::Chapter Seven::

Rune's grin was broader than a barn as the final curtain was hung over the hors d'ouver table. The dean of the Royal Roshtarian Academy of History had finally made it clear that no more delays were to be accepted; Mr. Fujisawa could be admitted in four days, or not at all. Rune felt genuine sympathy for the poor man, since Mr. Fujisawa was already far behind the other professors in preparing for the next academic season.
But Nanami had been slated to take the lead in preparing the catering for the ceremony and the attendant ball, and since she was tied up at the moment (and would no doubt require a good deal of time to get her own restaraunt back in order when she finally shook herself free) Rune had seized the opportunity, and declared that she would be in charge of the decorating and food preparations.
Her announcement had quite frankly taken the palace by complete surprise, and when word had leaked to the rest of the population of Floristica, the entire city had been abuzz with the news. Contrary to the fears of her own councilors, public opinion of the princess had gone up, apparently because the commoners felt that this was an excellent first step towards making the Royal House more approachable and in touch with the common affairs of the realm. Until now, the family had been as a stone edifice, reliable and strong but coldly impersonal. And even after all this time, the only people who really knew what had brought this change about were Afura Mann and Mr. and Mrs. Fujisawa.
A servant came up to the princess and asked for her signature, authorizing the expense of hiring a professional band of musicians for the afterwards celebrations. She glanced it over, then dashed her name across the bottom line on the paper, and walked over to the bandstand to check it's construction.
The entire scene was still somewhat chaotic. Everywhere she glanced there were movers, gardeners, servants, cleaners, and a dozen others moving around her in what almost looked like some incredibly intricate dance. They were careful to give the princess plenty of room, and she reveled in her unspoilt sense of accomplishment for a few seconds before another servant came up to her to ask where the roses should be placed on the dinner tables.

Almost immediately after Fatora stepped off the cruiser and onto the landing tarmac Alielle had her arms around her, sqealing in delight.
Oh, Fatora my love, I've missed you so much! You were gone for two whole days longer than you said you'd be! You almost missed the ceremony!
They kissed, a long, deep, passionate exchange that made the baggage carriers and engineers that had come out to take care of the cruiser blush. Fatora simply smiled at her diminutive lover, then put one arm around her and walked towards the reception bay in the South Gallery. Two palace guards appeared, seemingly from the shadows, and walked behind the pair at a respectful distance. Then Fatora noted the distinct lack of a reception party, normally a never-to-be-missed formality after such a high-profile diplomatic mission, and she arched an eyebrow quizzically.
Hey Alielle, I know that there's just a few days to go before Mr. Fujisawa's big party, but why isn't anyone else here?
Alielle looked up at her. Oh, well, Sir Londs is going crazy trying to arrange the security for the ceremony, and your sister Princess Rune is busy making the final arrangements for the catering...
Rune's doing what? Fatora interrupted, obviously taken aback. She'd know that Rune had started doing her own dishes, but she'd obviously been doing a lot more than that while Fatora was away.
She's planning the entire ceremony. The whole kingdom's been talking about it. I'm surprised you didn't hear anything from the other diplomats. Alielle replied.
Fatora grunted. The other diplomats don't really talk to me, unless it's to tell me what a wonderful job you're doing Princess!' and that's a brilliant idea, Princess!' Before now I'd thought it was a diplomat's job to compliment himself!
Alielle nearly doubled over in laughter, and Fatora supported her as they walked into the reception area and over to the always-stocked courtesy refreshment bar. Fatora poured two drinks herself and sat at one of the ornate deck tables.
Alielle sat down next to her, and said, So tell me, love, what was it like? I've heard that Crestin has the most beautiful beaches on all the mainland.
Fatora nodded, and a familiar smirk crossed her face. Exactly! I knew that if we held negotiations in a less formal setting, the delegates would be more receptive to following my commands. So I had a tent set up right on the tip of the penninsula, in the middle of the White Sands Beach, and that got em loosened right up. You would've loved it; there's also no laws against nudity down there.
Alielle giggled and squirmed in her seat, and her expression matched Fatora's perfectly.

