I'd like to thank my new editor Weebly for their excellent help! They really streamlined the process. I've written a little over half of chapter 11, so progress is being made.

Book I Chapter 10: Sora's Conviction

Luke couldn't tear his eyes away from the screen, each word from the broadcast anchored itself in his mind.

"The Imperial Guard has received an anonymous letter from the alleged murderer," the newscaster announced. "They warn that last night's massacre is merely a prelude, and caution all performers to reconsider participating in the upcoming celebration. Investigators are now in a race against time to determine the credibility of these threats."

For a moment, the room was dead silent except for the hum of the TV.

"What the—," Exusiai finally broke the silence, her words laced with disbelief as she looked at the others.

Texas, her brow furrowed, began massaging her temples. "This just added a new layer of complexity to an already complicated situation," she continued, her voice tinged with annoyance.

Exusiai hummed, drumming the side of her cup with her fingernails. "Feasibility aside, we also have to consider—"

"I'm going."

Luke turned, following the voice to find Sora at the far end of the RV. Her gaze was fixed on the TV screen, her eyes ablaze with an unyielding spirit.

Texas let out a weary sigh, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Sora, I get it—you want to perform. But consider the risks involved. There will be other opportunities."

Sora's golden hair fluttered wildly as she shook her head, her eyes never leaving Texas's. "No. I'm going on that stage."

"Sora, it's too dangerous," Exusiai interjected, concern threading through her words.

"I don't care!" She snapped.

As though on cue, Franka scurried into the main room followed by Liskarm.

"What's going on?"

Luke nodded towards the TV screen. "An idol group from Yan was massacred in the Imperial City, or something? The authorities are suspecting a targeted attack."

Franka's eyes widened, and she reached for her mouth. "That's horrifying."

Liskarm took a step closer, gently laying her hand on Sora's shoulder. "Given the circumstances, perhaps it's fair to reconsider performing. I'm sure your fans would understand."

Sora shrugged her hand aside. "You don't know my fans!" she cried. "This means the world to us. If my voice can bring even a sliver of joy, then every risk is worth taking."

An awed silence fell over the RV, charged with the weight of her words. Luke found himself reevaluating Sora. There was a fierce commitment in her stance that he couldn't help but respect. It was as if she was channeling the collective desire of every person who had ever believed in her.

Finally, he broke the silence. "I say we let her perform."

Liskarm's head snapped toward Luke, disbelief etched across her face. "Have you lost your mind?"

Unfazed, Luke rolled his uninjured eye.

"Listen to yourself!" she shouted. "We have information on a legitimate threat, and you're suggesting we ignore it?"

"And what would you have us do? Run with our tails between our legs?" Luke pulled himself to his full height, challenging her to disagree. "It's obvious they're trying to scare us into submission," he asserted. "If we back down now, we'll just give them what they want. That's for sure."

"On what grounds?" Liskarm growled, her voice simmering with frustration. "You're making sweeping judgments without anything concrete to back them up."

"Concrete? Like your so-called 'credible' information?" Luke countered, his voice dripping with sarcasm. Though he knew she had a point, he would rather meet his end than concede to her. "From where I'm standing, the line between a legitimate threat and a bluff looks pretty thin."

Liskarm drew near, her eyes burning with a ferocious intensity. "You're being irresponsible."

Luke pulled back with a scoff. "I think it's irresponsible to ignore Sora's feelings on the matter!"

"And are you saying that you considered her feelings?"

"Maybe we should just ask her what she wants, don't you think?"Their heads swiveled toward Sora, whose determined eyes met theirs.

The idol crossed her arms beneath her chest. "I won't be intimidated by anyone," she proclaimed. "The show stops for no one—not even death!"

Luke grinned smugly. "See?" Liskarm's icy glare met his victorious gaze; the air between them thick with unsaid words.

Franka stepped between them, gently nudging them apart. "Isn't this a familiar scene," she mused, elbowing Liskarm playfully. "Reminds me of that time you stormed into the forest, despite all warnings."

Liskarm reared back, blushing furiously. "T-That's a completely different story! I was worried about you and—"

Franka laughed and slapped her partner's back."Oh, so you were concerned? Finally admitting it, after all these years…" she wept mockingly, dabbing at fake tears with an imaginary handkerchief.

