that."
"But your father was there for you, right?"
Spear shook her head. Makoto was unable to see it, but the silence from her confirmed it. His curiosity got the better of him, so he sat at the edge of his bed and looked at her.
"But I've seen you two, and you two seem so…"
"Happy?"
Makoto was lightly startled when she faced him with a small smile. "Well…he's a good father, and I love him. I just wish that he was there for me in the beginning. He was helping your father in the Capital for the first six years of my life."
"I'm sorry."
Spear giggled and stood up. "Don't be. The past is in the past." She replied and faced him again. "Don't get me wrong. I'm not trying to match your pain. That's not the kind of person I am. But…I am the kind of person that won't turn her back against someone who needs a friend."
That one word surprised the prince. Looking up to her with a face of awe and confusion, he asked the one question on his mind.
"You…want to be friends with me?"
Spear nodded at him with a warm smile. "If you're willing to have me." She answered. "I see why my father decided not to let me join him. Ever since I reunited with him, I've never dared to go anywhere without him."
"So…you're a daddy's girl?"
Spear blushed in embarrassment and saw the prince laugh. She growled with a low tone and a small glare, when he suddenly answered. "Yes."
"What?" The embarrassment washed away, and she stared at him confused.
"Let's be friends. But…" He paused and stood on his bed. "If we're going to be friends, you should stop calling me with any title. That includes any honorific. So no Makoto-san, Makoto-kun, or Makoto-sama. Just…Makoto."
"Oh?" Spear's smile widened. "Then you can call me Spear." She then did a lady's courtesy. "Please, take good care of me."
Makoto blushed and shook his head. His heart had skipped a bit when he got a good look at her cleavage. "S-Same" He muttered.
Spear chuckled. This was the start of a friendship between the Prime Minister's daughter and the seventh son of the emperor.
Makoto and Spear got close during the next three months, and it didn't go unnoticed. Everyone in the palace gradually became aware of the two's friendship whenever they were spotted hanging out. Even Makoto's father, the emperor, noticed when Spear became increasingly absent during the meetings.
"Odd…She isn't here today either." The Emperor muttered.
The Emperor, his ministers and Chirou were in a large and beautifully magnificent room, having yet another meeting. When the emperor muttered those words, it gained the attention of his ministers, which led him to look at Chouri's way.
"Chirou, has your daughter been busy lately?" He asked.
"Your Majesty? So it would seem you've finally taken noticed." Chirou asked pleasantly. He was one of the very few men who could talk casually with him. "Yes, it would seem that she has taken interest in your youngest son."
"My youngest son?" He thought and stroked his partially grey-dominated beard. He made a mental note to check on that.
However, the role of an emperor wasn't an easy one, so he had no time to investigate on it. He figured it was a minor subject, so there was no real rush. Thus, the times went by, and before he knew it, he forgot about it until one day, four months later…
Chirou and the emperor were walking down a hallway with some guards following them. They were discussing an important matter, when unexpectedly, Makoto and Spear came out of a corridor right in front of them.
Whatever discussion they had, it would seem it was funny, because the emperor noticed them laughing. He remembered the mental note he made to himself a few months ago, and walked right past Chirou and his guards.
Spear and Makoto were in their own moment that they didn't notice his approach until his footsteps became louder. Spear instantly recognized the emperor and fell on her knees and bowed to him. Meanwhile, Makoto was dumbfounded to see his father.
"Your Majesty, it is an honor to –"
"You may rise, young lady. You don't need to dirty your clothing." He interjected with a warm manner. His focus then changed to Makoto, whom he just stared at for a moment. The both of them made eye-contact for the first, before he spoke again. "Meet me at my chambers at 6pm. We have much to discuss."
"Um, ye-yes." Makoto stuttered.
The emperor flashed him a smile and went back to his company. Makoto and Spear (now back on her feet) watched from the distance as the old man chatted with Chirou and resumed their walk somewhere else.
Makoto bowed his head with a heavy frown on his face. The meeting was too sudden, especially this was the first time he spoke to his father. He couldn't even remember the last time he held a conversation with the man. And now that man wanted to talk with him privately. He couldn't help but be scared.
"You shouldn't worry all that much." Spear said to him, thus getting his attention. When he turned to face her, she clutched his cheeks and smiled at him. "I'm sure he just wants to pinch these adorable cheeks."
