DISCLAIMER I DO NOT OWN BROTHERS CONFLICT IN ANYWAY SHAPE OR FORM
"...and so in conclusion, this new hospital will finall be able to provide the proper care and medical assistance your towns have been desperately in need of for so long," Ema finished her speech with a sketch of the supposed hospital behind her.
Everyone in the room applauded her.
"Any questions?" Ema asked.
"Yes, I have a question," one woman with curly black hair asked as she stood up, "Mayor Ellie Morrison, Mayor of Clifton city. Why was Almara chosen for the sight for the hospital?"
"Almara was the most centered town of all the different towns ans cities and would be the most easy accessible for most," Ema explained.
"Would it be possible to maybe consider another city a better option for the hospital?" Mayor Morrison asked.
Ema turned and looked at her brothers, along with Hannah and Erica.
Ukyo stood up and joined Ema at the podium.
"If you have a good reason or argument as to why we should consider your own city over Almara, we will gladly listen to it," he said.
"Clifton is a bit bigger and easier to get to from the highway," Mayor Morrison started to explain "and we could find a way to make other roadways, or highways to our town for the others to access it."
"Are you prepared to pay for this roads on your own Mayor Morrison?" Erica asked as she too came to the podium.
"Yes," said the mayor in confidence.
"And do you have a good location for the hospital?" Ema also asked.
"We can find one," the mayor insisted.
Ema looked at Erica and Ukyo. Ukyo walked over to Hannah and whispered into her ear as she looked through some of her notes, handing a sheet to Ukyo. He read it and nodded before walking back to the podium.
"Mayor Morrison, we understand your desier to have the hospital built in your town. I'm sure many of the other towns share your desier for their own homes. However, while preparing for the presentation for this project, we did make sure Almara was indeed the best place to build. And in our research, we found that Almara was indeed the best place to build. The sight we considered would be a good area to build in and around without messing with people's lives. And while we are willing to let you find a good place to build the hospital, it would probably take up too much time. Time that some people really don't have."
Mayor Morrison made a pondering face as she took in what Ukyo had said before nodding and sitting down.
"We do apologize for not considering your town as an option," Ema said, "but we hope that the hospital still does good for your town."
The mayor nodded again and smiled at Ema's comment.
"Any other questions?" Ema asked.
"Those improved medical facilities our other towns are set to receive, what will that include exactly?" a different person asked.
"I'll take that question," Hannah offered as she came to the podium herself as she started reading off a prepared sheet.
Ema took a seat as more people asked questions that, mostly Erica, Ukyo and Hannah would answer. She tried answering a few herself as sid Masaomi, especially medical related.
"What all will be included in regards to the children's hospital?" one woman asked.
"I'll take one," Masaomi said eagerly, "being a children's doctor myself, I put in some very creative ideas and designs for children." Ema could see the happiness in Masaomi's face as he began talking about the children's hospital.
"Each floor that will have the actual rooms for the children to stay in, will have it's one unique theme. With some floors having a more mature theme for children and others having a more kid friendly like fairy tales and nursery rymes. We will have many different activity rooms, an art room, a fully library, a regular game room and an arcade that will be set up for children with limited mobilities. There will also be an indore and outdoor playground. Again made accessible for all the children. I also ask for a few special features as some of the hallways having special themes like a beach or a whale that can add to the experience. That's just a small taste of some of the plans I've help add to the development for the hospital."
"Oh," came from a lot of the women in the audience.
"Next question?" Erica asked quickly.
By the time everyone was done, everyone seemed to be satisfied with the whole idea. Ema and her crew were than escorted to a reception with food and drink.
"So over all, how do you think we did?" Ema asked Erica, Hannah and Ukyo.
"I think we nailed it," Erica said confidence.
"Yeah, everybody seems happy with the whole idea," Hannah agreed.
"What about others, like Mayor Morrison?" Ema asked looking over at the woman engaged in her own conversation.
"Don't worry about her, she was probably hoping to get the hospital in her town in order to boost her town's economy," Ukyo insisted. At that, Mayor Morrison looked towards Ema and her group and headed over to them.
"Your majesty," she said politely, bowing her head, "I hope you didn't take my comments earlier about choosing Almara over Clifton as negative. I am in full support of this project, especially after your presentation. I just sort of hope we could get it in my town to help boost the town's economy and popularity."
"That's alright," Ema assured her, "you're merely doing your job as mayor."