"Ugh! I—"

Luke shrugged. "Look, it's risky, but we've got Sora's back. Unless you doubt your own abilities to keep her safe," he taunted, his lips curving into a sly grin.

Liskarm bristled, her eyes narrowing to slits. "You insolent—"

Texas drank deeply from her cup of coffee before setting it down on the table before her with a soft sigh. "There's no use fighting over it. If she wants to perform, then she will perform, with or without us. It'd be safer if we all went."

She looked up at the operators from Rhodes Island. "But a word of warning, this isn't what you signed up for. If you want to turn back, then you'd better speak up. There won't be a second chance once we cross the desert."

Luke flashed an irreverent grin. "Miss out on the excitement? Not a chance."

Liskarm pushed past Franka to confront him. "This isn't a drill, Luke. Real lives, including yours, are at stake."

"And you think I don't understand that?" Their eyes locked in a battle of wills, neither willing to back down.

Just then, Grani, still in her food-themed pajamas, ambled sleepily into the room, shattering any semblance of tension like a pin to a balloon. "So cold…" she mumbled, nestling between Luke and Exusiai. Their stern expressions softened as she squeezed in.

Franka chuckled. "It's decided then—we're all going."

The next morning, Luke found himself sitting next to Grani as they watched the Imperial scenery fly by. They had just passed an inspection, and thankfully, due to Sora's influence, he had managed to avoid any violent confrontations with corrupt officials. Not that Luke was above greasing an officer's hand with a couple thousand LMD, because he wasn't, but the "I know Sora" card could come in handy in the future…

"So this is the Imperial Capital…" Grani gasped with awe, her eyes following the oriental architecture. The RV slowed as it passed through an ornate gate with a golden-red sign that read The Imperial Hotel. Grani turned to look up at him. "Everything's so different compared to Victoria. We didn't have this many street vendors back home."

"Victoria's on the opposite side of the globe," Luke replied with a grin. "I would be surprised if they looked remotely alike, and the street vendors—best food in all of Terra—nothing like the crap they serve in restaurants."

"That, I believe," Exusiai chimed in as she joined them. She gestured towards an imposing edifice. "Our hotel, by the way."

"You're kidding! It's enormous!" Grani exclaimed.

"It befits its 'Imperial' name," Luke noted, himself taken aback by its grandeur. As indifferent as he seemed, he himself was impressed with the hotel's majestic design. Unlike the few hotels he had seen, the Imperial Hotel wasn't rectangular, but rather U-shaped with the porte-cochère and valet located at the rounded end of the building. The two front doors were revolving (much to his excitement) and opened up to a brilliant lobby of granite, marble, and stainless steel.

Grani tugged at his jacket. "Do you reckon they have a swimming pool?" she asked excitedly, her eyes twinkling with wonder.

Luke shrugged. "Probably. I find it hard to believe that such an opulent hotel wouldn't have a pool."

Texas pulled into the porte-cochère and parked the RV. "You know what to do." She pulled a lever, opening the front doors. "I'll catch up with you later."

"Do we ever!" Exusiai cheered with a mock salute. She hopped from her seat and rushed out the doors.

"Come, let's go," Franka urged with a wave. "We have about thirty minutes before we have to meet our guide. That should be enough time to find our rooms, if we hurry." She turned and made for the exit.

Luke trailed behind her. "Shouldn't we take our luggage?" he inquired as they exited the RV, their feet meeting the solid ground. "We should bring them inside."

She dismissed the idea with a shake of her head. "No need. The hotel staff will handle our bags. Just bring what's important to you."

"Like our weapons?"

"Unless you plan on entering combat unarmed, I'd recommend it," Liskarm responded. Arms folded, she stood sentinel-like by the RV door. Sora peeked over her shoulder, wearing a grin.

Grani was the last to exit. Maneuvering past Liskarm, she hopped out with her pike firmly grasped.

Catching sight of her weapon, Luke nodded appreciatively. "Point taken."

"Get a move on!" Exusiai shouted from ahead.

Embarrassed, Luke turned and scurried back into the RV, slipping past Liskarm without a second glance. He picked out Murakumo with ease—It was hard to miss its golden handle, and with his spare blade nearby, collecting his weapons was a trivial task.

