Chapter 3: Long Live the Queen
The people of New Famille cheer and applauded the Gokaigers as General Ozi and the Royal Guards lead them into the heart of the city. Though the crowd didn't try to mob the pirates, every now and then, one person from the mob would break through the guards and shook on of the Gokaigers hands and thank them for all they have done to fight the Zangyack Empire. The Gokaigers smiled at each person who approached them and gladly took their hands. After what seemed like hours, General Ozi and the Royal Guards lead the Gokaigers to very center of the city were a large committee of men and women of different worlds had gathered to meet the Kaizoku Sentai. The members of the committee mostly consisted of humans but there were a few there that were of a different species. Among this committee was a woman that Ahim recognized immediately. "Aunt Marie!" cried the princess as she ran passed the guards and her uncle to greet her aunt.
"Ahim!" exclaimed the woman as she embraced her long lost niece.
"Another one of your relatives Ahim?" asked Marvelous.
"My wife." answered Ozi for Ahim. "Governess Marie de Famille. She was very close with my sister-in-law the late queen. When she and my brother died, Marie was worry sick over Ahim-chan. She was like a second daughter to her."
"A second daughter?" said Joe.
"Yes." said a voice from behind the first mate. As Joe turned around, his eyes met those of a young woman dressed in an identical uniform to the General. She was no older then Ahim and wore her hair in a tight bun. "Ahim and I were very close growing up. We were the closest thing to a sister either of us had." Joe nodded at the young woman but looked at her as if she had three heads. "Oh, forgive me. I did not introduce myself. I am Lieutenant Mai de Famille of the New Famille armed forces. Ahim is my cousin."
At that same time, Ahim had just finished hugging her aunt and turned around to introduce her to her crew. That was when she laid eyes on her cousin. "Mai-chan!" cried Ahim running to Mai with an excited expression on her face.
"Ahim!" cried Mai running and meeting Ahim in the middle. Governess Marie began to cry a little when she saw her daughter and her niece reuniting after being separated for such a long time. "Look at you." said Mai once the to separated. "You look so much stronger then you were when I last saw you. And what's this?" Mai began feeling and squeezing Ahim's arms with an impressed look on her face. "Did you develop mussels while you were pirating?"
"Well, with all the training we do, I guess I my have gotten physically stronger." said a blushing Ahim.
"You have defiantly become stronger." said the Governess walking over to the two. "Not just in body but in spirit too."
"Yes," began Mai "you are no longer the skinny little girl I used to tease."
"Wait until you she her in action." said Marvelous. "She'll really surprise you then."
Mai and the governess turned towards the other Gokaigers remembering that they were there. "Oh, excuse me." said Governess Marie. "I forgot all about the five of you."
"It's alright." said Luka. "We understand. I am Luka Millfy and this is my boyfriend Ikari Gai." Gai bowed to the two after his introduction.
"I am Don Dogoier."
"Joe Gibken."
"And I'm Captain Marvelous."
"Pleased to meet you all." said the governess. "Please, follow us. There is much to discuss." As the governess turned around, the rest of the committee turned around as well and the Gokaigers began to follow them into a barricade area that only military personal could enter. Once inside the barricade, The Gokiagers were lead into a large tent were the committee began to take seats around the a large round table. On the way in, Gai caught a glimpse of what to be the ground work of a large building that is under construction.
"What's that they are building over there?" asked Gai to the General.
"That is where we are building our new palace." answered Ozi.
"A new palace?" said Ahim.
"Yes." said Ozi turning his attention to his niece. "Now that we have found you, we want you to take your rightful place as queen of New Famille."
"Queen!" said Ahim with widened eyes.
"We will discuss it later." said Governess Marie. "Right now we need formulate a plan of attack."
"A plan of attack?" said Don.
"Yes." replied the governess. "Ever sense your escapades on Earth, we have been trying to come up with our own way of striking back against the Zangyack. And now, after what the six of you did yesterday, we are now confident that we can launch a successful campaign and defeat the Zangyack Empire."
"You have really been waiting that long?" said Joe. "How come."
"The same reason you pirates were unable to stop after all this time." answered one of the delegates. This delegate was the ruler of the Kapakanons. The Kapakanons are a race of turtle like beings that somewhat resemble the ancient Japanese demons the Kappa. The Kapakanonian King was an old man with a long white beard and wore a large pointed crown on his head. "The Zangyack's wealth was just simply too great and they had more then enough resources to outlast us at least fifty-thousand times over."
"Grrraaa. Gyyyaaaawwww. Grrrrwwwwwaaaaaawwww." said another created. This create was the king of the Kumakry. The Krumakry are a race of warriors the resemble North American Grizzle bears. They are fifty times stronger then a normal human and are as durable a Sentai Warrior's suite. Up until the Gokiagers came to be, the Kumakry were the toughest challenge the Zangyack ever faced in their many campaigns across the universe. And as you can clearly see, the Kumakry only speak in growls and roars so unless you have studied the language or have lived among the Kumakry yourself, there is no real way for anyone to understand them.