Makoto blushed and quickly removed his face from her grasp. He turned away and began walking the opposite direction, but came to a halt when she spoke again.
"If you want, I can accompany you there. You know, for moral support." She said.
"I…" His cheeks reddened a bit more, so he avoided looking back. "I would like that. Thank you."
Spear simply smiled. She could hear his embarrassed voice from her position.
"Wow, I guess that was a lot to unfold."
Spear had stated those words bluntly while she and the prince were seated at the fountain from their first meeting. It was evening, and Makoto had met with his father just a few minutes ago. As promised, Spear had followed him. But she wasn't authorized to go further since the emperor had instructed just his son to enter.
Nevertheless, the end of it was enlightening, to say the least. Makoto explained everything that transpired between him and his old man, and now they were silently staring at the ground, kicking their feet back and front as they remained in thought.
"But it wasn't all bad, was it?" Spear faced him to ask. "Sure, it was because of me, but…at least you got to understand your father."
"I guess so." He answered. "Spear, do you think I qualify to be the next emperor?"
"Woah, this is unexpected. Did His Majesty tell you that -"
Makoto shook his head. "No. In fact, he doesn't even want me to be emperor…At least, that's what I got from him." He said. "The role of the emperor is burdening and takes a lot of willpower, he said. I can't help but admire what he has done so far. But…I'm so weak and helpless."
"Then make yourself stronger."
Makoto turned to her, and heard what she said next.
"No one likes to be weak and helpless. So if it bothers you so much, then work towards changing yourself. Who knows, maybe you can be qualified to become the next emperor."
"I see…Will you be there?"
"Huh?"
"As my Prime Minister…" Makoto bowed his head, though his cheeks reddening was obvious. "Will you be there…as my prime minister?"
Spear gave it a thought and shrugged her shoulders. "I don't think I qualify to become one. But I won't lie that I haven't been interested in getting a government position one day."
Makoto took a deep breathe. He needed to clear his mind for what he had to say. So he released it and gained his confidence and stood on the ground.
"Then it's decided." He said and stretched his hand out. "If I make it to be the emperor, then you can become my prime minister."
"Sure." She accepted his hand and smiled. "I would be honored, Your Majesty."
Four months went by since then. The friendship between Makoto and Spear grew with each passing days. She also became his personal tutor in order to strengthen his mind and body. This was in order to impress his father and convince the man to choose Makoto as his successor.
And it would seem that their aim might be getting closer. Makoto was speaking more with his father than ever before. His half-siblings were slowly getting worried about his renewed relationship with the emperor. So they tried to intimidate and threaten him. However, Spear wouldn't let them get away with it.
It was common to have Spear defend Makoto against his half-siblings. Even some of them that had some political powers were cautious of her. They were aware that her father, the prime minister, was close with the emperor, thus crossing her would be a bad move to their father.
Maybe that's why Makoto was seen more of a threat than before. Because he had someone like Spear assisting him, it made it possible for him to be the crowned prince instead. So they were becoming determined to outshine him and possibly get Spear's favor to one of them instead.
Even though the emperor was alive, it would seem a battle for succession was about to begin. Spear could see it, and knew it won't be easy to get Makoto on the throne. Fortunately, an opportunity presented itself in the form of an Imperial ball.
The emperor decided to throw a party for the nobility and himself. Spear saw this as a chance to get Makoto to be recognized by the elites. Imperial balls like these were mostly to create connections and possibly
The party took place at the Imperial palace at nighttime. Nobles with high positions were announced upon making their presence. When it was Spear's turn, her father accompanied her, and the both of them were announced.
Then it became the imperial family's turn to make their entrance. Everyone present – no matter their political power – stood still and watched as the family were welcomed. This was the first time Spear got to see Makoto's family together in one place. She then waved to him, so he approached her.
"Spear, is that…you?" Makoto asked with bewildered eyes.
This was the first time he was seeing her in a girly dress. Spear was kind of a tomboy, so of course he always saw her wearing men's clothing. But the day had come that she couldn't dodge it. As such, she stood wearing a black and purple dress which barely showed her cleavage. Her light-brown hair was also remade for the occasion.
"Yeah, it's me." She answered and scoffed lightly. "I really don't like wearing this. I feel a bit…naked under this."
Makoto laughed in response and got a glare from her. He quickly stifled that and smiled at her. "Sorry. But…you actually look beautiful in it. In fact, you…look really cu –"
"Prince Makoto." Called a familiar voice.