He would have liked to leave Murakumo back at the landship, but Septimus had explicitly stated that the sword was to never leave his side. He hadn't the foggiest idea why his father was so adamant in his demand. It wasn't like the sword was useful for anything.

Neither he nor Septimus had ever been able to draw the blade, and while its ornate, ebony sheath was a sight to behold, the sword was more like a good luck charm than a weapon. Realizing he had gotten lost in his thoughts again, Luke hurriedly fastened the two swords to his hip: Murakumo on his left, and the other blade on his right, and left the RV.

By the time he had returned, Franka had already retrieved her sword and was waiting patiently off to the side.

Grani nudged his arm, smiling playfully. "Terra to Luke: You there?"

Luke returned the gesture with a salute, imitating Grani's trademark stance. "Copy that, Captain."

She chuckled with a warm smile. "Just checking."

"Everyone ready?" Exusiai asked.

Luke nodded. He had to admit, he was looking forward to a long bath after more than two days on the road.

"Awesome, let's get going! We'll catch'ya later, Texas!" She spun on the balls of her feet and marched toward the hotel's grand entrance with Sora right behind her.

Sharing a quick nod of agreement, Luke and Grani wasted no time in following suit. Together, they traversed the porte-cochère and approached the hotel's main entrance.

A tall, well dressed valet approached them with a shallow bow. "Will you be checking in today?"

Exusiai shook her head. "It should be taken care of. By the way, don't worry about our ride." She jerked her thumb over her shoulder and toward the RV. "Our driver's got it handled."

The valet followed her thumb and jumped slightly at the sight of the gaudy vehicle. His eyes flicked back and forth before landing on Sora's golden hair. "Oh, Madame Sora! The Prima Donna's waiting for you inside." He took a quick look at the group, taking particular interest in their weapons. He nodded to himself. "I assume they are your escorts?"

Luke glanced over his shoulder toward Franka who merely shrugged. So much for finding our rooms. He thought bitterly

Sora's smile caused the attendant to blush fiercely. "Yes, they are."

The valet coughed into his fist. "Very well. Head on in."

Luke led the way through the revolving door. A part of him yearned to push as hard as he could, however, he knew such antics wouldn't be appreciated by his team—Liskarm in particular. Regrettably, his brief escapade ended as he set foot on the opulent, white marble floor of the lobby.

"Oh! Miss Sora, what a pleasant surprise." They looked up to see a middle aged woman rushing towards them with an elderly man in tow. "It's fortunate we arrived ahead of schedule," the woman said as she neared.

Sora returned her wave with a smile of her own. "Madame Evelyn. It's always a relief to see you," she said with a curtsy and a teasing grin.

Evelyn playfully swatted the idol over her head. "Oh, you." She chuckled and turned to the rest of the group. "Pardon me, where are my manners? My name is Evelyn Valois. I am a Victorian Prima Donna, as well as Sora's old dance instructor. I've known the girl for many years. She's practically a daughter to me," she said with an affectionate smile.

"Nowadays, I act as her liaison. It's my job to ensure her concert runs as smoothly as possible. As always, it's nice to see a few familiar faces: Miss Franka, Miss Liskarm, and Miss Exusiai—always a pleasure." She paused. "It appears we also have some newcomers. Would you be so kind as to introduce yourselves?"

Grani stood at attention with a stiff salute. "My name is Grani! Formerly of the Victorian Mounted Police. I am here on the invitation of Franka and Liskarm. It's a pleasure to meet you!"

"The pleasure is mine." Evelyn chuckled, amused by Grani's discipline. "The Mounted Police you say…? They're quite famous. We're certainly safe with you around." Grani preened under her praise, straightening her back with a proud smile on her face.

The Prima Donna turned her attention toward Luke. "Looks like you brought a strapping young lad with you this time."

Luke took that as his cue to introduce himself. "My name's Luke, and I'm her partner," he said, jerking a thumb toward Grani. "I'm basically an observer."

Evelyn chuckled. "Direct and to the point. It's nice to meet you, Mr. Luke."

The old man standing behind Evelyn cleared his throat, causing her to roll her eyes with a thin, wry smile. "Oh, act your age, Andy," she chided with a hint of amusement.

The old man moved to speak but remained silent. Grani and Luke exchanged awkward glances while Evelyn merely shook her head. She seemed used to it. "An old man like me can only be this happy once in a lifetime, Eve," he said after a short silence.