"What King Chuma said," came a voice from behind the Gokaigers. everyone turned to see were the voice originated from and saw a young blonde haired woman in the entrance way of the tent. The young lady immediately continued were she left off, "was that now that the six of you have taken roughly 65% of the Zangyack's fortune, we may have finally found a way to over throw them." The young woman began to walk over to the were the Kumakry were sitting when she bumped into Don. "Oh, excuse me." said the woman.
"It's fine." said Don. As the two locked eyes, Don and the woman felt a strange surge of energy flow through them. It was like nothing either had felt before and they could both fell there checks getting warm.
"Dora-san." said the governess to try to snap the two out of it. "Dora-san!" said the governess again. On the second call of her name, Dora and Don broke away from each other's gaze and once again acknowledged everyone in the tent again. Don let Dora through and the young blonde hair woman returned to King Chuma's side, her face now red from embarrassment.
"Gokaiger-san, allow me to introduces you to Dora Dangar." Began Governess Marie. "She has lived among the Kumakry her entire life and is our tech advisor as well as our translator for the king."
"Well," began Marvelous "I think we should let her and Doc work together."
"Marvelous." said Don nervously under his breath.
"What?" said Marvelous in response. "I'm just saying that it would be a good idea to have the two technicians work together."
"That is enough!" cried the Kapakanonian King. "Can we please get down to business."
"Agreed." said the Governess. "Now then, as King Kakumo said, we all would have began our own attack on the Zangyack Empire long before now but we lack the funds to finance a war of that scale on a long term basis. However, with your looting of the Zangyack's treasure room we not only have a better chance at out lasting the Zangyack in a war, we now have an excellent plan to keep the Zangyack down for good."
"What is that plan?" asked Luka.
"Financial ruin." replied General Ozi. "We figure that if we take out the Zangyack's primary supplies of resources, the Empire will collapse in on itself."
"That is a good plan." said Gai. "But the universe is large place. The Zangyack have to at have tens of millions of planets that they can draw resources from."
"And the Gormin don't get paid." added Joe. "They are just mindless automatons with no will of their own."
"True." said King Kakumo. "However, our spies have discovered that the Zangyack gather up all of their resources up in seven primary storage facilities. Those storage facilities hold 30% of the Zangyack's wealth and can imagine that the the Grand Duchess as pulled out all money they had in all seven to try to rebuild the castle and shield generator."
"And as for the Gormin," began Mai, "even though the Zangyack builds them cheap, our spies have learned that the overall production of the Gormin Soilders cast at least 10% of their annual income."
"So the more financial ruin we cause the Zangyack…" began Ahim.
"The more difficult it will be for the Empire to build more troops." finished Mai.
"But most importantly," started the General "we are hoping that we can inspire others across the universe to take a stand and join us."
"So why do you need us?" asked Marvelous.
"Grrrraawwww. Gyyyywwwwwuuuuu. Grrrrruuuurrrrraaaa. Grrrreeeeerrrrrrwwwww. Geeeeaaaaarrrrrrwwwwww."
"King Chuma says that the reason we need you is because the six of you have become a symbol of hope." translated Dora. "If the six of you lead us in battle, it will legitimize our cause and hopefully, as General Ozi said, inspire others to join the fight."
"But if I become Queen," began Ahim "would that not make me a larger target for the Zangyack?"
There was a long pause. The General and the Governess looked at each other and figured that it was best for them to be honest with their niece. "Yes." answered the General. "That is the risk. But it is the same risk you have been facing as a princess."
"So regardless of what I choose," began Ahim "weather I am Queen or princess I will still be putting my life in danger."
"Ha. You act like that's changing anything." said Marvelous. Ahim turned around and looked upon Marvelous with bewilderment. "Ahim, have you forgotten that after all these years that you have been a pirate that there has been a bounty on your head. So what if you become a Queen. You're still a Gokaiger and that means you still have the five of us to watch your back." Ahim then looked away from the Marvelous and began to look at the faces of her crew. One by one Joe, Luka, Don, Gai and Navi all nodded at the princess with smiles on their faces. Ahim then looked back up to Marvelous and a smile began to spread across her face. "And you will be a great Queen. I know it."
"But what about the other Kings." said Ahim looking at the other monarchs.
"You need not worry about that." said King Kakumo. "We have already settled the arrangements with your aunt and uncle. My people will rule the seas of this world, the Kumakry will rule over the mountains and woods and your people will rule over everything else."
"Well," began Ahim "if that is the case…then I will gladly except duties and become Queen of New Famille."
"And we will be right behind the entire way." said Marvelous as the other Gokaigers gave either a nod or a thumbs up to signify that they were in as well.
"Excellent." said Governess Marie. "We shall coronate Ahim-chan tomorrow at noon. For now, let us continue our planning and figure out which facility to attack first." The briefing between the Gokaigers and the delegates went on well into the night. When it was all said and done, everyone in the makeshift war room agreed upon their first target and retired for the night. The Gokaigers were lead back to the Gokai Gallon. All save for Ahim who was escorted to a tent were she would spend the night with her family.