Mika had spontaneously developed a nasty cold, which showed all the signs of lasting well into the next few days, but this wasn't totally unexpected.
Masamichi was spending the afternoon -as he'd spent every one since returning from the Temple- in his new office at the Royal Academy, furiously drawing up lesson plans for the next semester of instruction, so his absence wasn't totally unexpected.
Which meant that Miz was left to care for Mika alone today, which, no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't quite seem to feel was a burden. She was just getting her afternoon snack ready, in fact, when Qawoor came a knocked on her door, which was completely unexpected.
Come in! yelled Miz from the kitchen, and Mika sqeaked in delight and exclaimed, Auntie Kwawool!
Why hello, Mika! How are you? Qawoor stepped into the living room and stooped to recieve the bundle of energy and germs that had run straight for her, and Mika stopped short and looked at her sullenly.
I sick, she said sadly, and Qawoor looked up as Miz came around the corner carrying a plate with some bread and fresh fruit on it, and she smiled a hello as Miz called her charge over to the small dining table in the corner.
Oh hello, Qawoor. Mikahime, come eat your fruit. The girl looked at Qawoor, then looked outside longingly, and turned around and goosestepped over to the table.
Qawoor stood. Hello, Misses Miz. How are you?
Oh, just fine, just fine! she replied. What brings you by here today? I thought you were working with John on that new lamp of his.
Qawoor picked her way carefully over the wreckage of toys that poor Miz had been trying valiantly to keep Mika entertained with, and sat down on a free corner of the couch. Oh we have, and he's getting quite good at it, too. Afura thinks he'll be ready to start training on his own very soon. But, I came this afternoon to ask you for, uh, advice. She looked down at her feet sheepishly and blushed every so slightly, and Miz came over and sat down next to her.
What kind of advice, dear? she asked, and put her hand out to stop Qawoor's fidgiting.
she continued, Mr. Fujisawa's ceremony is just a few days away, and, well, I want to know how I should ask someone to go with me. She stammered to a finish, and her blush grew deeper as Miz laughed at her request.
Why, Qawoor, you wouldn't be thinking of asking Makoto, would you?
The poor girl was completely crushed, and her eyes nearly filled with tears before Miz could reassure her.
Oh, oh dear, I didn't mean it like that at all! she exclaimed, I think it's a perfectly lovely idea! Of course I can give you advice, but you know my darling Masamichi was quite a hard case. I had to use all kinds of methods to get him to notice me, and... she trailed off and her eyes glazed over, obviously recalling something of her past conquest. Qawoor had to clear her throat before Miz would continue.
Oh, I'm sorry, my mind must've wandered. As I was saying, it helps if the object of your affections is a strong, brave, romantic superhero-teacher, but I'm sure there's a few tricks I could show you. Why don't we check out my old makeup kit? I've got some nail polish that'd go perfectly with your hair.
Qawoor smiled. Thank you so much for understanding, I was so afraid you'd think I was just being silly!
Miz stood and turned to Mika sitting at the table. Mika, we're going to play dress-up! Come along!
The little girl yelled and lept from her chair, illness completely forgotten for the present, and the trio disappeard into the bathroom.

