DISCLAIMER I DO NOT OWN BROTHERS CONFLICT IN ANYWAY SHAPE OR FORM
Ema walked behind the king, among her brothers, smiling at them all. Yusuke was walking among them, though not smiling too much.
"You look amazing in that dress by the way Ema," Hikaru said from the back of the crowd.
"Thank you, the palace has been really generous with providing me and Yusuke clothes to wear while we're here," Ema.
"Oh, I hope they can do the same for me!" said Hikaru.
"We're not here for clothes shopping," said Natsume, "We were able to bring our own clothes, remember?"
"Oh, why are you such a buzz kill?" Hikaru asked.
"Um, where's Juli by the way?" Ema asked suddenly.
"I'm back here Chi, don't worry I came," Juli called back from on top of Louis's shoulder.
"Oh Juli!" Ema said as she moved to the back of the crowd towards him, "Hi Louis."
"Hello Chi, don't worry about Juli, I took good care of him while you were gone," Louis said.
"I'm glad, I hope you weren't too worried about me though," said Ema.
"ha, hardly, I knew I'd fine some way to come rescue you!" Juli bragged.
"Oh really?" said a new voice as Ema felt something jump onto her shoulder.
"Oh, hello Marion," she said.
Juli gasp, "Aunt Marion!" he shouted.
Marion crossed her arms and gave Juli a death glare, "You and I are going to have a long talk mister!" she threatened.
"Juli, I didn't know you had an aunt," said Louis.
"You heard me huh?" said Marion looking Louis over, "This shall make things much more interesting for sure. But in the meantime, Juli!" Juli gasped as Marion jumped over to Louis's shoulder and gripped him by his cheek, "You are coming with me!"
"Ah!" Juli cried out as Marion pulled him down to the ground and dragged him away.
"I wonder where they're off to," said Louis.
"Well, Marion did say Juli has other family here, maybe she's taking him to see them again," said Ema.
Soon the family came into the throne room with the king and Richard. King Stephone walked up the two big thrones and a few other fancy chairs all sat and sat at on the most elegant and elevated seat.
"Ema, would you like to sit next to me?" he asked, pointing to one of the chair on his right.
"Um sure, Grandfather," Ema said as she joined him.
"Is it normal that Ema's already referring to the king as grandfather?" Natsume asked.
"Maybe he asked her to regardless," said Azusa.
"Yusuke, you can sit too if you wish, I already know who you are," Stephone said, pointing to another chair, that was a little bit lower than the two chairs he and Ema were sitting in.
"Okay, sure," said Yusuke as he took his seat.
"Oh, look at that, Little Yusuke already acting like a prince," teased Tsubaki.
"Knock it off Tsubaki," Azusa and Natsume both muttered to him.
"Now, then why don't you all approach one at a time and introduce yourselves and what you do for a living. Ema's told me a little about you, but I'd like to hear more," said Stephon.
"Of course your highness," Masaomi said as he took charge and approached slowly, "I'm Masaomi, the oldest, and I'm a doctor."
"How wonderful," said Stephon.
"And I'm Wataru, the youngest and I'm still 10. I'm in the 5th grade and when I grow up, I'll be super successful and famous!"
Stephon chuckled, "Well, I can't wait to hear of your success, Young Wataru." He looked over at Ema, "Did I say his name right?"
"Yes Grandfather," Ema assured him.
"Um, well I'm Ukyo, I'm the second brother and I'm a lawyer," Ukyo spoke up.
"A lawyer huh?" said Stephon, "Do you know anything along the lines of politics good sir?"
"A little, I guess," said Ukyo.
"Hmm," said Stephon, stroking his chin, "Good to know, uh, who's next?"
"Hello your Majesty," Kaname said as he approached, "I'm the third brother Kaname and I'm a Buddhist monk."
"A Buddhist monk huh?" said Stephon. He looked to Richard, "Don't we have at least one Buddhist temple in Elence?"
"Not in the capital, but I do believe in one of the other major cities sire," said Richard.
"Oh, I shall have to possibly go and see it," said Kaname.
"And I your majesty am Hikaru, the 4th and I am a writer," Hikaru said as he bowed gracefully.