Looking to the side, they saw a slim and tall man with a grey hair and dressed in fine clothing heading towards him. He also had grey neck beard. They knew about his position and his name. He was their closest ally in their quest to make Makoto emperor.
"Grand Advisor Honest. What is it?" Makoto asked.
"Sorry to intrude, but…I've found a way to get you closer to the throne." He answered.
"What? Really?"
"How?" Spear asked with intrigue.
"Marriage."
That one word dropped the ball for the both of them. Seeing that they might get a heart attack, Honest went ahead to explain.
"You see, one of the ways to get you closer to the throne is if you have a lady-in-wait. That's why even some of the princes in this empire have gathered wives for themselves with prominent nobles. You've seen it with two of your half-siblings, am I right?"
"You…might have a point."
"Makoto, I –"
"Then there's no need to hold back." Honest interjected before Spear could speak. He then easily shoved him to the direction of a group of young girls and added. "Now go put some of those social skills young lady Spear has taught you to action."
Makoto nodded solemnly and went away. Meanwhile, Spear and Honest watched him from the sidelines, when suddenly her smile dropped. Seeing Makoto interact with those girls was a good progress on his part. However, she couldn't help but feel disheartened at the sight.
"Are you doing okay?" Honest asked her.
"Oh, um…I am." She answered and then turned away. "Excuse me, I'm going to take some fresh air."
"I see." Honest said and watched her leave. A mischievous grin then formed on his face. His plan was going just accordingly
While the party was ongoing, the light brown-haired girl wondered away from the scene. Her mind kept thinking back to the scene with Makoto. He seemed so happy in her view. Of course, she taught him to be that way, but there was something about it that made her stomach turn a little.
"Just what the hell is wrong with me?" She asked herself as she kept going.
Before she knew it, she found herself at the same fountain as usual. Seeing the familiar structure brought memories of times she and Makoto hung out there. It didn't make her feel better, but she sat at it and traced her fingers through the water.
Unknown to her, she was being watched by someone hidden close by. His target had just arrived. Now he just needed to unsheathe his sword and kill her before any alarm was made. He took a step forward to make his move.
"Spear!"
He heard someone call out to her and moved back. He needed to identify who just called her. He saw prince Makoto running towards her, and watched what transpired next.
"What are you doing here?" Spear asked. She was shocked to find the young boy running towards her.
He came to a halt in front of her. On his face was a look of concern as he answered. "I got really worried when I looked back and saw that you were gone. Grand Advisor Honest told me that you went outside to get some fresh air, so I figured you would be here."
"I…I see." She replied depressingly and sat back. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you worried over me. I…I don't know what got over me."
"It's okay." He went ahead to sit next to her. "I like being around you a lot more than any of those girls. That includes that Aria girl. She…gives me the creeps."
Spear suddenly giggled. Makoto was taken aback by it, before she quickly apologized, though the smile on her face remained.
"I'm sorry. Shame, I'll never get to see her for myself." She said amusedly.
Makoto glared at her slightly and sighed. He couldn't hold a grudge against her. So he gained his confidence again and said. "Anyway, I want to ask something."
"Sure. Shoot."
"Is it possible the reason you left is because…when you saw those girls with me, you were jealous?"
Makoto was met with silence from her. Spear was dumbfounded by the question.
"What?!"
"Think about it!" Before she knew it, his hands were on top of her hand between them, and he leaned close to her. "When you saw me with them, your tummy hurt a little, right? It's okay because…I've felt the same way when I saw you interact with other princes. I love you, Spear. Please…" He paused and reached into his pocket with his free hand. He then pulled it out and revealed a ring. "Please…be my wife."
Spear was completely baffled by the turn of events. She never could've thought that he held such feelings for her. The fact that he even had a ring like this meant that he planned on proposing to her today.
"Makoto…we're…we're kids." She said to defuse the situation. "And you're a prince while I'm…"
"I don't care. You know just as much as I do that imperials and nobles prepare their children for marriage." Makoto stated bluntly.
He has grown confident from the stuttering and emotional kid that she met months ago. Spear could see the determination on his face and eyes, especially when he spoke again.
"When…When we promised to become emperor and prime minister, I'll be honest with you. I wanted to just have you next to me. But…" He paused and clutched her hand. "I've come to realize that…I don't care about becoming the next emperor. As long as I have you by my side, I…I'll be happy. So spear, will you marry me?"
