Chapter 17.5
Sorry folks, again, I was dissatisfied again with the way the previous chapter turned out, and felt a need to explain some things and add something extra. So here we go, another half a chapter extended. Hope you guys enjoy. I sure am!
Note: By the way, I've been so obsessed with the Deathstalker novels lately that I borrowed the name from Simon Green's novels in honour of the main character's memory. Also, I made reference to a place called "Shandrakor" in this chapter as well. I freely admit that I did not make this name, and again, it belongs to Simon Green – I'm merely borrowing it because I like the sound of it (
Rudy and Illumi sat on the highest roof of the Forbidden Palace which gave them a commanding view of the large and extensive, but silent city only accessible to royalty. Stone ornaments dotted the many other lower roofs, their red slated roofs dully gleaming under the sun, others slightly battered by the years and lack of renovation. Some birds had made comfortable nests and homes within the cracks underneath the beams that supported all the massive structures. On Illumi's warm lap lay the biggest cat he ever did lay his eyes on. It had a gleaming black coat, save for the white tips (he'd prefer to call them 'socks') on all four feet of the cat. It was obviously a stray cat when it had jumped out of nowhere and landed into his open arms when the Emperor and Illumi slowly made their way back to the Forbidden Palace. The assassin decided that he liked the cat very much, its large green eyes, its warm furry body pressed against his, and those purrs of comfort whenever he stroked the cat's large belly. It's name was Cat, and it meowed in pleasure when Illumi absentmindedly ticked him underneath the chin.
"Most brilliant view…" Rudy drawled with a can of beer in her slim hand. She looked about her with pride and dominance with the expression of great content, like a hard laborer reaping the fruits of his work. "And all of it mine." She took another long draft from the can, emptying it in one great go and carelessly dropped the container down onto the ground, far, far below. Around her lay bags and bags of lunch, scattered messily around the pair of them. There were jumbo size packets of chips, chocolate coated biscuits, gummi bears, bars of rich chocolate and an assortment of other grossly sugar coated junk, enough to satisfy a thousand ant colonies for five years.
Illumi nibbled happily on a chocolate teddy and gestured for Rudy to step away from the ledge. She snuggled up comfortably beside him, head resting lightly against the soft, delicate pink sleeves of a maid's uniform.
"Rudy, I've noticed something."
"Oh?" she opened another can of beer.
"All women have long hair, even the young girls, and all men have short hair. Why isn't your hair long too?" he glanced at her rather short and, if he were truly frank, unhealthy and poorly conditioned hair and wondered why it was neither short nor long, just clinging to the base of her neck. It suddenly made him feel self conscious about the ribbons he had twined in his hair when the Emperor looked at his own lustrous mane wistfully.
"A lot of things are forbidden to me." She began slowly, carefully choosing her words. "There have never been Emperors before me who have been women. In fact, women never had much political power or any say in the first place. They were merely economic and political conveniences – mainly to be married off to establish those sorts of links and ties. But there were a few prominent women who were quite active in court – and your aunt would be one of them, even though I never met her. Kimone Kalinnan Kastro was one of those who demonstrated a fine a sharp mind with a deadly grasp of intrigue and politics. The Empress despised her because she saw in Kimone the sort of person she could never be – a righteous and honourable person who could always be trusted to rely on herself, a person who held power that was actually legitimate back in the days of Rodimostev II. And the Empress hated her because her power was precarious and it depended on how well she pleasured and satisfied Rodimostev II in bed. I think deep down, women were never proud of earning power that way, and thus the Empress wanted to destroy the very thing which reminded her of just how dirty she had become." She sighed slightly. "Had Kimone been alive in my time, I would have made her a proper Imperial Official – something that has never been done before."
Rudy looked deeply into Illumi's eyes and reflected upon her soul.
"And I am Emperor, because I pulled the country together when I was only nine years old, and stood in the face overwhelming odds and not once did I falter. I am the Emperor because my compassion and commitment with the people rallied them all to arms so that we could defeat the enemy. And yet, even though I held the banner as we stormed the enemy's capital and proclaimed victory, I was still a girl. I still am a girl, but it was clear that the people would accept no one but me as their Emperor." There was slight bitterness in her voice and a great weary of carrying a burden far heavier than she should ever be expected to carry.
Illumi shrugged and popped a gummi bear into his mouth. "I always believed that the most competent person should sit in the seat of power, regardless of sex."
"It's not that simple. Being a woman means that you're born into many restrictions already – simple things, like having to give up your name when you marry into another family, or the constant pressures of a society dominated by men and so you have to constantly prove yourself to the world." The can of beer was crushed in Rudy's tight fist. "But I am the only person worthy of sitting on the throne, the only one who can rebuild this country, so I must make concessions of sorts. One of the first things was my hair. The Emperor has always been a figurehead and symbol of power and dominance, and having long hair would ruin that image. So Echlan persuaded me to keep it short, and keep it that way. And my Royal Robes – they are of male design, but specifically tailored to fit me properly of course. But no, I can't wear a dress, and I believe I haven't worn one ever since I dug that trench in Shandrakor. And I will never marry because I will never give up this power that I have….no….I sacrificed too much to secure this seat, seen too many people put their trust in me to guide their country and die, not just so some jerk can take this from me." She ripped open a packet of salt and vinegar chips. "So basically, I will be alone and secluded from the normal life that other teenage girls live."
Illumi accepted a handful chips and sniffed precariously at the staggering smell of vinegar which hit his nostrils and almost bought tears to his eyes. Strong stuff.
"Sometimes, I see clusters of girls my age, giggling, laughing, talking to each other on mobile phones and reading fashion magazines, looking for the perfect diet. A part of me sometimes wish I could live that kind of life, a life without responsibilities, where I can act my age and flirt." She set the chips aside and reached for the beer again. "But I think my childhood died during the war, and then I think to myself: can I really go back to wearing short skirts with ribbons twined in my hair and babbling mindlessly about how much I admire the latest singer?" she snorted. "I think not."
"No" Illumi agreed. "You've seen too much to remain a child anymore. I lost my innocence when I turned three, and I've always wondered if I can ever reclaim it."