"Oh yes, the cross dresser," said Stephon, "I had a cousin who did that on occasion. Though I don't think he could pull it off the same way you do."
"Well thank you," said Hikaru.
"I supposed we're next," Azusa said as the three triplets all walked forward, "We're actually triplets, I'm Azusa,"
"Natsume,"
"And I'm Tsubaki, the oldest of the three,"
"Though you wouldn't know it based on the way he acts," said Natsume and Azusa together.
"Hey now, don't gang up on me," said Tsubaki.
"And what do you three do?" Stephon asked.
"Well, Tsubaki and I are voice actors, we voice characters in anime and video games mostly," said Azusa.
"I'm sure you might have heard us here or there," said Tsubaki.
"I don't recall really," said Stephon, "And you, Nat-su-me, correct?"
"Yes, sire that's right," said Natsume, "I deign and program video games."
"Oh, yes, you were one of the men that was worried about your work weren't you?" Stephon said, "I know some of my staff tried setting up a room for you to work in, but hopefully we can get it more set up to your liking now that you're here."
"Thank you, your highness," said Natsume, "I do appreciate how much you're willing to accompany us."
"Of course, you're all honored guests here," said Stephon, "Now, who would like to go next?"
Everybody looked towards Louis who was still lingering as far back as he could.
"Subaru, why don't you introduce yourself?" Hikaru quickly suggested.
"But," Subaru started to say.
"Please, come forward young man," Stephon insisted.
Subaru shrugged his shoulders and walked up, "I'm Subaru and I'm still in college sir, I'm a basketball player."
"You any good?" Richard asked.
"Yes," Subaru replied. Richard smiled.
"I think you and I should try a little one on one," he said.
"Sure," said Subaru.
"I guess I'm next," said Iori, "I'm Iori, I've just started university and I'm currently studying plant life. I was really excite to come here based on your reputation for your amazing flowers."
"Oh really? Well, I hope you have a good time and we'll have to arrange for you to see as many of our gardens and wildlife as possible," said Stephon, "Anyone left?"
"Me!" Futo said as she pranced up to the front, "Idol Futo, the famous popstar. I'm sure I'm well known here too."
"Yes, I do recall you're gaining a little popularity here," said Stephon, "Richard didn't you say your niece has one of his albums or something?"
"Yes, she and her friends do seem to like him," said Richard.
"Naturally," Futo said like it was nothing.
"And finally," Stephon said looking around, "Where's the last one? Where's Louis?"
"Better get this over with," Louis said to himself as he walked forward, "Hello your majesty."
Stephon stared hard at Louis.
"Hello sir, welcome," he said, "You and I are going to have a talk. I hope that's alright."
"Yes of course sire," said Louis.
"I do welcome you all here to my humble country and hope you enjoy your stay," Stephon said as he stood up, "Richard here will help show you to your rooms and give you the rundown on some of the rules and protocols we would like you to follow while we're here. If you have any questions, you can ask him while he's getting you settled. And then this evening, we shall all have dinner together."
"Thank you, your majesty," said Masaomi.
"Come with me," Richard said as he motioned for the brothers to follow him.
"Ema, you and Yusuke can go with them with, if you like, make sure they're comfortable here," Stephon said.
"Sure thing Grandfather," said Ema as she and Yusuke walked after their brother.
"I hope you don't mind, but we arranged for most of you to share rooms for your stay," Richard said as they walked down the rooms.
"That's fine," Masaomi said.
"This huge place and we all have to share?" Futo muttered.
"Futo, please," Ema begged, "Don't be mad."
"I'm just saying," Futo said before he stopped and noticed Ami standing along the wall, bowing to the group as they walked past.
"Was that a maid?" Futo asked Ema.
"Yes, that's Ami, she's real nice," said Ema.
"Hmm," Futo said looking back at her.
"Let's see, Masaomi, Ukyo and Wataru, I have a room for all three of you if that's alright," Richard starred to list off.
"That's probably for the best," said Masaomi.
"Hikaru and Kaname, the triplets all together, Louis will have his own room, as requested by the king...,"
"Why does Louis get his own room?" Wataru asked.
"Yeah, why?" Yusuke asked.
"The king asked, so that's what I did. Subaru and Iori, with Futo going to share with Yusuke," Richard kept listing off.