Spear was beyond speechless. She could feel her heart beating fast as each second past. Her mind was conflicted on her next move. So even when she opened her mouth, she wasn't certain about her own feelings.
"Makoto, I –"
She was interrupted when she and Makoto heard clapping. Looking to the side, they saw a slim and tall man emerge from his hiding spot. He wore light Imperial Fist armor and clothes, and had a devious grin on his face.
"Oh, how adorable." He said smugly. "I've done some assassinations. But never would I be so entertained like I am today."
"You…and that uniform. You're from the Imperial Fist." Makoto said.
"That is right, prince. To be precise, I'm an instructor."
It went without saying that there was a dangerous aura coming from him. To the surprise of Spear and the instructor, Makoto bravely stood in-between them with his arms stretched out and a scowl on his face.
"Stay away from her!" He stated firmly.
"No can do, prince." He said amusedly. "My target is her. But because you saw me, I might have to take you out too. Goodbye!"
He drew out his sword and swung it towards the prince. Luckily, Spear was able to grab him and pull him out of the way. He hit the floor hard while she stood up and got into a fighting stance in front of the man.
"Makoto, run! Now!" She yelled while glaring at him.
"I won't leave you!" Makoto refused as he stood up.
"Just do it! Get some help! I'll hold him off until then! Now go!"
Makoto nodded and squeezed his eyes tight before running off. He could feel some tears building up at the moment. He was scared and confused at the same time. It also didn't help that the assassin rushed past her and closed in on him.
"You're not getting out of this ali –"
"Don't ignore me!"
The assassin barely had enough time to look back. When he did, his face received a shoe to the face, before being knocked away from Makoto. He a cartwheel and landed on his feet, just in time to see Spear land on the ground. He had dropped his sword when she attacked him, so it lay on the ground.
"A little girl like you knows martial arts huh." He said with an amusing grin. When he received no reply, he cracked his knuckles and got into a fighting stance. "But I guess I should show you why I'm an instructor."
"For an assassin, you sure as hell talk a lot."
He remained composed, though a glint of anger was in his eyes. Spear barely had a moment to react when he rushed towards her and swung a punch for her face.
"I'm not an assassin!"
He came at her with a few more punches. Spear did well to dodge them, before seeing an opening and sending her own punch. However, the man caught it and quickly pulled that wide enough to expose her elbow. He then did a quick and strong chop at the spot, dislocating it instantly.
"AAAHHHH!"
Spear was in pain. She had never experienced this before. But the fight became worst when he punched her strongly at the stomach. She let out a grunt, before he added that with an uppercut. It sent her flying off her feet and to the ground, where she landed painfully on her back.
She felt the wind knocked right out of her lungs. There was no way she could keep fighting. Fear took over, and she attempted to get up and run away. However, the assailant wouldn't let her fully stand up. He stomped at the back of her knee, snapping it as well.
Spear let out another pained scream and fell to the ground. With her right arm and left leg dislocated, she was in a pitiful and vulnerable state. Meanwhile, the man went ahead to grab his sword and bring it to kill her.
"I probably got carried away. Maybe I can catch up to the princely brat and execute him before he exposes me."
Spear gulped as fright crossed her face. She didn't need to look back to see him lift his sword over her head. He was going behead her, and there was nothing she could do about it.
'Forgive me, Makoto.' She squeezed her eyes shut and accepted her fate.
"Hey! Stay away from her!"
Gunshots were heard, followed by a loud grunt. Spear opened her eyes and looked at her attacker clutching his lower side. A bullet had penetrated through there, thus he was bleeding. There was also a few other bullets on the floor, which he had deflected earlier with his sword.
Spear looked to the other side and saw Honest and Makoto standing a few feet away. In the hand of the former was a pistol. The attacker cursed his luck and ran off. Meanwhile, Honest gave chase while shooting at the attacker.
"Spear! Spear!" Makoto called out as he ran to her side.
Her consciousness was slowly slipping. So when he knelt next to her, she weakly smiled at her and slumped to the ground. Makoto cried out her name and tried waking her up. Fortunately, Imperial guards arrived at the scene to take her away to get medical assistance.
The Emperor's slammed hard on the chair's armrest. It was the next day after the attempt on his son's life. While seated at his throne, he recently ordered the arrest of the would-be assassin. He wasn't sure on what infuriated him more. The fact that it happened at his own palace, or that his son and his best friend's daughter almost got killed. If word of this got out, the empire would appear weak.