"You must have trained to become an assassin at an early age." Rudy observed.
"Yes, assassin's blood flows through me, whether I wanted it or not. Did you know Rudy, that when you touched my soul, my earliest memories suddenly became all the more clearer again, like I suddenly awaken from a mind numbing dream that has been so vague and fleeting all these years? With my powers, I could have fashioned any life for myself that I wanted, and my parents didn't allow that, so they threw me into the Black Room and kept me in there for three months. I could have been anything that I wanted Rudy," his voice thickened with emotion. "I could have done anything because my power allowed it, and it had potential for plenty more. But these past twenty years have been a dark dream and I lost direction. The only thing that reminded me of what I could be was Hisoka. It was only through him that I retained the barest link with my emotions. He gave a scrap about me, and always looked after me whenever I became seriously injured in my assignments. I think I didn't like him at first, but he was persistent, and I'm adaptable. Soon, we became each other's habit, and we got used to each other's presence and accompaniment. I quietly rejoiced, knowing that I always had someone to turn to, but Hisoka became frightened that he had become attached. So he used Gon against me, and threatened to hurt me if I did something nasty to Gon. I refused to believe that all the years we had spent together meant nothing to him, but I swore that I would not contact him until he did first. I waited one painful year, and he finally called me, but only to acquire my (paid) services. That disappointed me, and after another year, I felt ready to give up on him," Illumi gave a small smile "but then he dragged me out of the masses of people, here in Arcadia and gave me a big hug. Afterwards, he almost became desperate to seek my forgiveness." Rudy grinned and pretended not to notice the streak of light pink across the top of Illumi's nose.
Did you know Rudy? My power is derived on my emotions and moods. With complete access to them now, I can realize my full potential, and I have you to thank as well. You, Hisoka, Karen-chan and all my younger siblings are the most important people in my life."
Illumi raised his can of beer to her in respect and likewise took a deep draught. Perhaps he was slightly affected by the alcohol that he was discussing his deepest secrets so openly with the young girl, but then and again, they were alike in many ways.
"I am now finally free, and I know exactly what I want to do. I want to leave home. I detest everything at home – my freezing room, the way Silva treats me, always being excluded from family events. I hate that feeling so damn much! I think even after all these years, it still hurts every time I sit by myself in my cold room, facing four blank walls knowing that they were happily celebrating new year of something upstairs in the dining room. Sometimes, I just sat there, and could almost feel the tears that I couldn't shed. I so desperately wished that I could join them and take my seat in those family dinners, because I had loved them once, and they had loved me too, before they discovered what I could do."
"Do you hate your parents?" Rudy probed gently.
"No, I don't hate them, I just dislike them, very much. And now that I am who I was destined to be, I am going to do what has been denied to me for so long. I am going to laugh, cry, be happy, be sad, be angry, know envy and enjoy everything that life has to offer. It's strange you know, having to deal with emotions so bright and vivid, but I think I'm already getting the hang of it."
"That's the spirit!" Rudy said happily and hopped to her feet. "That's what I learnt today, something that I had always known, but just became forgotten under the piles and piles of documents and papers I had to sign and all the work that comes with my position. The Future, the way Ahead. That's what I missed. I forgot to ask myself why people willingly gave up their lives in the war. It wasn't just for the defence of this country, it was for the defence of their future, the road that lies ahead and to make sure that it is a well paved road and free from obstacles, nightmares and horrors." She lifted her arms to the sky as if she were receiving the ultimate truth from the heavens.
"That's why they all weren't afraid of death Illumi. Because they knew that with their lives, they were purchasing a future for us all, for their children and their grandchildren to come. Men walked straight into Hell and never flinched because there was a cause greater than just the defence of Arcadia, or the need to revenge for those who suffered so terribly."
Rudy's laughter filled the heavy calm about them, lifting the still winds with a refreshing breeze because the nen all around them reflected her mood, and right now, she felt as free as any seagull drifting and soaring in the boundless skies.
"Hold your head up high and face the future because that's where the endless possibilities await. Yes, it is all so clear now. I know exactly which path to choose, which course of action to take."
"Hmm…I always thought that the future was always uncertain." Illumi amiably argued.
"It is, but I have this ability that manifested during the war and was very useful. If I have been given all the facts, then my mind can calculate all the probabilities and the impact of a different actions and the consequences that follow and so on and so on, so that the future is a clear infinite tree of possibilities of what it might be and what could happen, and in that instant, I can pick out the best one and follow that to the very end. The future is as clear as a sparkling diamond to me, and that is why I am the perfect Emperor. Only I can bring about what is the best for Arcadia, and I will not shy away from this duty, even if I have to give up my soul and humanity for Arcadia."
Illumi looked at her short, lanky figure, and suddenly saw imposed upon her generations upon generations of Emperors, all expecting miracles from her. And because she had to keep Arcadia forever safe from the vengeance of her neighbouring countries, Rudy had given up her soul and all moral conscience and killed off an entire nation, just so that Arcadia could never be threatened again.
"Did you always see yourself as the saviour?"
"Hell no. I was just the daughter of a minor royal family with nothing special planned ahead for me." She laid on her back and starred at the open and endless sky. There was a sort of wistful expression on her face.
"When the war first came, most of my family were called up for army service, leaving just me and my nanny. I was nothing exceptional then, just a little girl learning all about manners and etiquette. But I had always been somewhat stubborn I guess, and halfway into the war, when the armies finally started banging on the gates of Shandrakor, my hometown, everyone's first thought was to evacuate. There were only so many train services, meaning that not everyone could flee and there were enough televisions documentary back then showing the extent of death and carnage of other towns and villages that had fallen. The enemy took no prisoners." Her hand reached out for the nearest packet of food.
"I had seen enough. I couldn't look away anymore. We were supposed to be one country damnit. One people who looked out for and protected one another. But instead, the army was constantly on the retreat and left the cities defenceless against the enemy, leaving them at anybody's mercy. There were many demoralizing stories of whole provinces surrendering, only to see most of the population shipped into labor camps and factories. I guess you can only tolerate so much suffering."
The sky she was looking at blurred and shimmered into many hues of colours as tears welled up in her eyes.