"And you know Mayor Morrison, it will be a while before we really get started. If you still would like for us to consider your town for hospital, you're more than welcome to either write up a proposal for it or meet with us in person on the subject," Ukyo added.
"Thank you, I'll consider it," Mayor Morrison said, "I don't think I've seen you before among the council members. How long ago were you elected?"
"Oh, I'm merely helping out my sister Ema, I'm not a official member of the council," Ukyo explained.
"Oh that's too bad. You sound like you'd be a good addition to it," Mayor Morrison said.
"Yes, he is quite a hard worker," said Hannah, a little sheepish.
Ukyo smiled at her before putting down his drink. "May I have a moment alone with Miss Hannah for a bit?" he asked.
"Of course," Ema allowed.
"Is everything okay?" Hannah asked as Ukyo led her away.
"Just wanted to talk," Ukyo assured her.
"Are they a thing or something?" Mayor Morrison asked.
"Maybe, soon," Erica said happy.
"Something on your mind Mr. Asahina?" Hannah asked once she and Ukyo were alone.
"Ukyo please," he insisted before clearing his throat, "I just wanted to let you know, this whole time we've spent together working together, was real enjoyable. You're a very nice woman to work with."
"Oh, thank you," said Hannah.
"Um and as such, I was wondering, if you're opposed to it, King Stephon has allowed my brothers and I to take dates to the upcoming ball he's throwing for Ema to meet her extended family. And I would love to take you as my date," Ukyo managed to sputter out.
Hannah almost looked like she was going to faint.
"You want me? To be your date to a royal ball? Among all those fancy rich royals?" she said softly.
"Well yes," Ukyo insisted.
"I, I don't know, I, I don't even know where how I could get a dress fancy enough for such a thing!" Hannah said.
"Oh the king said we can pay for a dress for you. I even saw a werid text from my brother saying he and his new girlfriend will help do the shopping for that," Ukyo quickly said.
"You really want me to be your date?" Hannah asked.
"Yes, please," Ukyo insisted, as he even went so far as to stroke Hannah's cheek with a finger.
"Well, okay, um, I'll go with you," Hannah agreed smiling. Both she and Ukyo stayed in their secret corner, holding hands and just sharing a smile.
Masaomi was helping himself to a bit if food when he noticed a small group of children including Luke Spallman. One or two were in wheelchairs as well.
"I want to see what the playground will look like!" one of the kids said sounding excited.
"What would you want the playgrounds to look like?" Masaomi asked as he approached the group of kids.
"I want a space theme!" Luke immediately said.
"No a beach theme! Nice and tropical!" a girl who was in the wheelchair insisted.
"Maybe we we could do one each with the indoor and outdoor one, Miss uh?" Masaomi started to suggest.
"Candi," the girl replied with a giggle.
"Candi, what do you say for that?"
"But I want a jungle theme playground!" another boy insisted.
Masaomi chuckled. "How about this? I'll set up a suggestion box that you kids can all send in your ideas for the children's hospital and we can see what we can try and do to make it better?"
"Okay," most of the children agreed.
"And Luke, I promise at least one of the floors will be a space theme, okay?" Masaomi said.
Luke gave him a thumbs up in in excitement. "Cool!" he said.
"Oh, Mr. Asahina, I see you met some more of the children that will most likely be regular guests at the children's hospital," Mrs. Spallman said as she and a few women approached the group. The other women quickly went about the group to their own children.
"A lot of parents who's children could use a closer hospital came here today to hear about the prospects for the children's hospital," Mrs. Spallman explained.
"Yes, they seem like such nice kids. I hope that they'll be happy at the hospital when it's finally built," Masaomi said.
"When will you set up the suggestion box?" Candi asked.
"I'll talk to one of my colleagues about setting some up at the schools and regular doctors offices for you kids how about?" Masaomi promised, "so all kids have a chance to make suggestion or two okay Candi?"
Candie nodded with a thumbs up too.
"Going to let the children give suggestions for the hospital huh?" Mrs. Spallman said sounding intrigued by the notion.
"They might as well give their say if they're the ones who are going to be staying at it," said Masaomi.
"I must say you seem to have a natural connection with children. It's adorable!" Mrs. Spallman said happily.
"Well it helps when you're the oldest of 13 brothers," said Masaomi.
"13? Wow, I only wish I could have the time and patient for such a thing," Mrs. Spallman said.
"Having a good time dear?" Mayor Spallman asked as he joined his wife with the children.