****


Noisy bugs.
That was about the most polite thing on Nahato's mind as he stood waiting for the Burgom party to arrive. Their laughable attempt at stealth had obviously been meant to impress him, but the Tribe's scouts had picked up their approach in plenty of time to organize an official reception party. If that madman Jinnai thought he was going to get away with this scott-free, then he was sadly mistaken.
In fact, though Nahato, I might just take the pleasure of killing him myself, if the guards don't take it upon themselves to do it for me.
Kiro had been instructed to wait no more than two days before returning with word; it had been three before the Bugrom had been spotted moving towards their hideout. How they'd managed to figure out where Kiro had been supposed to return to, Nahato hadn't the slightest clue. They either had far better scouts than they had let on, or had forced the information from Kiro by some means. Either way, it demonstrated that the Bugrom weren't entirely incompetent, and Nahato had ordered their own scouting patrols doubled, just in case Jinnai had some silly show of force planned.
The council, of course, had hemmed and hawed for almost an hour before deciding how to deal with this slap in the face, but at least they had allowed him to execute it. He had set up small four-man divisions of guards in strategic places all in front of the main enterance to their mountain stronghold, and held a reserve of twenty men behind him. Those small teams could be routed quickly and quietly, and were in mutual support range of each other. At his call, Nahato could have all fifty-two of them encircle the clearing that had been widened to give his sniper archers a clear shot at anyone who stood in it.
In order to safeguard their isolation the Tribe had established strict rules about what weapons and defenses could be used in the event of an attack. Their plasma-based laser rifles were unfortunately noisy and flashy, which made their use an unacceptable risk. They'd so far managed to hide from the Roshtarian forces and those accursed Priestesses from the Temple, but for the time being they were reduced to using more silent, albeit primitive means. Besides, they didn't have to kill all the Bugrom soldiers, just Jinnai.
There! They'd obviously detected the scouts that had been trailing them, as all pretense of stealth was forgotten and the giant insects trampled their way through the undergrowth. The small band emerged from the woods into the clearing, and Nahato could hardly believe what his eyes were showing him. That over-confident idiot Jinnai was sitting on top of a platform, carried by five of those purple soldiers. Why, Nahato could whisper one word and have all him killed instantly!
But he hid his disbelief behind an iron mask of self control, and stepped foreward into the clearing himself to address the maniac he had proposed an alliance with.
You will not go unpunished for this treachery, he said with perfect sincerity, and Jinnai's smirk cracked ever so slightly at his tone.
The first rule of negotiation; don't make a deal until you have the upper hand. Don't tell me that you expected me to address myself solely to a mere messanger. Ha! If you want something done, go directly to the source, that's what my old sensei used to teach me. Of course, he'll be wishing he'd never taught me about World War II in such detail, because unlike Hitler, I've got the forces necessary to conquer the world and make the Kingdom of Roshtaria fall to it's knees and beg for mercy. With or without your help I'll still become God of this world, but your offer does intrigue me. I'm willing to discuss an alliance, if you're ready to submit youselves to my rule.
Good lord, what a windbag. Nahato didn't appear to move a muscle, but a sudden rush of air past the small boy's face was all the warning Groucho needed to know that he'd ordered his leader shot at. With a deftness that surprised every Phantom Tribe guard there, the big purple guardbug snatched the crossbow bolt out of the air before it even got close to the platform Jinnai sat on, and as Nahato's face went pale with surprise the other four bugs straightened up suddenly, and a smaller, pale blue bug emerged from each of their backs. The smaller bugs took up the duty of supporting the platform, and the larger bugs lept onto it and formed a solid wall around their leader.
Jinnai laughed in a way that made Nahato cringe, and then he said, Don't talk to me about treachery! I knew the Phantom Tribe wasn't trustworthy, and so I made sure to pay close attention to the second rule of negotiation; expect betrayal. Now, are we ready to talk yet?
Just as he finished speaking the clearing was suddeny empty, and he was alone. Not even his troops were beside him, and Jinnai forced himself to breathe calmly as he recognized the illusion the Tribe was weaving for him.
Troops, blindfolds on! he commanded, and the smaller bugs obidiently set the platform down, and all of them tied the small peice of cloth around their visual organs. Intellectually, Jinnai knew that his troops were still surrounding him, but it was disconcerting when he couldn't see them following his orders. Then a Tribe warrior appeared in the clearing, and with a great yell he charged Jinnai, weapon glistening.
Despite himself Jinnai yelped in horror, but instead of running as his instincts commanded him to, he merely crouched down and put his arms over his head, just in case it was real.
The warrior came within a few steps of him and slashed down with his spear, and Jinnai tensed up as the blow his mind expected came for him, and passed harmlessly through his body.
Jinnai looked up, and the warrior-illusion was still there. It slashed through him a few more times in sheer frustration, and a few dozen more bolts bounced off his troops as the snipers took potshots at him. But then Jinnai began to laugh again, and he heard Nahato's voice call out
The illusions vanished, and Jinnai was once again surrounded by his guards. He stood up, brushed some imaginary dirt off his coat, and fixed his gaze on Nahato.
Nahato smiled politely, and responded, Very impressive. Despite your confidence in your warriors, I still have the strength to take you if I wish it, but doing so could get, messy. But before we can talk you release my messenger.
No deal! Jinnai swiped at the air in front of him, then clenched his fist. That page is my own personal insurance policy. As long as I hold him I can be sure that you won't try anything funny. And you should know that I've instructed my minions to attack and destroy your lousy stronghold if I don't return within two days time, so you're in no position to make demands!
Nahato's face was ugly as the hate he hadn't allowed himself to show broke through at last. He was clearly insane, but whatever else this Jinnai may be, he was also very clever. He'd anticipated every move Nahato could make, and that fact was almost more galling that the infuriatingly smug look on his ugly pink face.
Patience, he told himself. He's won this battle, but we're still a long, long way from the end. And sooner or later, his confidence will get the best of him, and his guard will slip ever so slightly. And then I'll slit his throat myself.
Very well. Follow me