"And then I said – enough is enough. Whilst everyone was packing to leave, and were waiting at the outskirts of the town for other transportation services, I took out a shovel and started digging a trench to prepare for the upcoming imminent attack. I told myself that as part of the Royal Family, I had the responsibility of leading by example, because rather than ask what the people can do for me, I asked myself what I could do for the people. And gradually, people dropped their things and joined me in building fortifications around the city, laying down minefields, building wooden barricades, setting up anti aircraft artillery. No one left the city, and we all swore to die to the last one to defend it."
The tears spilled out and rolled down her cheeks.
"I think that day, I lost any chance of living a normal life and voluntarily took on the burden of being who I am today. You must have heard of the Siege of Shandrakor – it lasted a total of seven hundred days, and one million people died to defend it until Berenger's army came to the rescue. In those two years, I saw people die from starvation, wasting sicknesses, the devastating cold winters up north where we were and thousands upon thousands of casualties of war, men with amputated limbs, blood spilling from the surgeon's table. Everyone lived off meager rations, but didn't complain. Instead, they only became grimmer and more determined to hold their ground to the very last. It was then that I knew that childhood could never have another place in my life after what I had been through, what I had seen. I joined the army and learnt to lead and fight and was told that I could not shed tears for the dead until we had secured the ultimate victory. There will be no more tears, I told the nation, because every dead brother, sister, mother, father will only be added fuel to our anger and hatred for the enemy's onslaught against Arcadia, and should we truly wish to honour the dead, then we must go o arms and secure the safety of the nation that everyone else has died for.
It wasn't until the siege was over that I realized our battle had received so much coverage and attention. I became the perfect example of the decadent and degenerating royalty. "Alannis Family upholds its duty and honour and defends its city, leading to ultimate victory" one newspaper headline had in big black letters on its front page. Radios began to broadcast my rallying speeches across the entire country," her voice quavered "and everyone responded in a single voice. People said that I was developing leadership qualities and should remain at the front as an inspiration to the army. But by then, I was too consumed with anger and hatred at what had been done to my country, how Shandrakor was barely a pile of rubble after two years of bombardment, and I went onto the battlefield and killed, as many as I could.
My hands were washed with the blood of the enemy over and over again, but it was never enough. I couldn't turn a blind eye to what had happened, to villages reduced to ashes and black crumbling structures, to see widespread famine because the farms had been deliberately scorched. I urged the country to ride on this wave of toiling rage and we swore to liberate the country. I fought in countless battles, with countless legends and heroes, because it had become my duty to the people and to the country. Did I ever want to be consumed with such unholy wrath that I almost went mad and insane from the grief I experienced? Five years ago, I would have definitely answered 'no', but never once during the war did I think of what I was becoming. I was leading people to victory, that was all that mattered, and I was revenging for all the innocents slain and it would not stop until the blood of my enemy flowed like rivers in their own country. I will not stop, because there were people who needed defending, and I would not commit the same mistake as Rodimostev II and call back the army to protect the Capital whilst his people suffered. I will go out and defend them with my life, because that's why we have an Emperor, so that he can protect his people. In a way, I thought this was all that I could do to repay the grieving families for all the wrong choices of the Emperor before me. I became the new face of Royalty, what the Kalinnan family originally started out as before they all fell down to corruption"
She sighed shakily and went for another can of beer, but Illumi finally stopped her from doing so.
"You will be the greatest Emperor ever Rudy, ever. I have never seen such commitment and determination."
"That's what they all tell me. I cannot disappoint them, especially since so many people died so that I could steer Arcadia into its glorious future. I finally understand my role. It is a duty that I should not shy away from, because only I know what's best for us all. People can call me a bloody murderer for destroying an entire race, or that I butchered my entire family to become the one and only uncontested Emperor, but I will do what necessity beckons, even if it costs me my soul." And this was said in a voice that was no longer laced with weariness or bitterness but by a voice that swelled with pride and purpose.
Illumi raised his can of beer to her again, and they merrily clacked the aluminum tins together.
"To the Future!" they cheered, and looking out to the endless horizon, they threw away the cans with all their might in an act of celebration and defiance to any obstacles in the future which might block their path to happiness.
One of them whizzed innocently through the air, and without warning, hit Silva in the face.
============
"People on the roof! Identify yourself immediately!" Berenger roared from below. He barely avoided the shower of hollow beer cans.
"I'm going up." Berenger grated harshly and stormed into the throne room to access the long treacherous flight of stairs to the top.
"Koran, you guard the ground. We are all going up too." Echlan instructed and with ease which defied his age, followed the Palace Guardian, the other two Generals and a grumpy Silva who wanted unholy revenge.
Echlan almost fainted at the mess that Rudy and Illumi made on the roof. Discarded plastic bags flew limply in the small breeze, barely held down by bags upon bags of the most disgusting junk food he had ever laid his ancient eyes on.
"Sire, please step away from the ledge. It's a long fall." Berenger quietly cautioned and began to approach the pair sitting on the ground who eyed him almost uneasily, as if they were afraid that they were going to be told off and were brainstorming for excuses already.
"This is madness!" Echlan rushed forward, rudely pushing Berenger aside and flipped through all the ridiculous sugar constructs. "This stuff will kill you faster and more painfully than leprosy! It is worse than garbage!" he eyed the packs upon packs of beer and his voice rose to hysterical tones which was vaguely reminiscent of Kikyou's mad voice. "You've been drinking BEER! You're not old enough to purchase such filth! It was you!" Echlan painfully gripped Illumi's slim wrist and threatened to crush it with his inhuman strength. But Illumi only looked back calmly, and also noticed that more people had also climbed appeared on the roof.
"I can assure you that we've been drinking something else."
"Darn right." And Rudy belched loudly, followed with uncontrolled giggling. Echlan and Berenger wrinkled their noses.
"That smells like beer." Both said simultaneously.
But to prove his point, Illumi picked up a can with nen flaring in his fine pale hand, then handed it to Berenger.
"It's lemonade. Try it."