"Yes, I was telling Mr. Asahina how adorable his natural connection with the children is," Mrs. Spallman explained.
"Yes, I must say, you seem like a man who just clicks with kids," said the mayor, "actually Mr. Asahina, can I have a moment of a time?"
"Sure," Masaomi agreed as he walked over with the mayor.
"I was just thinking, I was telling some of the other people around here how well you were with my son when you first met. And even just now when you were with the other kids, a lot of people liked how well you go along with them. And as such it got me wondering, if and when this project gets going and it's officially built, how would you like to consider to be the head doctor of the children's hospital?" Mayor Spallman asked.
"Me? The head doctor?" Masaomi replied in true and honest shock.
"I think it would be a splendid arrangement. You obviously are a good doctor, you take your position seriously, you have a good reputation with kids, and you're the princess' brother. Having a brother of royalty would definitely boost support and moral in favor of the hospital," Mayor Spallman continued.
"That, is quite an offer sir," Masaomi said still trying to get over the shock, "I don't know though, I mean, I was expecting to go home to Japan after a while. I still have my job there and my youngest brother to look after."
"Oh of course, this is something you'd have to seriously consider and think over. And I'd understand if you couldn't. But I really hope you'd consider. I'm sure Luke would like having you around," Mayor Spallman said.
"I'm sure," Masaomi said looking over at the boy whose mother had just given him a piece of cake. He looked over and waved at Masaomi with a big child innocent smile. It reminded Masaomi of Wataru. He was sure if the two boys met they would be good friends. He then looked at the other children like Candie. They all seemed so sweet and innocent, despite whatever medical alignment they had to suffer through. It wouldn't be too hard imaging helping to care for the kids like that.
"I will truly think about it good sir," he promised the mayor.
"Thank you," Mayor Spallman said as he walked over to another group and started talking to them.
Masaomi took a deep breath.
'Move to Elence? Be a head doctor? Leave Japan?' he pondered, 'and it's not just me I have to consider? What about Wataru? What will I do with him? This is going to be a hard decision to make.'
"And you know Mayor Morrison," Erica was saying as she, the mayor and Ema walked among the reception hall together, "there could be something else you could look into once the hospital project gets underway."
"Such as?" Mayor Morrison asked.
"Well, since some people will have to travel to Almara from other places, some may not wish to make several long journies if they need to. And I doubt Almara will have enough room with all the new medical facilities coming up to house all the people coming. And Clifton city isn't too far from Almara that people can probably go to and from very easily...,"
"Oh," Mayor Morrison caught on with a smirk, "I could see that for Clifton city. Yes, thank you Miss Tanner."
"Here's my card," Erica said handing it to the mayor, "we can talk more about the development for such a thing."
"That is a good idea Erica," Ema complimented.
"Thank you princess," Erica said.
"What's a good idea?" another gentleman asked as he approached the three ladies.
"Hello Mayor Stuart," said Mayor Morrison.
"You're a mayor too sir?" Ema asked.
"Yes, Mayor Peter Stuart," the man said bowing, "Mayor of Onzlo."
"Nice to meet you," Ema said politely.
"Same here your majesty," said Mayor Stuart, "my daughters were extremely excited over the idea of me meeting a princess today."
"Are they here?" Ema asked.
"No, they're with their mother this weekend," Mayor Stuart explained, "um with that said, what was that good idea you were discussing?"
"Oh how people who come to use the new medical facilities and hospitals going up in Almara, they'll need places to stay," Mayor Morrison explained.
"Oh, "' Mayor Stuart said with glee, "Onzlo isn't too far from Almara either, in the other direction."
"Here's my card," Erica said handing the man one as well.
"Thank you," said Mayor Stuart, "this whole project seems like a genius idea in general, your majesty. I look forward to see what other projects and or plans you have for Elence especially after you become queen."
"Oh," Ema said a little embarrassed, "I'm, not going, to probably be queen someday."
"What?" both mayors said in slight surprise.
"My grandfather hasn't named me as his successor, due to me only recently finding out I'm a princess," Ema explained, "he said he wouldn't unless I decided I wanted to."
"Oh, so Lord Robert is still the immediate successor?" Mayor Stuart asked. The poor man looked a little disturbed by the notion. So did Mayor Morrison.
"At this point yes, I'm afraid," Ema said quickly.
"Of course thay doesn't mean her highness won't be able to find new ways to help Elence and its people grow and prosper," Erica quickly said.