****


Shayla darted behind a convinient pillar as Makoto came into sight at last. He was standing in the main courtyard, discussing something with one of the engineers he'd been holed up with for the past few days, and she forced herself to breathe deeply a few times, and said to herself, Allright Shayla, this isn't that hard. Just don't fumble it! Then she put a smile on her face and walked around the corner just in time to see Qawoor walk up to him.
Normally, she would have gone right back to hiding, but she only hesitated before continuing foreward. Not this time, little miss sweetcakes, she thought, and yelled aloud Hey Makoto! Hi!
He and Qawoor glanced up together, and he smiled and said, Oh, hi Shayla. What're you doing here?
Obviously ignoring Qawoor's presence, Shayla took a deep breath, tried to smile, and sputtered out, She looked away miserably when she finished, and muttered something to herself about screwing up, and Makoto's face was sympathetic as he addressed her.
Oh, well, I'm really flattered that you asked, but I already agreed to go with Qawoor. He was obviously trying to be gentle, but the effect this had on Shayla was profound. She glanced at him momentarily, then at Qawoor, and her eyes filled with tears.
Oh, I just KNEW it! Shayla yelled, then ran away sobbing, and Makoto watched her go. He'd known that there would be no easy way to tell her, but he still felt responsible, and he started to run after her when Qawoor put a hand on his arm.
Let her go, she said softly. She just needs some time alone.
Makoto looked back at Qawoor, and sighed in complete exasperation.

John walked into the study, and paused to admire the stack of books that was off the shelves. The library at Mt. Muldoon was well known to the lands of El Hazard as the most well-organized cache of knowledge there was, and Afura took a great pride in her reputation as it's keeper. She was obviously busy on yet another categorization, and he spotted her at last, lounging on one of the giant pillows that served as a chair, reading some tome or another.
He spoke into her reverie, I'd never believed the rumors until now, but it's obviously true; all you do is study.
She looked up from her book, startled by his intrusion upon her quiet repose, then went back to reading and said You've no right to be insulting to a Priestess of Mt. Muldoon, especially not in her own temple. You're not going to make it very far if you don't learn some respect.
His expression was hurt. Oh, come on Afura, have a sense of humor. I was just teasing, sheesh. Aren't you even going to ask how I got here?
She paused her reading again, and something in his tone suggested...
Wait a minute, it takes at least two days to get here from the Palace by cruiser, and I just saw you there yesterday! You mean, you flew?
He nodded.
By yourself? she asked again.
He nodded again.
Her earlier irritation vanished as she stood up and walked over to him. It had only been a few days, a week at most, since she'd taken him on that first awkward trip! He was clearly learning faster than anyone at the Temple had ever expected him to.
Things were a little bumpy, at first, he admitted through a grin, but I think I've got the hang of it now. I wanted to show you what I'd learned, and to ask you for a favor.
Of course, Afura replied, still a little dumbfounded.
Well, two favors, really. First, I wondered if there was any way we could free up Nanami for the ceremony the day after tomorrow. I know that there's a Priestess of Light with the same gem as I have, and it would be great if she were here to help me learn how to use it. Plus, she'd be able to detect any of the Phantom Tribe's illusions, right?
Afura sighed, then fixed him with a stern look. You know perfectly well why that can't happen. Headmistress Moram had a very excellent reason for asking Nanami to fill that role. Secrets are very hard to keep in a place like the Royal Palace. If there were to be an attack on you, Priestess Cerin would certainly have to reveal her abilities, and that would put us in a very awkward position.
Of having to explain yourselves, John said flatly.
Of placing every one of the other acolytes in unacceptable danger, yourself included!
Then I'll go back to the Temple Home, after the ceremony, so they can train me in secret there. But it isn't fair to Nanami to keep her from her own life this way, and you know it! He crossed his arms, and his face was defiant. But Afura was just as stubborn, and she felt her temper rising.
You can think whatever you like, but you'd better get used to the way things are, she told him in a steel voice, and you're nowhere near as fancy with that lamp as you think you are. I could still mop the floor with your butt and not break a sweat.
Her eyes issued a challenge, and John took the bait. Allright, go ahead. Right here, right now. Prove your superiority, blow up the whole temple for what I care! Then you can explain the mess to the Headmistress! I doubt she'll be very forgiving of your teaching methods!
Oh, that's it! She turned around and stormed off. I don't have to take this from some jumped-up punk kid!
John yelled after her, Fine, walk away from the problem. I was going to ask you out to the ceremony, but I think I'll just go it alone now.
Afura stopped dead in her tracks. His words had totally stunned her, and as she turned around slowly to face him, rage forgotten, he said softly, You know, it wouldn't hurt to get a little sun now and again. You look kind of pale.
She blushed deeply. It's just that, well, I mean, uh, no one's ever...
Asked you out? he finished as he walked up to her. My goodness, they really were secluded up here! Of course, John had seen what Temple life was like firsthand, so he should hardly be surprised.
Well, no, she said finally. Her emarassment was so obvious he nearly laughed, but he stifled it and held out his hand instead.
She looked at it like it held a gutted raw fish, but she set hers in it and he cocked an eyebrow.
So, whadda ya say?