He received flat glares from everyone, but so confident was Illumi with his new found strength and powers, he truly believed that no one could touch him anymore. Misha roughly snatched the drink from the Palace Guardian and drank half the can with one gulp and looked astonished.
"Well blow me down! This IS lemonade."
"Dear lords" muttered Wing. "It's manipulation, at its unachievable peak where he is able to transmute anything around him into what he desires."
"You mean instead of making the water taste sweet like Killua can do, Illumi has actually changed beer into lemonade?" Gon breathed in wonder and looked at his companion's insanely jealous expression.
"I can call up orange juice if you want, or coke, sprite, fanta, brandy, bourbon…anything basically."
Echlan and all the Generals sucked in breaths of awe and fear.
"Damn, he's got the Midas Touch." Kamus grunted and received another can from Illumi. The contents didn't fizz when he opened it, and he sniffed experimentally.
"Red wine?" he took a sip and grinned. "This is good vintage you've got. You just stand right there, and I'll go grab a few barrels of water and you turn it exactly into this stuff ok?" the General grinned and quickly disappeared down the stairwell.
"Ni-chan! Don't encourage him!" Kikyou called down to the rapidly disappearing figure.
Silva stepped forward. "Alright, I want answers. Who threw this can of beer?"
Illumi and Rudy both looked at each other. "We both did." The Emperor replied defensively and sucked her fingers clean of any attaching msg from the chips. Silva glared at the both of them, but sighed and gave up just in case the old Eunuch, the steroid case and the madman took his aggressive manner as a threat to their emperor.
"Hey ani, what else can you do?" Alluka pushed past his dad and gave Illumi a big hug. Cat barely managed to scramble out of the way and dived to safety in Rudy's arms.
"Allu!" Illumi pulled his younger brother back and studied him closely. He felt a wave of content and relief wash over him. "You can walk again at last. How should we celebrate?" he gently stroked Alluka's hair and gave him a small kiss on the forehead. Alluka grinned.
"I'm celebrating by walking already ani. I think I'll just enjoy the pull of gravity for the time being and get used to feeding myself with my own hands again."
"Ok." Rudy jumped to her feet. "I better get started on working on my speech, while the inspiration is still fresh. I'll just call a few maids and eunuchs up to clean the mess." She picked through all the food and selected the ones that she particularly liked and grinned at everyone, daring them to prevent her from walking away with her bounty.
"And I will go raid the Imperial Kitchens with Hisoka." Illumi also got up and patted all the crumbs off his dress with elegant grace. He daintily jumped from the pile of garbage in his fine, soft satin shoes and Cat followed him.
"Your friend is out cold, down in the room you were resting in before." Misha informed the assassin with soft dangerous tones. Much as he respected Illumi's powers, his madness created an irresistible urge to challenge the man, but only the last vestiges of sanity prevented him from actually doing so.
"Oh?" Illumi inquired worriedly and hurriedly followed Rudy down the stairs
"Not so fast young man!" Kikyou screeched after him, her voice rising to very loud and painful volumes. "Mama wants to talk to you about your behaviour! Illumi? Do you dare to defy your mother's orders?"
She received no answer, only the increased pace of the footsteps clattering down the stairs. She swung a deadly glare to Berenger.
"You people are giving him delusions of grandeur about his powers. Now he's become rebellious. Now explain what the Midas Touch is, or I'll manhandle you and throw you off the ledge this instant!" People standing by observing could only admire Kikyou's courage to stand up to a man whose arms were three times as thick as hers and weighed twice as much. Perhaps it never occurred to Kikyou that Berenger could just crush her with the swat of his massive hand, but there she was, glaring down the Palace Guardian who began to feel mighty uneasy.
"The Midas Touch, if I remember correctly, was one of the Scared Powers exhibited by Wolfe Kalinnan, the third Emperor of this dynasty. The country prospered because anything under his touch could turn into gold on will. I don't know if he ever turned beer into juice, but the fact that Illumi can alter the property of objects around him is a sure sign that he has this Power."
"Berenger-san, what other kinds of Powers are there?" Gon asked.
The Palace Guardian chewed his lip. He was never any good at history, but he was mildly fascinated by the strength of the many emperors in Arcadian history.
"Well, the first Kalinnan emperor could wield this Hellfire which could reduce anything into ashes within seconds. One of the Emperors in the Cardinal Dynasty was able to create ice so strong and cold that if you threw a block of it into an active volcanic mountain, the lava would freeze and can never spew forth again…what was that called?"
He scratched his head and only saw a blank in his mind. Misha sighed and answered for him.
"Even I know Berenger. It's called Eternal Entombment. Actually, there are blocks of people who have been preserved in this amazing ice down in one of the storerooms somewhere. After all these hundreds of years, it still hasn't even shed a single shard of ice."
"Why don't you just name a few more? I'm getting hungry." Berenger said plaintively. The General nodded.
"Another Cardinal Emperor displayed strange powers too. He loved a concubine so much that his Empress had her killed. Years later, an eunuch showed up with her exact face, and….er…they fell in love, and because the Emperor didn't bed any other women from that day on, his advisors urged him to think of some way to produce an heir. So he took a drop of his own blood and the blood of the eunuch and was able to create a perfectly normal baby from his nen. That is known as Creation. Bloody useless in my opinion."
Leorio in the meantime, had dutifully covered Gon's ears.
"And then, in the Wardien dynasty, there was an Emperor who could form a forcefield so strong that nothing could penetrate it. It was simply called the Invulnerable Resistance. His son after him also had strong powers and could soar into the sky as effortlessly as the birds. That was called the Chariot of the Sky. Rudy has the Voice, which compels all who listens, and Illumi probably has something similar too. She also has the Vision, which allows her to see all the possibilities of the future in one big infinite tree. Now that is a useful power." Misha sighed and looked wearily at Berenger.
"We're just mere mortals compared to people like them it's just depressing. If you want to know more, I'm sure there are a few more, talk to Echlan. He should know. For now, I want lunch, and anyone who stands in my path will taste pain."
Misha stalked away with Berenger muttering his sentiments as well. He had the courtesy to invite everyone else to lunch, but whilst the Emperor made it safely back to the Forbidden Palace, the rebels were beginning to stir.