"Your Majesty, you should take it easy." Honest said while standing by his side. "Not to demean you, but are you certain to have your own personal guards protecting Chouri's daughter and not you."
He had a point to say that. There was just him and the emperor at the room, with no one looking after them.
"It's just one of the few things I can compensate for." The Emperor replied. "Once she has recovered, I'll be certain to financially provide for her as well. This happened on my grounds, and yet I can't get over the fact that someone like that gained entry into the palace and almost killed a member of the imperial family."
"Oh, I know what you mean." Honest's suddenly tone changed. A monstrous grin formed on his face, and he added. "After all, I'm the one who brought him in, in the first place."
"What –"
Before he could demand for an answer, Honest injected a strange substance into his neck. The emperor tried fighting against it when he stood up. However, the substance was in effect, and he fell to the ground. His crown and staff also hit the floor, while Honest looked down at him, snickering.
"Finding such a young man wasn't easy. After all, the Imperial Fist is loyal to the emperor." He said.
"W-Why?" The Emperor asked. "Why…would you do this? What…What is your aim, Honest?"
"Power, my foolish emperor." He said and stepped on his face. "Look at you, an old fool. You have so much power, and yet you bother yourself almost endlessly to protect the safety of lowlifes. Thanks to you, the empire has gotten weaker. But don't you worry. I'll change that soon enough."
"The people…won't accept you."
"I don't need their acceptance." He pushed harder on his face. "But I admit that trying to gain power with you gone will be mildly difficult. Not only will your children be involved, but the princes spread out in the empire will be a problem as well. That is why I assisted your son, Makoto, and the girl to get your full attention. Now, not even your crown prince stands against his rising popularity."
"Bastard…Chouri will have you hanged for this!"
"Oh, Emperor. Mind your language. I'm not done yet." He said mockingly. "Why do you think I had the girl targeted? Even though he failed to kill her, it was more than enough to get the job done. Now I just need to convince Chouri to handover the position of prime minister to me so he can take care of his helpless daughter."
The Emperor was speechless, and looked away. He hated to admit it, but Honest had thought through everything.
"What's the matter, Your Majesty? Has the drug impeded your speech yet?"
That question widened his eyes, and tried to talk. To his utmost shock, his mouth didn't even move. Honest gladly explained. "You see, I can't have you killed yet. That would be too suspicious. But don't worry. You'll die within a week. By then, I should've gotten rid of Chouri and his daughter. Then I'll have Makoto placed on the throne and control the empire with him as my little puppet."
With that, he removed his boot from the emperor's face and walked to a wall by the side. When he placed his hand on a brick, a secret door opened.
"Bear with the awakard position for now, Your Majesty. Someone will come to check up on you. We'll see later on your death bed."
The emperor gritted his teeth. He was truly helpless to do anything.
'HONEST! LET IT BE KNOWN THAT YOU'LL PAY FOR THIS CRIME! I SWEAR ON IT! I SWEAR!' He thought violently.
Honest went through the secret passage. The door closed behind him, hence symbolizing the end of a reign.
Three days passed since the attempted assassination. The emperor was restricted to his bed after being found to be unconscious on the floor. He never gained consciousness, and before anyone knew it, he slipped into a coma.
Chouri was put in a difficult position. With his daughter's condition, he wasn't able to concentrate fully on managing the empire and being a father. Fortunately, he found comfort with Honest, who worked on his behalf while he took care of his daughter. He was doing such a good job that the prime minister later resigned and handed over the position to him.
Now it was time for them to leave the Capital. When Makoto heard about it, he was heartbroken. He hadn't gotten to speak with Spear since the incident, and now it may seem like he won't be able to see her again.
He heard a knock at his room's door. He answered and saw Honest opening it. He had a warm smile on his face.
"You have a special guest."
Before the kid could ask, his mood changed to a mix of shock and happiness. Spear came through the door on a wheelchair and her arm in a cast. She had a warming smile and tearful eyes.
"Hey, did you miss me?"
He could barely hold back his tears before he cleaned them off.
"Yes." He nodded.
Some time passed the both of them talked. Though Spear was confined to just a wheelchair, she was happy to see Makoto again. The same was with the boy, but he avoided bringing up that marriage proposal he mentioned those days ago. Fortunately, they found other things to talk.