"True, I wouldn't mind still helping Elence in anyway it may need in the future," Ema agreed.
"Well if you need any help with that, please don't be afraid to ask. I plan to run for the House of Council or Parliament someday," Mayor Morrison said.
"Thank you Madam," said Princess Ema.
"I wouldn't mind helping out with anything in the future Princess Emma, and that includes dealings with Lord Robert," Mayor Stuart. He took a deep sigh. "The man once canceled our petition to improve our libraries in Onzlo. If anything he reduced my city and a few other cities' library budgets."
"I'm sorry to hear that," said Ema, "I don't know if I can do anything about it myself, but I will look into that if I have a chance."
"Would you?" Mayor Stuart asked with hope.
"When I can," Ema assured him.
"Of course," Mayor Stuart said happily.
"I'll make a note of that princess," Erica whispered as she pulled out her phone.
"Thank you," Ema whispered back.
"You keep my card so we can try to keep in touch about the libraries," Erica said to Mayor Stuart.
"I'd greatly appreciate that," said Mayor Stuart as he walked away.
"I'm glad you are taking an intrest in your mother's home counrty even if you still have roots in your father's home country," said Mayor Morrison.
"Oh yes," Ema said, as she thought back to Japan. She hasn't really put much thought to it over given the circumstances.
"I do thank you Madam for your praise," she replied.
"Well, you've definitely earned it," Mayor Morrison insisted.
"More so than your cousin," Mayor Stuart shouted from across the room, "in fact...," The man grabbed a glass and made his way to the center of the room.
"Everyone!" he called out, and everyone looked at him.
"I'd like to take this opportunity to say, Thank you Princess Emma for hearing of our plight and responding in way that will hopefully suit our needs and help ease our burden. To Princess Emma!"
"To Princess Emma!" echoed throughout the room.
"To Princess Ema!" was also heard but not by much.
"Wow," Ema said a little startled by the sudden toast.
"Well, they're not too far off," said Erica.
"But you, Hannah, Ukyo and Masaomi did all the work," said Ema.
"We wouldn't have had you not suggested the project and you trusted us to do it for you," Erica pointed out, "don't worry princess, you did good."
"Thank you," said Ema.
"Wow, that's quite a warm reception," Masaomi said walking over to the two.
"Yes," Ema said looking to her older brother, "are you okay Masaomi? You look a little flustered."
"Well, I was offered an interesting proposition by Mayor Spallman," Masaomi explained, "he asked if I'd consider being the head doctor of the children's hospital."
"Oh really?" said Erica, "that means you'd be moving to Elence permanently, correct?"
"I suppose so," said Masaomi.
"Are you taking the job then?" Erica asked, sounding eager.
"Yes are you?" Ema asked.
"I, I honestly don't know," Masaomi tried to explain, "I have a lot to consider. I have my old job back home, I'm still in charge of the household, and Wataru. What would happen to him?"
"Bring him with you," Erica suggested, "Elence's a great place to raise kids. I'm sure your son would love it here!"
"Oh Wataru's not his son. He our youngest brother," Ema explained.
"Oh, that is a bit of a difference," said Erica, "sorry. But I'm sure if it came down to it, you could bring your brother with you and have him live in Elence with you. It's still a nice place for kids."
"I suppose, he does seem to like this place a lot as is," Masaomi agreed, "but this is still going to take some time to decide."
"Yeah, of course," Erica said. She had a look of eagerness and at the same time worry across her face.
"Ema, that was pretty impressive just now," Ukyo congratulated as he and Hannah rejoined everyone. The two were now holding hands.
"What have you two been up to?" Erica asked.
"Should we tell them?" Hannah asked.
"I don't see why not," Ukyo said, "I just invited Hannah to be my date to the ball."
"A ball?" Erica said, "aren't those for royals only?"
"Well the king allowed us to bring a date if we wished," Masaomi said.
"Oh," Erica said, sounding a little intrigued and concerned about such a thing, "have you invited anyone Mr. Asahina?"
"Uh, well no, not yet," Masaomi replied, embarrassed and rubbing the back of his neck.
Erica nodded shifting her eyes around. "Do you have anyone in mind?"
"Does anyone want to freshen up their drinks?" Ukyo quickly suggested.
"Yes, I could use a fresh drink!" Hannah agreed.
"Sounds wonderful!" Ema also joined in as the three walked off fast.
Erica and Masaomi both lookrd away once they were alone.