Shayla was sitting, alone as always, at her favorite table in the corner of the diner. She'd run all the way out into the city, and thankfully the sun had gone down, so no one would see her tears. Her eyes were still red, though, and she'd felt vaguely guilty at ordering the poor man who was subbing for Nanami to turn down the lighting in her corner. She had fully intended to pass the night alone, so when Afura walked in and sat down next to her without a word it was actually a pleasant surprise.
Shayla didn't even look up from her glass as Afura ordered sushi, totally different from her usual favorite. That's a new one, she said in a surly tone, what's the occasion?
Well, I'll be in town for the next few days, preparing for the ceremony, so I thought I'd stop in, Afura responded, deliberately misunderstanding the question. I didn't expect you to be here sulking, though. What happened this time, set fire to Fatora's hair again?
A smile broke on Shayla's face as she recalled the night two months ago. That evil wench had actually groped her, right in the middle of the courtyard! The look on her face as her immaculately-styled hair went up in flames and she rolled around in the dirt to put it out had almost been worth it, but the memory faded quickly, and the present situation offered little to laugh at.
Wrong feeling, Afura, she sighed, and took a gulp of wine, I was walking on water for a week after that one.
Looks like you're getting ready to drown, Afura replied dryly, noting the bottle on the table. If you keep this up you'll be no better than that drunk who threw up in the street a few nights ago. You can't always hide your feelings behind a mug of wine, Shayla.
Shayla set her mug down. Well, maybe that's better than letting everyone know how I feel. At least with this stuff no one wonders why you look wretched. My only regret is the money I wasted on that damn dress.
There was genuine passion in her voice, an indicator of deep-seeded feelings that Afura had only guessed were there. She knew all about Shayla's affection, and she knew Makoto could -or would- never share it. But in all these years Shayla had never once said anything directly to him, despite her long standing and well known preference for taking matters into her own hands. And now it seemed that the shame of her inaction had finally caught up with her.
But Afura wasn't going to let her friend get off that easy. Oh, don't tell me you aren't going to the ceremony? I know you don't want to deal with Makoto, but think of your other friends. Mr. and Mrs. Fujisawa would be disappointed if you didn't come, not to mention the rumors that would start flying around the kingdom about why you missed another party! Her dinner arrived on a tray, and she thanked the waiter before she dug in hungrily.
Shayla took another drink. Each one was starting to hit a little harder than the last, and she wiped a drop that had spilled down her chin. I don't think I have a responsibility to anyone! she exclaimed, a bit too loudly, and Afura set down her chopsticks and addressed her friend sternly.
Now listen, Shayla. Whether you like it or not, being a Muldoon Priestess means being visible and available to the public. You've been brooding more than usual lately, and you're hardly ever at the Temple, which is quite unfair to me and Qawoor, by the way. This ceremony is the most public event to happen in the kingdom since Qawoor's recognition, and I simply won't let you skip out on it. Understand?
Shayla eyed her with an ancient sense of annoyance. And just what makes you think it's your decision? You've always been bossy, Afura dear, but on occasion I like to make my own decisions.
Afura sighed again, and finished the piece of sushi she'd started on, then got up from the table. Fine. But this just proves how childish you really are. If you'd learned anything at all in the past few years, I'd have thought that it would be clear that Makoto does value you as a friend. But if you refuse to go just because you're jealous of Qawoor -which is hardly his fault- then all you're doing is saying that you don't care anymore.
Well maybe I don't! Shayla shot back. Maybe the best thing would be for me to just disappear from his life forever. That way we could both get on with our own lives.
Oh, stop it, Shayla! You're not even a part of his life now! Makoto still loves Ifurita, no matter what you want to believe, and that won't change. But you could still act like a grown woman, and be his friend at least.
Oh fine, said Shayla tiredly, if it'll shut you up, I'll go. And at least we'll be going alone together, right? She looked up at Afura, but the confirmation she was waiting for didn't come. Instead, Afura was blushing slightly.
Um, actually, I've kindof got a date, she said.
Oh wait, let me guess, who could it possibly be? It's John, isn't it? Shayla asked sarcastically.
Afura replied. He flew all the way out to the Temple on his own to ask me.
Shayla's expression changed from one of annoyance to affection. But that's so sweet! she said. How romantic, I'm so happy for you, Afura! Afura couldn't quite tell if she was being serious or mocking her again, but the half-empty bottle in front of her suggested it was the former, so Afura simply smiled and decided to take the compliment for what it was worth. These sorts of lightning-quick mood swings were far from uncommon.
Thank you, Shayla, she said, that's so nice of you to say. So, will you help me get ready? I don't think my first choice for dresses is quite going to do the trick.
her drunken friend replied as she stood up slowly, nearly tipping over before getting her balance back, after all, there's no reason one of us can't be happy. We'll make you right up for that party, dear. Waiter! Check!