"Oh hell no!" Yusuke and Futo both shouted.
"Guys," Masaomi said, "remember, we're guests here, let's go with the flow."
"I'm Futo Asahi! I'm an idol! I should get my own room!" Futo demanded.
"And I don't want share a room with him out of everyone here!" Yusuke snapped.
"Yusuke, Futo, I know you don't get along all that well, but please, for now just go with it and I'm sure Richard can help arrange for a room switch," Ema pleaded.
"Fine," both reluctantly agreed.
"I'll look into it, your highness," Richard promised as he opened a door was a huge lounge, "This is also for you gentlemen to use if you want some alone time from anyone. Please go ahead and take a seat, there is a few things I'd like to go over."
"This is nice," Masaomi said as everyone filed in and took a seat.
"What's there to do for fun around here?" Wataru asked.
"That's one of the things I wanted to talk to you about," said Richard as he started handing out some papers to the brothers, "There's a list and map of all the fun places you gentlemen can use here in the palace and where it is. And there's also a list of places worth visiting if you wish."
"Looks impressive," said Ukyo, "Very thorough."
"What's this list of names?" Iori asked.
"That's a little complicated," said Richard, "And awequard. The list has two sides to it, on one side is a list of servants you know you can trust and should feel safe around. The other side, is well, staff we have that's not so trustworthy. You should try avoiding them if that's alright."
"What's not trustworthy of them?" Subaru asked.
"Well, um, I'm sure you've probably heard of Lord Robert, King Stephon's nephew and heir. He's really determined to make sure he's still the heir. And the staff on the not so trustworthy list are staff that would be more loyal to him and try to make your stay uncomfortable to the point you'd want to hurry up and go home."
"Oh," said all of the brothers.
"That's sounds right out of a novel!" Hikaru, "Interesting."
"We'll do our best to mind these staff members," said Masaomi.
"Hey, why isn't that maid Ami on the trustworthy list?" Futo asked.
"Who?" Richard asked.
"Ami, that maid we past on our way here," said Futo.
"Oh, one of the new girls, it's not that we don't want to trust her, it's just she's too new and unfortunately a little too easy to intimidate by the known non-trustworthy staff," Richard explained.
"Oh," Futo said softly.
"Trust me, in most cases, I do think she's trust worthy," said Richard.
"Hmm," Futo said.
"And then the last list, is some of the rules and guidelines we would like you to follow while you're here," said Richard.
"Seems simple enough," said Ukyo.
"Thank you," said Richard, "Any other questions?"
"How soon will we hear about Ema's DNA test?" Natsume asked.
"I just checked on that, but I haven't heard back yet," said Richard, "So then, who's ready to see your rooms? I'm sure you'll like to freshen up and change for dinner."
"Yes of course," said Masaomi, "Let's go guys."
"When will the king wish to see me?" Louis asked Richard timidly as the other brother filed out.
"Probably after dinner I would imagine," said Richard. He looked Louis over, "Please don't feel scared about though. He's not trying to make you uncomfortable."
"I know, but, I supposed it's hard not to feel that way," said Louis as he finally walked out of the room.
"I'll see you all at dinner," said Ema.
Wataru quickly hugged her, "I'm just glad you're still alive Big Sister!"
"Thanks Wataru," said Ema.
"I was fully prepared to scale the castle and save you if need be!" Wataru said.
"I'm sure you would have made a worthy adversary young man," Richard said as a joke as he kept ushering the little boy out.
Ema smiled as her brothers all filed out towards their respective rooms and hugged herself.
"It almost feels like my family is fully together with everyone here," she said.
"What did you want to do now, while everyone's getting settled?" Yusuke asked Ema .
"We could go back to the game room," Ema suggested.
"Well, alright, we can hang out there until dinner," Yusuke agreed.
"Will you want come with me and grandfather to dinner?" Ema asked.
"Why would I want to do that?" Yusuke asked.
"I just thought, Grandfather would like it if he had two escorts of you and me to help show our brothers they can feel welcome here," Ema said.
"Well, sure, I'll walk in with you and your grandfather," Yusuke said.
"Aunt Marion, why do you keep pulling at my cheek?!" Juli whined as Marion continued to drag him away.