Sorry folks, again, I was dissatisfied again with the way the previous chapter turned out, and felt a need to explain some things and add something extra. So here we go, another half a chapter extended. Hope you guys enjoy. I sure am!
Note: By the way, I've been so obsessed with the Deathstalker novels lately that I borrowed the name from Simon Green's novels in honour of the main character's memory. Also, I made reference to a place called "Shandrakor" in this chapter as well. I freely admit that I did not make this name, and again, it belongs to Simon Green – I'm merely borrowing it because I like the sound of it (
Rudy and Illumi sat on the highest roof of the Forbidden Palace which gave them a commanding view of the large and extensive, but silent city only accessible to royalty. Stone ornaments dotted the many other lower roofs, their red slated roofs dully gleaming under the sun, others slightly battered by the years and lack of renovation. Some birds had made comfortable nests and homes within the cracks underneath the beams that supported all the massive structures. On Illumi's warm lap lay the biggest cat he ever did lay his eyes on. It had a gleaming black coat, save for the white tips (he'd prefer to call them 'socks') on all four feet of the cat. It was obviously a stray cat when it had jumped out of nowhere and landed into his open arms when the Emperor and Illumi slowly made their way back to the Forbidden Palace. The assassin decided that he liked the cat very much, its large green eyes, its warm furry body pressed against his, and those purrs of comfort whenever he stroked the cat's large belly. It's name was Cat, and it meowed in pleasure when Illumi absentmindedly ticked him underneath the chin.
"Most brilliant view…" Rudy drawled with a can of beer in her slim hand. She looked about her with pride and dominance with the expression of great content, like a hard laborer reaping the fruits of his work. "And all of it mine." She took another long draft from the can, emptying it in one great go and carelessly dropped the container down onto the ground, far, far below. Around her lay bags and bags of lunch, scattered messily around the pair of them. There were jumbo size packets of chips, chocolate coated biscuits, gummi bears, bars of rich chocolate and an assortment of other grossly sugar coated junk, enough to satisfy a thousand ant colonies for five years.
Illumi nibbled happily on a chocolate teddy and gestured for Rudy to step away from the ledge. She snuggled up comfortably beside him, head resting lightly against the soft, delicate pink sleeves of a maid's uniform.
"Rudy, I've noticed something."
"Oh?" she opened another can of beer.
"All women have long hair, even the young girls, and all men have short hair. Why isn't your hair long too?" he glanced at her rather short and, if he were truly frank, unhealthy and poorly conditioned hair and wondered why it was neither short nor long, just clinging to the base of her neck. It suddenly made him feel self conscious about the ribbons he had twined in his hair when the Emperor looked at his own lustrous mane wistfully.
"A lot of things are forbidden to me." She began slowly, carefully choosing her words. "There have never been Emperors before me who have been women. In fact, women never had much political power or any say in the first place. They were merely economic and political conveniences – mainly to be married off to establish those sorts of links and ties. But there were a few prominent women who were quite active in court – and your aunt would be one of them, even though I never met her. Kimone Kalinnan Kastro was one of those who demonstrated a fine a sharp mind with a deadly grasp of intrigue and politics. The Empress despised her because she saw in Kimone the sort of person she could never be – a righteous and honourable person who could always be trusted to rely on herself, a person who held power that was actually legitimate back in the days of Rodimostev II. And the Empress hated her because her power was precarious and it depended on how well she pleasured and satisfied Rodimostev II in bed. I think deep down, women were never proud of earning power that way, and thus the Empress wanted to destroy the very thing which reminded her of just how dirty she had become." She sighed slightly. "Had Kimone been alive in my time, I would have made her a proper Imperial Official – something that has never been done before."
Rudy looked deeply into Illumi's eyes and reflected upon her soul.
"And I am Emperor, because I pulled the country together when I was only nine years old, and stood in the face overwhelming odds and not once did I falter. I am the Emperor because my compassion and commitment with the people rallied them all to arms so that we could defeat the enemy. And yet, even though I held the banner as we stormed the enemy's capital and proclaimed victory, I was still a girl. I still am a girl, but it was clear that the people would accept no one but me as their Emperor." There was slight bitterness in her voice and a great weary of carrying a burden far heavier than she should ever be expected to carry.
Illumi shrugged and popped a gummi bear into his mouth. "I always believed that the most competent person should sit in the seat of power, regardless of sex."
"It's not that simple. Being a woman means that you're born into many restrictions already – simple things, like having to give up your name when you marry into another family, or the constant pressures of a society dominated by men and so you have to constantly prove yourself to the world." The can of beer was crushed in Rudy's tight fist. "But I am the only person worthy of sitting on the throne, the only one who can rebuild this country, so I must make concessions of sorts. One of the first things was my hair. The Emperor has always been a figurehead and symbol of power and dominance, and having long hair would ruin that image. So Echlan persuaded me to keep it short, and keep it that way. And my Royal Robes – they are of male design, but specifically tailored to fit me properly of course. But no, I can't wear a dress, and I believe I haven't worn one ever since I dug that trench in Shandrakor. And I will never marry because I will never give up this power that I have….no….I sacrificed too much to secure this seat, seen too many people put their trust in me to guide their country and die, not just so some jerk can take this from me." She ripped open a packet of salt and vinegar chips. "So basically, I will be alone and secluded from the normal life that other teenage girls live."
Illumi accepted a handful chips and sniffed precariously at the staggering smell of vinegar which hit his nostrils and almost bought tears to his eyes. Strong stuff.
"Sometimes, I see clusters of girls my age, giggling, laughing, talking to each other on mobile phones and reading fashion magazines, looking for the perfect diet. A part of me sometimes wish I could live that kind of life, a life without responsibilities, where I can act my age and flirt." She set the chips aside and reached for the beer again. "But I think my childhood died during the war, and then I think to myself: can I really go back to wearing short skirts with ribbons twined in my hair and babbling mindlessly about how much I admire the latest singer?" she snorted. "I think not."
"No" Illumi agreed. "You've seen too much to remain a child anymore. I lost my innocence when I turned three, and I've always wondered if I can ever reclaim it."