"Um, so, in answer to your question," Masaomi started to say, "I was actually wondering, would you like to go with me?"
"You really want me to go with you?" Erica asked doing her best to avoid eye contact.
"If you're free that night," Masaomi continued, "I'd like to take you."
"Well, if you're sure you want me there," Erica said softly.
"I, do, I think you're a great woman and I've grown a little fond of you working with you and whatnot," Masaomi admitted.
At that Erica finally looked at him. "You really mean that?"
"Of course," Masaomi admitted.
"Well then yeah, I will most certainly go with you," Erica agreed with a smile.
"Thank you," Masaomi said looking a little more at ease.
"I'm really excited about you coming to the ball Miss Hannah," said Ema as she, Hannah and Ukyo all approached the refreshment table.
"Thank you," Hannah, "I hope I just don't do anything embarrassing at it."
"You'll do fine," Ukyo said, "and if someone complains, well, not to throw around power. But the king favors all us brothers more than most lately. I'm sure he'd be forgiving."
"Wow, it must being exciting being a king's favorite. Not that it's too hard to believe," said Hannah smiling brightly.
Ema looked around, "I'm going to go mingle with some of the other people," she suddenly said.
"Oh Ema, no," Ukyo tried to protest.
"It's fine, I should be meeting with the people of these different towns and cities anyway," Ema insisted as she walked away.
"Not too much, remember you need to stay where it's easy for Chrissy or the other gaurds to see you," Ukyo warned.
"I'll be okay," Ema assured him as she walked among the people. However she found herself wondering off to the side of the room and leaning against a wall in exhaustion.
"Wow, this is going well, but tiresome," she said to herself.
"Are we done yet?" a voice suddenly whispered into her ear. Ema jumped.
"Zane!" she shouted mad, "where have you been?"
"Chillin out back here," Zane said nodding towards an empty dark hallway where only his gaurd John was standing.
"Why? Why didn't want to mingle?" Ema asked.
"Yeah mingle among people who'd love nothing more than to shoot me dirty looks over being the prince of Poulon," Zane muttered.
"I suppose we can get going," Ema said, "let me find Chrissy."
"She's heading this way right now," Zane's gaurd said. Ema looked over her shoulder and noticed the woman coming towards her.
"Princess you shouldn't be so far off to the side like this," she scolded, "I actually couldn't see you there for a second! And...," she paused when she noticed the hallway, "and you're too close to a potential dangerous area. Too easy to be attached!"
"I'm here," John quickly said.
"Yes, but I couldn't see you," Chrissy pointed out a little annoyed.
"I'm sorry Chrissy," Ema apologized, "but I'm glad you're here. I was wondering if we should be going soon?"
"Yes, we probably should," said Chrissy, "come with me." She led Ema to a more visible area of the room, "stay here for now while I and the other gaurds get your brothers and prepare for your departure."
"I'll stay with her too," John offered as he and Zane joined Ema.
"That will be just fine," Chrissy allowed as she got on her radio and started giving instructions. "Yusuke, come stand with your sister," Ema heared her say."
"I wonder," Zane started to say, "maybe we can take a deture on the way home and do a little celebration for your good work."
Ema could feel his arm coming around her waist.
"Uh, no, probably not," Ema said as she pushed the prince's hand off and tried moving away. As she did, she accidentally bumped into someone.
"Sorry," Mayor Stuart started to say, "oh your highness."
"Sorry, Mayor," Ema also apologized, "thank you for your toast by the way."
"Oh, you're welcome," Mayor Stuart said, "I meant every word of it. I wouldn't mind seeing you as queen someday."
"Thank you," said Ema with a smile. She was starting to get a big sense that many people apparently didn't want Robert to be king after her grandfather.
Just as she was thinking that, she noticed a man walking towards her and Mayor Stuart with something shiny coming into view in his hand.
"You don't like Lord Robert huh?" Ema heard him mutter as the shiny object was getting more visible as the man made a lunge towards the mayor.
"Mayor Stuart!" Ema shouted as she barely managed to push the man out of the way, as the knife barely missing herself. The attacker sneered at her.
"Should cut you up too, Princess!" he said man as he went to swing his knif at her.
"No!" Mayor Stuart shouted as he grabbed the man's arm, causing the knife to strike him.
"Mayor Stuart!" Ema shouted again as she watched the man backaway in pain. She suddenly felt alone and scared to the point she couldn't seem to move as the man swiped the knife towards her again!