"A form of punishment, for being gone all those years without a single word! How dare you not even try to contact your family?!" Marion scolded.
"Well, it's not exactly easy for me to write a letter or use a phone Aunt Marion," Juli tried to explain.
"Excuses, excuses!" Marion muttered as she managed to drag Juli outside to the garden. The two kept walking until they came to the exact center of the garden where a golden tree stood.
"The Golden Maebe tree," Juli said softly, "I never dreamed I'd see it again! It's so pretty!"
"Yes, well, let's go in," Marion said as she started to climb. Juli climbed up after her to a big hole in the center of the tree where they both peaked in and saw a huge scurry of squirrels gathered around mingling and going about their business.
"The scurry!" Juli said happily, "It looks as lively as ever."
"That it does," said Marion. She cleared her throat, "Attention everyone," all the squirrels stopped what they were doing and looked her way, "I have some wonderful news to share, after many years my nephew Juli has returned!"
All the squirrels cheered and applauded. Juli looked around embarrassed at everyone, until he happened to notice to particular gray squirrels hurrying to him and Marion.
"Mom? Dad?" He said as he jumped down into the tree and hurried to the two squirrels.
"Juli!" his mother shouted as she engulfed him in a hug, "Oh we thought we were never going to see you again! We've missed you so much!"
"Good to see you again son!" said his father, "We're so happy you're home!"
"I've missed you too!" Juli said as he looked at his parents.
"Well, at least you look like you've been taking good care of yourself, you haven't gotten too fat," said his mother poking his stomach.
"Mom!" Juli muttered embarrassed.
"So how long are you going to stay home son?" asked his father.
"I don't know," Juli confessed, "it'll depend on what Chi wishes."
"You mean Chay's granddaughter?" Marion asked as she came next to him.
"Yes, when her mother died, I took it upon myself to look after her no matter what," said Juli.
"Good for you son, all the more reason you were worthy to be Princess Yolanda's companion!" said his father.
"Thank you Dad," said Juli. He suddenly started to feel some eyes on him and looked back towards the other end of the tree where he saw a particular black squirrel looking towards him.
"Who's that?" he asked.
"That's Bernard, all grown up," said Marion softly.
"Bernard?!" Juli said in shock. He shuddered, "He's still scary, I see."
"He's acting as Robert's companion," Marion told him.
"Robert can understand us?" Juli asked.
"Ha, no way, of course not!" said Marion, "Robert's never been able to understand us like real royals can! They're just able to find a different way to communicate and it was enough to convince most that Robert is worthy of succession!"
"Oh," said Juli. He could see Bernard looking at him, with an evil smile. "Looks like Chi isn't the only one that has enemies to worry about."
"Forget about him Juli," his mother insisted, "Come, and say hello to your brothers and sisters! We've had a few more since you've been gone."
"Oh sure Mom," said Juli as he followed his parents towards a different part of the tree. Even though Juli knew he was due for trouble both from his aunt and Bernard, he still felt a little good being home.
"So, what do you think they're going to serve us for dinner? Some over complicated dish?" Tsubaki said later that night as the brothers all walked to the grand dining room.
"Whatever it is, please just eat it and try not to complain about it," said Ukyo, "hopefully if it's good, I'll see if I can get the recipe."
As the 12 brothers all walked into the dining room, they found a huge table with a place for each of them with some of the brightest silver plates they had ever seen.
"You'll find your names by your places," said a butler.
"Feel like we're in a movie or something," said Azusa as everyone moved to their spots.
"Or a museum," said Natsume.
"I like it, I wish I could set a table like this!" said Ukyo.
"Why am I so close to the king?" Louis asked.
"Well, I guess just how it happened," said Masaomi, "Would you like to try switching?"
"Please don't sir, the order was carefully laid out," said the butler.
"Oh, of course, sorry," said Masaomi.
"Excuse me," the butler said real fast, "But before you sit, could you remain standing until the king has seated?"
"When's he coming?" Wataru asked.
"Wataru!" Masaomi whispered.
"I'm right here my lad," King Stephon said as he walked in with Yusuke and Ema.
"Why is the dumb redhead helping to escort the king?" Futo whispered.