****

You can't be serious, Nahato said after Jinnai had finished outlining his plan, this can't work!
Jinnai merely smiled. They were deep inside the Bugrom hive, and Jinnai had actually gotten the Phantom Tribe to agree to nearly all his demands. He had released Kiro from his imprisonment, since at any time Jinnai could trap all the scientists the Tribe had sent to study the Trigger of Destruction within his tunnels. He hadn't been happy about the amount of equipment they'd hauled in, but space was something he had plenty of, and if it got him his unstoppable superweapon, well then he'd pay just about any price.
No, he could stomach the superior attitude of the Tribe when it came to their technological prowess, but militarily his confidence was still unshattered. He'd planned his first strike to coincide with his teacher's upcoming ceremony, but Nahato was insisting that he delay it.
Attacking the Palace itself is a terrible waste of power. Victory there would be costly, at best, and the returns could hardly be worth it! You're throwing away lives on something that isn't even necessary!
Ah, but it is necessary, replied Jinnai serenely, you see, I want Makoto to know that he's totally powerless before me. A direct attack on the palace while everyone's guard is down is the perfect way to demonstrate that I already possess overwhelming superiority, and it would be pointless to oppose me.
Nahato tried very hard to keep his voice level, and his eyes were cold as he spoke. But they would still oppose you, wouldn't they? Their troops would follow you back to your base in these mountains, and then they would use the Eye of God to wipe you out again. Don't you see? We've just barely begun to study the Trigger's weaponry. Given just a little more time, we might be able to build a weapon from it, one powerful enough to knock the Eye of God from the sky, and then you would have nothing at all to fear. It sounded too much like pleading for Nahato's taste, but he had to stop this mad scheme right here, or all his efforts at building an alliance would go to waste.
Jinnai swept his gaze around the room as he considered this. It was too true that the Eye -and Ifurita- were still the only threats that could stop him from conquering El Hazard. But while this seemed like the perfect opportunity to prove once and for all his superiority to the only people in this world that really knew him, he made himself consider Nahato's point as well. If he was right about the Tribe's ability to build a superweapon from the remaining parts of the Trigger...
Very well, he proclaimed mightily, I shall hold off the attack for now. Besides, I've just received word that the bitch-princess Fatora will be traveling very far outside her own borders indeed. In fact, wasn't she your prisoner at one point as well?
Nahato shivered quietly as the memory of what happened the last time they had kidnapped Fatora replayed itself for him, and he shut his eyes against the all too-familiar pain of the day he had been forced to spirit away the corpse of his mentor from that damned Eye.
he replied, with that same cool control, she was the reason we were able to learn so much about the Eye before we were even aboard it.
Jinnai smiled. Well then, I imagine you'd like a chance to even the score?
Nahato recognized the manipulation in the last sentence, and even as his feelings began to well up at the chance to take just a little revenge for that day, he forced himself to think rationally.
he said, if we kidnapped her a second time that would only antagonize the alliance further, and might spur them on to discover us too soon for our own plans to be put in motion. It would be best if we left her as a witness, particularly if we make a point of killing everyone else around her. She fancies herself quite the ambassador, from what our spies tell me. We should let her take the message back herself.
He laid the slightest emphasis on the word , but Jinnai didn't even seem to notice.
I LOVE it! he exclaimed, then stood suddenly. Very well. Inform your troops; we strike on the second day of her convoy to the steading of Helusan!
Jinnai began to laugh again, and Nahato didn't feel quite as annoyed at it as he should have been. He'd gotten his way with the timing of the first strike, and if his scientists weren't just blowing him smoke, and they really were able to reverse-engineer the Trigger of Destruction, then things should begin to get interesting around here very soon.