Chapter 3 – Meeting the Emperor
"Excellent to hear!" smiled Ignatius. "Now, please come and follow us."
"Not a problem," said Blaze. "Just let me get something out of the way real quick."
The dragons crowded around Blaze in confusion while she reaches for her smartphone to contact Tails.
"Um, Blaze," said Draco nervously. "We haven't really said if we were interested to come, so why are you making us all go?"
"Trust me on this, Draco," said Blaze. "This will really be worth the experience for you and the group."
"You know, this place does sound very interesting, Blaze," said Cynder. "I trust that you believe we have it in us to perform well at the Beast Convention."
The other dragons agreed with Cynder.
"That's the spirit, Cynder," smiled Blaze. "Now, everyone stay silent for now as I'm trying to reach Tails."
"What for?" asked Draco.
"She said to be quiet, Draco," whispered Cynder. "It must be something important."
"Hello, Blaze?" answered Tails. "What made you call so soon?"
"Hey, dear," replied Blaze. "I'll get right to the point. In Osaka, there's going to be a fighting convention for anthros, and we're going to take part in it, so I have been thinking as I've been meaning to ask you this for a long time. How would you like to join in on the convention? I know your experiments and inventions are more important nowadays, but surely you still have some of that fighting spirit within you, right?"
There was a long silence. "Um, I'm not so sure, Blaze," Tails replied finally. "It has been so many years since I've done fighting, so I don't know if I'd be up to speed for that. Not to mention I just got back to Australia."
"Well, if you don't want to take up the challenge, you can sit back and watch us then," said Blaze. "How about it, Tails?"
"In all seriousness, Blaze, I'm pretty exhausted from all that flying around," said Tails. "You can just tell me how the convention was when it's over. I promise I'll be back within a day or two as I need to continue on with that top-secret mission we've been doing."
"Alright, Tails, I understand," said Blaze. "You take it easy then and we'll see you when you stop by. Hopefully, something will come up in that mission."
"I love you, Blazey," replied Tails tenderly.
"I love you too, Milesy," said Blaze and she hung up her phone.
"Now are we good to go?" asked Ignatius.
"Yes, absolutely," said Blaze. "We're ready for the Beast Convention, Ignatius and Shu!"
"Good to know," said Ignatius. "Follow us!"
Later, the group arrived at Osaka, where they could see a bustling metropolis filled with skyscrapers, towers and so much more. Ignatius and Shu led Blaze and the dragons through the city, and eventually they reached a large dojo adorned with beast statues.
"Right this way," said Ignatius. "The Emperor is waiting for you."
Blaze and the dragons made their way into the entrance hall and inside they could see different kinds of anthros inside. There were lions, foxes, horses, and even reptiles. Ignatius and Shu accompanied them to make sure that they were going the right way. They reached the throne room where they could see a large important-looking creature waiting anxiously.
"Now, just let us do the talking first," said Ignatius. "Then when the Emperor asks about you, you can tell everything about yourselves."
"Okay then," said Cynder.
Ignatius and Shu stepped forward when it was their turn to talk with Emperor Tomohiro.
"Here they are, honourable one," they said.
"Good work, you two," said Emperor Tomohiro. He looked at the group to make sure every single one who had participated in the Hawaiian Tournament was present. So far, most were all intact, except for one more. "Wait a minute, there was supposed to be three Charizards, but all I see are two. Where's the third one?"
"Who exactly?" asked Ignatius.
"I recall you telling me there were there were three Charizards at the tournament," said Emperor Tomohiro. "Surely you haven't forgotten him, have you?"
"Now I remember," said Shu as he turned to the group. "Yes, Ignatius told me you had another Charizard in your group. Where is he?"
"Excuse me, but is this the Emperor's chamber?" asked a familiar voice.
The dragons turned around, and to their surprise, there was Charonus and Jimmy Lionheart. Ignatius was pleased when he finally saw the third Charizard.
"Yes, that's the last one!" he laughed. "And yes, you have come to the right place!"
"Charonus and Jimmy!" exclaimed the dragons. "What a surprise to see you here!"
"I was about to say the same thing, guys," smiled Charonus. "I'm glad that our paths have crossed again."
"So you're here to take part in the Beast Convention?" asked Draco.
"You bet I am," said Charonus. "Jimmy has told me all about it while I was getting my name registered in the Anthro League, and he figured out that it might be something that could really help sharpen my skills. So I thought about it, and decided to join, seeing it as another chance to make a name for myself."
"I'm going to support Charonus so he can feel confident in himself," said Jimmy. "Then again, he'd probably get the same with you guys participating."
Emperor Tomohiro smiled after seeing that everyone was finally present. Blaze and the dragons introduced themselves to him.
"Well, now that you're all here, there are some things I need to let you in about the convention," he said. "This isn't just all fighting opponents in rounds, mind you. You'll also be taking multiple obstacle courses that will really put your skills to the test. Whoever makes it to the end will be rewarded with the Scroll of the Beast."
"We understand, your honour," said Cynder.
"There is no pressure, everyone," continued Emperor Tomohiro. "All you have to do is to try your best. All I want is to see what all of you are capable of."
Torden was very thrilled as he was really eager to demonstrate his physical prowess.
"Right, are there any questions?"
None of them answered.
"Okay, that's good," said Emperor Tomohiro. "Now please make your way to grand atrium where you will meet the other participants. Ignatius and Shu will serve as your guides, so if you're unsure of something, they will be happy to give you some tips. Good luck on the big annual Beast Convention!"