"You must have trained to become an assassin at an early age." Rudy observed.
"Yes, assassin's blood flows through me, whether I wanted it or not. Did you know Rudy, that when you touched my soul, my earliest memories suddenly became all the more clearer again, like I suddenly awaken from a mind numbing dream that has been so vague and fleeting all these years? With my powers, I could have fashioned any life for myself that I wanted, and my parents didn't allow that, so they threw me into the Black Room and kept me in there for three months. I could have been anything that I wanted Rudy," his voice thickened with emotion. "I could have done anything because my power allowed it, and it had potential for plenty more. But these past twenty years have been a dark dream and I lost direction. The only thing that reminded me of what I could be was Hisoka. It was only through him that I retained the barest link with my emotions. He gave a scrap about me, and always looked after me whenever I became seriously injured in my assignments. I think I didn't like him at first, but he was persistent, and I'm adaptable. Soon, we became each other's habit, and we got used to each other's presence and accompaniment. I quietly rejoiced, knowing that I always had someone to turn to, but Hisoka became frightened that he had become attached. So he used Gon against me, and threatened to hurt me if I did something nasty to Gon. I refused to believe that all the years we had spent together meant nothing to him, but I swore that I would not contact him until he did first. I waited one painful year, and he finally called me, but only to acquire my (paid) services. That disappointed me, and after another year, I felt ready to give up on him," Illumi gave a small smile "but then he dragged me out of the masses of people, here in Arcadia and gave me a big hug. Afterwards, he almost became desperate to seek my forgiveness." Rudy grinned and pretended not to notice the streak of light pink across the top of Illumi's nose.
Did you know Rudy? My power is derived on my emotions and moods. With complete access to them now, I can realize my full potential, and I have you to thank as well. You, Hisoka, Karen-chan and all my younger siblings are the most important people in my life."
Illumi raised his can of beer to her in respect and likewise took a deep draught. Perhaps he was slightly affected by the alcohol that he was discussing his deepest secrets so openly with the young girl, but then and again, they were alike in many ways.
"I am now finally free, and I know exactly what I want to do. I want to leave home. I detest everything at home – my freezing room, the way Silva treats me, always being excluded from family events. I hate that feeling so damn much! I think even after all these years, it still hurts every time I sit by myself in my cold room, facing four blank walls knowing that they were happily celebrating new year of something upstairs in the dining room. Sometimes, I just sat there, and could almost feel the tears that I couldn't shed. I so desperately wished that I could join them and take my seat in those family dinners, because I had loved them once, and they had loved me too, before they discovered what I could do."
"Do you hate your parents?" Rudy probed gently.
"No, I don't hate them, I just dislike them, very much. And now that I am who I was destined to be, I am going to do what has been denied to me for so long. I am going to laugh, cry, be happy, be sad, be angry, know envy and enjoy everything that life has to offer. It's strange you know, having to deal with emotions so bright and vivid, but I think I'm already getting the hang of it."
"That's the spirit!" Rudy said happily and hopped to her feet. "That's what I learnt today, something that I had always known, but just became forgotten under the piles and piles of documents and papers I had to sign and all the work that comes with my position. The Future, the way Ahead. That's what I missed. I forgot to ask myself why people willingly gave up their lives in the war. It wasn't just for the defence of this country, it was for the defence of their future, the road that lies ahead and to make sure that it is a well paved road and free from obstacles, nightmares and horrors." She lifted her arms to the sky as if she were receiving the ultimate truth from the heavens.
"That's why they all weren't afraid of death Illumi. Because they knew that with their lives, they were purchasing a future for us all, for their children and their grandchildren to come. Men walked straight into Hell and never flinched because there was a cause greater than just the defence of Arcadia, or the need to revenge for those who suffered so terribly."
Rudy's laughter filled the heavy calm about them, lifting the still winds with a refreshing breeze because the nen all around them reflected her mood, and right now, she felt as free as any seagull drifting and soaring in the boundless skies.
"Hold your head up high and face the future because that's where the endless possibilities await. Yes, it is all so clear now. I know exactly which path to choose, which course of action to take."
"Hmm…I always thought that the future was always uncertain." Illumi amiably argued.
"It is, but I have this ability that manifested during the war and was very useful. If I have been given all the facts, then my mind can calculate all the probabilities and the impact of a different actions and the consequences that follow and so on and so on, so that the future is a clear infinite tree of possibilities of what it might be and what could happen, and in that instant, I can pick out the best one and follow that to the very end. The future is as clear as a sparkling diamond to me, and that is why I am the perfect Emperor. Only I can bring about what is the best for Arcadia, and I will not shy away from this duty, even if I have to give up my soul and humanity for Arcadia."
Illumi looked at her short, lanky figure, and suddenly saw imposed upon her generations upon generations of Emperors, all expecting miracles from her. And because she had to keep Arcadia forever safe from the vengeance of her neighbouring countries, Rudy had given up her soul and all moral conscience and killed off an entire nation, just so that Arcadia could never be threatened again.
"Did you always see yourself as the saviour?"
"Hell no. I was just the daughter of a minor royal family with nothing special planned ahead for me." She laid on her back and starred at the open and endless sky. There was a sort of wistful expression on her face.
"When the war first came, most of my family were called up for army service, leaving just me and my nanny. I was nothing exceptional then, just a little girl learning all about manners and etiquette. But I had always been somewhat stubborn I guess, and halfway into the war, when the armies finally started banging on the gates of Shandrakor, my hometown, everyone's first thought was to evacuate. There were only so many train services, meaning that not everyone could flee and there were enough televisions documentary back then showing the extent of death and carnage of other towns and villages that had fallen. The enemy took no prisoners." Her hand reached out for the nearest packet of food.
"I had seen enough. I couldn't look away anymore. We were supposed to be one country damnit. One people who looked out for and protected one another. But instead, the army was constantly on the retreat and left the cities defenceless against the enemy, leaving them at anybody's mercy. There were many demoralizing stories of whole provinces surrendering, only to see most of the population shipped into labor camps and factories. I guess you can only tolerate so much suffering."
The sky she was looking at blurred and shimmered into many hues of colours as tears welled up in her eyes.