Sadly, their time together won't last. The day they finally met was also the day Spear and her father were moving out of the Capital. There was no need to live in the Capital anymore.
"So you really are leaving…for good?"
Spear's ears easily picked up the sadness in his voice. They were standing in front of the Imperial Palace, while within its protective walls though, and watching the chariot getting prepared for her departure with her father.
"I wouldn't say that." Spear answered with a calm tome. "I can't really imagine my entire life without you. So…think of this as a break until we see again."
Makoto blushed and looked away sheepishly. Spear could only giggle, before a maid came to take her away. Makoto, however, mildly opposed her, which was approved by the girl in a wheelchair. He then escorted her to the chariot.
"Grand Advi – I mean Prime Minister Honest told me you've decided to attend the Imperial Fist. Might I ask why?"
"I want to better myself." Spear answered. "When I fought against that man, I was so scared for my life. I hate feeling that way. If Honest hadn't been there, I likely would've been dead."
Makoto frowned. "I'm sorry. You must think that I'm weak."
"No." She giggled. "You're strong. Maybe not in body, but in mind I can tell you're strong. I just wish I can help you become Emperor. I failed in my promise to become your prime minister."
"That's fine. I don't mind." He replied with her assuredly. "Honest is a very good and capable man. I think he'll make a good prime minister for me."
"Then what about me? Am I…worthy of your proposal that night?"
Makoto's body stiffened, as his face reddened. They were already at the chariot when he suddenly came to a stop. Chouri and Honest were discussing with each other when they saw them approached. But the two kids paid no attention to them.
"You…You still remember that?" Makoto asked, embarrassingly.
"Remember? It was the one thing I thought about while I was stuck on that bed." She answered and widened her smile. "It made me think about the things we've gone through together. That's why…" She paused and looked over her shoulder, where she saw his face, and said. "…if you – No, when you become the emperor, I'll take your marriage proposal into deep consideration." She winked.
Makoto was speechlessly happy to hear that. He knew what she meant, so he was very joyful that she thought that way about him. So even as she was taken into the chariot, his mind and body was overly positive, even as he waved her at her when the chariot departed.
"Goodbye, Spear! I promise I'll make you super proud of me as the emperor!"
"I know you will! Take care of yourself!" She waved by at him from her window seat.
Honest was also seeing them off, when he flashed a sinister grin. Since Makoto was directly next to him, he wasn't able to see it. But Spear did, and she gasped a bit and rubbed her eyes. When she looked back at Honest, he was smiling and waving friendly at her.
'Odd…It must've been my imagination.' She thought and sat back on her seat.
"So, Spear…" Chouri said with a teasing smile. "What is this about a marriage proposal?"
"F-Father!" She screamed, embarrassingly
PRESENT DAY
"This way, Your Majesty!"
The Imperial Palace was currently under attack by unknown forces. Twelve year old Makoto and Prime Minister Honest were being escorted to a safe bunker by his personal guards to avoid the battle. Kurome was closely behind since she had been ordered to protect them both.
However, the escort met an interruption, which happened directly in front of them. A blast of rainbow-like energy shot through the ceiling and made a hole. The Imperial guards moved into position to protect the emperor and the prime minister.
They didn't stand a chance against what happened next. Though the energy was still flowing through downwards and in front of them, a long-handed axe flew right out of it, and blasted the Imperial guards away with ease. They were unconscious and somewhat badly wounded, but the same won't be said for its main target.
Honest's eyes widened in fear when he saw the weapon heading towards him. However, Kurome got in the way to interject it with her Teigu-made sword in hand. But the thing came to a stop directly in front of her in the air and flew right back. It went back to the energy powering down, and grabbed by the owner within.
Once that happened, the whole thing disappeared, and revealed a young woman in strange armor and a helmet that covered the top half of her face. The helmet had blue-glowing 'eyes'.
"You're one of them!" Makoto shouted. He was scared, and yet at the same time angered. "You dare to attack the Imperial Palace! Why?! Just who do you think you are?!"
"I came here because I was very worried about an old best friend of mine." She answered composedly. "I'm sorry for the informal approach, Your Majesty, but your Prime Minister gave me no other choice." She paused and grabbed her helmet with her free hand. "As for who I am, you know that much more than almost anybody."
Makoto and Honest gasped when they saw the face. Though the latter had seen her some minutes ago, he was in shock to find her not only alive but the one with such power coming from her. Meanwhile, Makoto was speechless as he saw the young woman he thought to be dead standing in front of him.