"Well, he has been here a little longer than us and maybe the king just likes him a little more," said Azusa.
"Really? He likes him?" Tsubaki asked as Yusuke and Ema helped Stephon sit and sat down themselves.
"Please, sit," Stephon said. The 12 brothers all took their seats as quickly as they could. "So, how are you rooms? Is everything fine?"
"Oh yes, they're all very lovely," said Ukyo, "your staff is wonderful."
"Thank you," said Stephon, "I hope you enjoy the dinner, I had the chiefs prepare mostly Japanese dishes for you to make you feel more comfortable."
On cue, a door opened and several cooks pushed out different carts with familiar but still fancy dishes of Japanese foods.
"Wow, never thought they could make something like fried shrimp look like it's something from a foreign land," said Tsubaki.
"Oh good, you like it," said Stephon.
"It looks too good to eat," said Iori.
"Please, please do eat," Stephone insisted as he took a bite, "Mmm, fried shrimp is delicious!"
The brothers kept eating, all making comments about how delicious the food was. Also, the king would often ask the occasional question to the different brothers about their lives and careers.
"I can't recall I had such a lively dinner with such entertaining guests," Stephone said at last once the meal was almost over, "It's rather refreshing.
"Thank you," said Masaomi, "Dinner was simply divine."
"I should get the recipe for some of these things! It's almost too good to be true," said Ukyo.
"Perhaps we should let you try your hand at cooking?" Stephon suggested, "You verse one of my fine chiefs?"
"Oh, don't worry, Kyo would win for sure!" Wataru bragged.
"Uh Wataru," Ukyo started to say. However, he was interrupted by Stephon's chuckle.
"Well, we'll have to see, won't we?" he said, "Ema, your brothers are as fine a gentlemen as you have told me. I'm very happy you could all come and allow me to met them in person."
"Thank you Grandfather," said Ema.
"As such, Asahina brother," Stephon said as he stood, raising his glass, "please do consider yourselves eternal friends of the crown. You will always be welcome here in Elence and in the palace!"
The different brothers all looked around at each other in slight shock and surprise, not sure what to say in response.
"Uh, well thank you your highness," said Masaomi, "I'm sure I speak for my brothers when I saw we accept your friendship and hospitality."
"Thank you," said Stephon.
"I wonder if that'll remain true if it turns out Ema's not his granddaughter," said Natsume.
"I can assure you sir, that yes it does," Stephon said sternly.
Just then, Richard walked into the dinging room and over to Stephon, whispering in his ear.
"Do you?" Stephon responded out loud. Richard nodded.
"I'll take it now then, please," Stephon said. Richard handed him an envelope.
"Gentlemen," Stephon said holding the envelope up, "I have just been informed that this envelope contains the proof that as to whether or not Ema is my granddaughter."
"It is?" Ema said in shock.
"Yes, and I feel privilege that you are all here to witness what the results will be," Stephon as he carefully opened the envelope. An eerie silence filled the room as everyone watched him read the paper from inside. Slowly a big smile spread across his face. He looked at Ema, "Just as I thought, you truly are my granddaughter!"
"I, I am?" Ema asked in shock.
"DNA doesn't lie my dear!" Stephon said happily.
"Big sister really is a princess?!" Wataru shouted in excitement.
"Yes my lad! your sister is the rightful princess of Elence!" Stephon said getting excited.
"That's, wonderful to hear your majesty," Masaomi said, "We're happy for both of you."
"Yes, yes, this is wonderful news! And believe me when I say, Elence could use come good news! Oh this will fill many people's hearts with joy!" Stephon said, acting more and more excited, "And nothing could make this moment feel any less wonderful than if," Suddenly everyone saw King Stephon slip and land hard on the floor! All the other occupants of the table all jumped up in alarm.
"Grandfather!" Ema shouted as she ran to his aid. Masaomi ran over to the king as well.
"Watch out Ema, I'll see if there's anything I can do!" he said.
"Masaomi, do you think he's alright?!" Ema asked scared.
"I'm sure he's fine, I'm sure this was just an accident," Masaomi tried to assure her.
Ema kept looking at her grandfather with worry. She had just found out she had an actual grandfather, what was going to happen to him now?!