"And then I said – enough is enough. Whilst everyone was packing to leave, and were waiting at the outskirts of the town for other transportation services, I took out a shovel and started digging a trench to prepare for the upcoming imminent attack. I told myself that as part of the Royal Family, I had the responsibility of leading by example, because rather than ask what the people can do for me, I asked myself what I could do for the people. And gradually, people dropped their things and joined me in building fortifications around the city, laying down minefields, building wooden barricades, setting up anti aircraft artillery. No one left the city, and we all swore to die to the last one to defend it."
The tears spilled out and rolled down her cheeks.
"I think that day, I lost any chance of living a normal life and voluntarily took on the burden of being who I am today. You must have heard of the Siege of Shandrakor – it lasted a total of seven hundred days, and one million people died to defend it until Berenger's army came to the rescue. In those two years, I saw people die from starvation, wasting sicknesses, the devastating cold winters up north where we were and thousands upon thousands of casualties of war, men with amputated limbs, blood spilling from the surgeon's table. Everyone lived off meager rations, but didn't complain. Instead, they only became grimmer and more determined to hold their ground to the very last. It was then that I knew that childhood could never have another place in my life after what I had been through, what I had seen. I joined the army and learnt to lead and fight and was told that I could not shed tears for the dead until we had secured the ultimate victory. There will be no more tears, I told the nation, because every dead brother, sister, mother, father will only be added fuel to our anger and hatred for the enemy's onslaught against Arcadia, and should we truly wish to honour the dead, then we must go o arms and secure the safety of the nation that everyone else has died for.
It wasn't until the siege was over that I realized our battle had received so much coverage and attention. I became the perfect example of the decadent and degenerating royalty. "Alannis Family upholds its duty and honour and defends its city, leading to ultimate victory" one newspaper headline had in big black letters on its front page. Radios began to broadcast my rallying speeches across the entire country," her voice quavered "and everyone responded in a single voice. People said that I was developing leadership qualities and should remain at the front as an inspiration to the army. But by then, I was too consumed with anger and hatred at what had been done to my country, how Shandrakor was barely a pile of rubble after two years of bombardment, and I went onto the battlefield and killed, as many as I could.
My hands were washed with the blood of the enemy over and over again, but it was never enough. I couldn't turn a blind eye to what had happened, to villages reduced to ashes and black crumbling structures, to see widespread famine because the farms had been deliberately scorched. I urged the country to ride on this wave of toiling rage and we swore to liberate the country. I fought in countless battles, with countless legends and heroes, because it had become my duty to the people and to the country. Did I ever want to be consumed with such unholy wrath that I almost went mad and insane from the grief I experienced? Five years ago, I would have definitely answered 'no', but never once during the war did I think of what I was becoming. I was leading people to victory, that was all that mattered, and I was revenging for all the innocents slain and it would not stop until the blood of my enemy flowed like rivers in their own country. I will not stop, because there were people who needed defending, and I would not commit the same mistake as Rodimostev II and call back the army to protect the Capital whilst his people suffered. I will go out and defend them with my life, because that's why we have an Emperor, so that he can protect his people. In a way, I thought this was all that I could do to repay the grieving families for all the wrong choices of the Emperor before me. I became the new face of Royalty, what the Kalinnan family originally started out as before they all fell down to corruption"
She sighed shakily and went for another can of beer, but Illumi finally stopped her from doing so.
"You will be the greatest Emperor ever Rudy, ever. I have never seen such commitment and determination."
"That's what they all tell me. I cannot disappoint them, especially since so many people died so that I could steer Arcadia into its glorious future. I finally understand my role. It is a duty that I should not shy away from, because only I know what's best for us all. People can call me a bloody murderer for destroying an entire race, or that I butchered my entire family to become the one and only uncontested Emperor, but I will do what necessity beckons, even if it costs me my soul." And this was said in a voice that was no longer laced with weariness or bitterness but by a voice that swelled with pride and purpose.
Illumi raised his can of beer to her again, and they merrily clacked the aluminum tins together.
"To the Future!" they cheered, and looking out to the endless horizon, they threw away the cans with all their might in an act of celebration and defiance to any obstacles in the future which might block their path to happiness.
One of them whizzed innocently through the air, and without warning, hit Silva in the face.
============
"People on the roof! Identify yourself immediately!" Berenger roared from below. He barely avoided the shower of hollow beer cans.
"I'm going up." Berenger grated harshly and stormed into the throne room to access the long treacherous flight of stairs to the top.
"Koran, you guard the ground. We are all going up too." Echlan instructed and with ease which defied his age, followed the Palace Guardian, the other two Generals and a grumpy Silva who wanted unholy revenge.
Echlan almost fainted at the mess that Rudy and Illumi made on the roof. Discarded plastic bags flew limply in the small breeze, barely held down by bags upon bags of the most disgusting junk food he had ever laid his ancient eyes on.
"Sire, please step away from the ledge. It's a long fall." Berenger quietly cautioned and began to approach the pair sitting on the ground who eyed him almost uneasily, as if they were afraid that they were going to be told off and were brainstorming for excuses already.
"This is madness!" Echlan rushed forward, rudely pushing Berenger aside and flipped through all the ridiculous sugar constructs. "This stuff will kill you faster and more painfully than leprosy! It is worse than garbage!" he eyed the packs upon packs of beer and his voice rose to hysterical tones which was vaguely reminiscent of Kikyou's mad voice. "You've been drinking BEER! You're not old enough to purchase such filth! It was you!" Echlan painfully gripped Illumi's slim wrist and threatened to crush it with his inhuman strength. But Illumi only looked back calmly, and also noticed that more people had also climbed appeared on the roof.
"I can assure you that we've been drinking something else."
"Darn right." And Rudy belched loudly, followed with uncontrolled giggling. Echlan and Berenger wrinkled their noses.
"That smells like beer." Both said simultaneously.
But to prove his point, Illumi picked up a can with nen flaring in his fine pale hand, then handed it to Berenger.
"It's lemonade. Try it."