"Spear, you're alive…But how?" The young emperor was confused. "I was told that you were assassinated by Night Raid."
"I'm very much alive, but I can tell you that Night Raid had nothing to do with it." With that, she then pointed her axe at Honest. "That man next to you is nothing but a liar and a manipulator, Makoto! He's responsible for the attempted assassination on my life those years ago! He's also the one behind the death of father! Worse of all, he has brought the empire to the brink of collapse!"
"What?! What are you talking about?!"
Spear couldn't blame him for being a state of disbelief and shock. He has been around the Prime Minister for so long that her accusations would sound unbelievable. In fact, if it weren't that she was his childhood friend, he likely wouldn't listen to her. But she needed to push forward and save him.
However, Kurome interrupted the moment when she charged at Spear. The goddess of thunder reacted by swinging her axe at the girl. Both their individual weapon clashed, and a stalemate happened.
"Stay out of this, you necromancer!" Spear yelled angrily.
"I won't let your lies reach the emperor!" Kurome shouted back.
"Lies!?" Spear was enraged to be accused of such. She summoned the same rainbow energy from before to engulfed them. When it disappeared, they were gone.
Honest was partially relieved that she was gone. If it weren't for Kurome, he might've lost his control over Makoto. There were reasons why he tried to kill Spear twice, and failed. She was the only one in Makoto's life that could expose the truth to him.
"Your Majesty, we should –"
Makoto shrugged his hand off and ran off. After meeting Spear again, there was no way he was going to let her go when he had so many questions. Meanwhile, Honest was shocked by his action. The Emperor had never done such a thing before. It made him actually scared, hence he gave chance while calling out to him.
The rainbow energy shot down at the top of one of the rooftops that made up the Imperial Palace. Both Kurome and Spear jumped out before it even disappeared. They were at a face-off, as the last time they had encountered each other came to mind.
"I'm impressed that you're still alive." Kurome remarked. "I thought you would be dead considering out last encounter."
"You had more of an advantage last time. The fact that I fought you without a Teigu was remarkable of its own."
"You mean pure luck." She said and smiled sinisterly. "Maybe this is fate giving me the chance to take you as well."
"I won't die here, Kurome." Spear replied strongly, and gripped her axe. "There's a lot riding on this! I've become much stronger than you can even imagine!"
"Then show me!"
She released a battle cry and charged at her. Spear charged up her axe with lightning and went straight for her. When the both of them met, their weapons clashed and released a powerful shockwave. The battle between them had just begu
AND I'M DONE ONCE AGAIN!
Yeah, sorry this didn't have a continuation to the inevitable battle between Ben's team and Esdeath's team. I can assure you that it'll be in the next chapter. This chapter was, like I said in the beginning, to explain some things with the characters.
So even though it isn't canon, you know how Honest took control, why Spear and Chouri were attacked, and what happened to the former emperor. I also slipped in some things, such as Aria being at the party. In one chapter, she said she met Makoto when she was in a party to be a possible marriage candidate for him. Another thing I put was the Imperial Fist instructor, who was the same guy that attacked Mine and Tatsumi in their first mission together.
Before I end it here, here's the result of the poll.
Sheele – 14 votes
Leone – 10 votes
Spear – 4 votes.
The winner is Sheele.
I'm impressed with the numbers. Only 28 people voted, unlike the last poll I made on this subject that wasn't even ten votes.
What does this mean?
Well it means that Sheele will be in the love triangle with Ben and Aria. Leone has been kicked out.
Thank you for taking your time to read this fanfiction. I have another announcement concerning my YouTube channel.
When I get 100 subscribers, I'm going to do a Q&A on anything you have to ask about. This means any question you might have about my fanfictions, or my life, or anything in general. As such, I'm not going to answer any question in any fanfiction from now on until after that Q&A.
This isn't me trying to hold anything hostage. I just feel it would be cool for you guys to hear me answer your questions than just a bunch of typed words.
So how can we get me to 100 subs?
Simple, go and share my videos. Recommend them to anyone you know. The YouTube channel's name is "Facts and Fiction Studios", so please go spread the word. I have another video that I'm currently making, so go and click subscribe and click the notification bell so you can be aware of the video when it's uploaded.
So, what were your thoughts on this chapter, though? Let me know in the reviews. I feel motivated when you do that.
See you guys in the next chapter. Bye!