As the morning came, Ahim awoke and from her sleep and had a quick meal with her aunt, uncle and cousin. When they finished their breakfast, the Royal Family of Famille got dressed and lead Ahim to a heavily guarded tent deep within the blockaded area. Once inside, Ahim was surprised to find that the Crown Jewels of Famille were on display under a thick glass casing. The Crown Jewels of Famille consisted of a jewel encrusted crown a scepter with a large ruby on the top and golden orb with a crucifix on the top. "Uncle…how did you…"
"It was your father's orders to get the Crown Jewels to safety." explained Ozi. "He wanted to ensure that the Royal House of Famille would endure. Even if he himself couldn't be there to lead his people through the trying times we had to face."
"And now that you are finally where you belong," began the Governess "it is time that you inherited your birthright. Are you ready Ahim-chan?"
"Yes." replied Ahim.
"Then let us begin." The Governess then signaled to one of the guards to allow the handmaidens into the tent and help Ahim change into her coronation gown.
It was a little after new when Ahim was fully dressed and ready to be crowned Queen. Outside of the barricaded area, a large stage had been constructed and the same crowd that mobbed the Gokaigers the day before had gathered once again to witness the coronation of their new monarch. As the time grew near, General Ozi, now dressed in he best dress uniform had entered the secured tent to escort his niece to the stage. "Ahim-chan, it is time." Ahim turned to her uncle and curtsied to him. The Pirate Princess was now dressed in a pink and white gown, a three string pearl neckless and large diamond earrings. As Ahim exited the tent, Ozi escorted her to a carriage that will drive the two to the stage. As the carriage began to make move, Ozi noticed a bit of concern on Ahim's face. "Are you okay Ahim-chan?"
"Oh…" began Ahim braking out of her trance. "Oh, yes Uncle. I was only thinking about our attack tomorrow."
"Is that all that you are thinking of?" asked Ozi.
"What do you mean?" asked Ahim in response.
"I am just curious." replied Ozi. "Do you believe that your status as Queen will hinder your friendship with your crew? Especially Captain Marvelous."
"Marvelous-san!" exclaimed Ahim in shock. "Wh-why would I be afraid of having my relationship with Marvelous-san change?"
"Because you love him." said Ozi bluntly. "More so then the others." Ahim looked on at her uncle. She wanted to try and mask her feeling for Marvelous but she knew that he could see right through her. "Do not be ashamed of your feelings. He loves you as much as you love him. And I am sure that you ask Marvelous, he will marry you."
"Do you really think…" began Ahim before catching herself.
"You will be Queen and therefore you will have the authority to make your own rules." said Ozi. "And if you wish to make a pirate your King, you have the blessing of myself and your aunt." Ahim looked into her uncles eyes and smiled at his sincerity. It is true that Ahim has loved Marvelous for a long time now but she doubted that even if Marvelous did intact love her, that he would even consider marriage. Marriage meant settling down, staying in one place and potentially starting a family and Ahim knows full well that settling down and staying in one place is something Marvelous is not accustomed to. Plus their was the fact that Marvelous loved the life of a wandering pirate. Weather or not he loves Ahim more is yet to be seen. As of know, the carriage has finally pulled up to the stage and a symphony of horns began to play indicating the arrival of the new Queen. Once the carriage came to a full stop, a guard opened the carriage door and General Ozi stepped out. Once the General had touched ground, he turned around and helped his niece out of the carriage. After getting out of the carriage, Ahim ascended the stairs, she was greet by Governess Marie and Mai, who was carrying the Crown Jewels on a red velvet pillow. Ahim then walked over to the throne that was placed in the center of the stage and took her seat. Once she was firmly planted onto the seat, Ahim felt a slight chill run up her spine. A small look of concern crossed Ahim's face but it soon disappeared once she caught sight of her friends, who were sitting front and center, Ahim was able to begin to relax. Now that Ahim was seated on her throne, General Ozi began the coronation ceremony. After a long speech, the General then took the crown off of the pillow and walked over to Ahim. "Ahim de Famille…" began Ozi "do you swear to uphold the honor, dignity and legacy of the House of Famille?"
"I do." said Ahim.
"Do you swear to be a paragon to your people and do what is in their best interests?"
"I do."
"And do you swear to always abide by the principals and laws of the planet of New Famille?"
"I do."
With that said, Ozi placed the crown upon Ahim's head and helped her to her feet. Once Ahim had risen of her throne, Governess Marie took the scepter from the pillow and Mai took the golden orb and handed the pillow to one of the guards. Once Ahim had stepped to the edge of the stage, Mai and the Governess handed Ahim the scepter and orb and stepped back to let Ahim have her moment in the sun. "Ladied and Gentleman of New Famille…" began General Ozi "I give to you…Queen Ahim de Famille!"
Once Ozi made the announcement, everyone in attendance stood up and began chanting "LONG LIVE THE QUEEN! LONG LIVE THE QUEEN! LONG LIVE THE QUEEN!" But out of everyone there, there were none chanting it louder then the Gokaigers.