He received flat glares from everyone, but so confident was Illumi with his new found strength and powers, he truly believed that no one could touch him anymore. Misha roughly snatched the drink from the Palace Guardian and drank half the can with one gulp and looked astonished.
"Well blow me down! This IS lemonade."
"Dear lords" muttered Wing. "It's manipulation, at its unachievable peak where he is able to transmute anything around him into what he desires."
"You mean instead of making the water taste sweet like Killua can do, Illumi has actually changed beer into lemonade?" Gon breathed in wonder and looked at his companion's insanely jealous expression.
"I can call up orange juice if you want, or coke, sprite, fanta, brandy, bourbon…anything basically."
Echlan and all the Generals sucked in breaths of awe and fear.
"Damn, he's got the Midas Touch." Kamus grunted and received another can from Illumi. The contents didn't fizz when he opened it, and he sniffed experimentally.
"Red wine?" he took a sip and grinned. "This is good vintage you've got. You just stand right there, and I'll go grab a few barrels of water and you turn it exactly into this stuff ok?" the General grinned and quickly disappeared down the stairwell.
"Ni-chan! Don't encourage him!" Kikyou called down to the rapidly disappearing figure.
Silva stepped forward. "Alright, I want answers. Who threw this can of beer?"
Illumi and Rudy both looked at each other. "We both did." The Emperor replied defensively and sucked her fingers clean of any attaching msg from the chips. Silva glared at the both of them, but sighed and gave up just in case the old Eunuch, the steroid case and the madman took his aggressive manner as a threat to their emperor.
"Hey ani, what else can you do?" Alluka pushed past his dad and gave Illumi a big hug. Cat barely managed to scramble out of the way and dived to safety in Rudy's arms.
"Allu!" Illumi pulled his younger brother back and studied him closely. He felt a wave of content and relief wash over him. "You can walk again at last. How should we celebrate?" he gently stroked Alluka's hair and gave him a small kiss on the forehead. Alluka grinned.
"I'm celebrating by walking already ani. I think I'll just enjoy the pull of gravity for the time being and get used to feeding myself with my own hands again."
"Ok." Rudy jumped to her feet. "I better get started on working on my speech, while the inspiration is still fresh. I'll just call a few maids and eunuchs up to clean the mess." She picked through all the food and selected the ones that she particularly liked and grinned at everyone, daring them to prevent her from walking away with her bounty.
"And I will go raid the Imperial Kitchens with Hisoka." Illumi also got up and patted all the crumbs off his dress with elegant grace. He daintily jumped from the pile of garbage in his fine, soft satin shoes and Cat followed him.
"Your friend is out cold, down in the room you were resting in before." Misha informed the assassin with soft dangerous tones. Much as he respected Illumi's powers, his madness created an irresistible urge to challenge the man, but only the last vestiges of sanity prevented him from actually doing so.
"Oh?" Illumi inquired worriedly and hurriedly followed Rudy down the stairs
"Not so fast young man!" Kikyou screeched after him, her voice rising to very loud and painful volumes. "Mama wants to talk to you about your behaviour! Illumi? Do you dare to defy your mother's orders?"
She received no answer, only the increased pace of the footsteps clattering down the stairs. She swung a deadly glare to Berenger.
"You people are giving him delusions of grandeur about his powers. Now he's become rebellious. Now explain what the Midas Touch is, or I'll manhandle you and throw you off the ledge this instant!" People standing by observing could only admire Kikyou's courage to stand up to a man whose arms were three times as thick as hers and weighed twice as much. Perhaps it never occurred to Kikyou that Berenger could just crush her with the swat of his massive hand, but there she was, glaring down the Palace Guardian who began to feel mighty uneasy.
"The Midas Touch, if I remember correctly, was one of the Scared Powers exhibited by Wolfe Kalinnan, the third Emperor of this dynasty. The country prospered because anything under his touch could turn into gold on will. I don't know if he ever turned beer into juice, but the fact that Illumi can alter the property of objects around him is a sure sign that he has this Power."
"Berenger-san, what other kinds of Powers are there?" Gon asked.
The Palace Guardian chewed his lip. He was never any good at history, but he was mildly fascinated by the strength of the many emperors in Arcadian history.
"Well, the first Kalinnan emperor could wield this Hellfire which could reduce anything into ashes within seconds. One of the Emperors in the Cardinal Dynasty was able to create ice so strong and cold that if you threw a block of it into an active volcanic mountain, the lava would freeze and can never spew forth again…what was that called?"
He scratched his head and only saw a blank in his mind. Misha sighed and answered for him.
"Even I know Berenger. It's called Eternal Entombment. Actually, there are blocks of people who have been preserved in this amazing ice down in one of the storerooms somewhere. After all these hundreds of years, it still hasn't even shed a single shard of ice."
"Why don't you just name a few more? I'm getting hungry." Berenger said plaintively. The General nodded.
"Another Cardinal Emperor displayed strange powers too. He loved a concubine so much that his Empress had her killed. Years later, an eunuch showed up with her exact face, and….er…they fell in love, and because the Emperor didn't bed any other women from that day on, his advisors urged him to think of some way to produce an heir. So he took a drop of his own blood and the blood of the eunuch and was able to create a perfectly normal baby from his nen. That is known as Creation. Bloody useless in my opinion."
Leorio in the meantime, had dutifully covered Gon's ears.
"And then, in the Wardien dynasty, there was an Emperor who could form a forcefield so strong that nothing could penetrate it. It was simply called the Invulnerable Resistance. His son after him also had strong powers and could soar into the sky as effortlessly as the birds. That was called the Chariot of the Sky. Rudy has the Voice, which compels all who listens, and Illumi probably has something similar too. She also has the Vision, which allows her to see all the possibilities of the future in one big infinite tree. Now that is a useful power." Misha sighed and looked wearily at Berenger.
"We're just mere mortals compared to people like them it's just depressing. If you want to know more, I'm sure there are a few more, talk to Echlan. He should know. For now, I want lunch, and anyone who stands in my path will taste pain."
Misha stalked away with Berenger muttering his sentiments as well. He had the courtesy to invite everyone else to lunch, but whilst the Emperor made it safely back to the Forbidden Palace, the rebels were beginning to stir.