Evelyn sighed with a smile. "Yes, I suppose. Allow me to introduce you to your guide." She stepped aside, allowing the man to step forward. "This is Minister Antonio, a long time friend of mine. He's the pastor presiding over the Imperial celebrations," she suppressed a giggle with her hand. "And an avid fan of Sora."

The old man was the picture of a wise mentor. With a short gray beard and a friendly face, he leaned on a thick wooden cane as he approached Sora with graceful steps. Perhaps it was due to his age, but Antonio continued to speak with a slight delay. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Miss Sora. My late son was very fond of your music. Unfortunately, he passed on recently due to complications with Oripathy."

Luke sensed a palpable shift in the group's atmosphere. Both Franka and Liskarm appeared visibly unsettled by the mention of the term. Even Grani and Exusiai looked disheartened. His brow furrowed. Oripathy? He recalled Dr. Warfarin had mentioned the disease in passing, and he had stumbled upon a few references to it in his readings. However, his understanding of the condition was rather limited, as he had never personally encountered anyone afflicted with it. His upbringing had been one of seclusion and relative isolation.

"As for me," the old man continued, "I found solace in your music following his passing. It helped me grapple with my grief in the wake of his passing. For that, I'm eternally grateful."

Sora responded with an empathetic smile. "I should be thanking you. There were moments when I was on the verge of quitting, succumbing to the criticism." She tenderly held the pastor's hand. "But realizing that my voice could be a source of light for others—that gave me the strength to keep going. As Madame Evelyn often puts it: 'Some people need more light than others...'"

"So make extra," Sora and Evelyn spoke simultaneously.

"So make extra." Antonio chimed in a beat late. The three exchanged a glance and laughed.

"You were late, Andy. Your age must be catching up with you," Evelyn noted, smiling.

Luke chuckled to himself at the elderly man's delayed response. I hope I don't do that when I get older.

Evelyn took a moment to catch her breath. "Are you prepared for tonight's performance?" she asked Sora.

Sora nodded enthusiastically. "Yes! I've been looking forward to it for a while now."

Evelyn chuckled. Reaching into her handbag, she pulled out four paper brochures. "I reserved four rooms as requested by Miss Texas: Three doubles and a single—room 3004." she said, handing the brochures to Exusiai. "While I'd love to catch up with everyone, I'm afraid I have important work at the venue. The stage won't prepare itself."

Antonio nodded. "Indeed. I'll remain in the lobby for the time being. There are other guests I must attend to. We're expecting some rather big names from Lungmen." He tapped his cane against the marbled floor and straightened his back. "If you are in need of my assistance, please call the front desk. They'll patch you through to me. I look forward to working with you during the festivities." With that the elderly man bowed lightly and hobbled away with Evelyn right beside him.

Luke glanced at Exusiai. "I'm guessing the single room is mine?" he ventured. Given the closeness of the RV, it made sense; he and Grani had inadvertently shared a bed a few days ago, but that didn't mean they should share a room. Their dorm rooms, he reasoned, were essentially single spaces.

Exusiai shrugged. "Probably. Doesn't really matter to me."

"It does to me," he replied, taking the brochure labeled 3004. "I'm sure you all want your privacy after two days in an RV."

As they spoke, Luke and Exusiai failed to notice a shadowy figure detaching itself from one of the lobby's darker recesses. With furtive glances, the figure glided away, disappearing into the labyrinthine corridors of the hotel.

A cloaked messenger burst through ancient, decaying wooden doors. The sharp snap of splintering wood echoing throughout the cavernous chamber. The messenger raced across the dimly lit room. His boots sent ripples bounding through murky puddles, as he stomped through the stagnant water. The messenger skidded to a halt before an imposing stone dais covered in cryptic symbols, kneeling hastily on the cold, wet ground.

"Father," the messenger gasped, his breath ragged from exertion. "Sora has checked into the Imperial Hotel and rendezvoused with her escorts. Our operatives are shadowing her every move. Shall we engage?"

From atop the stone dais, a skeletal figure emerged from the shadows. His ancient hands delicately cradled a flickering candle, as if holding a fragile life between his fingers. With a sardonic grin, he allowed the flame to dance and caress his gnarled, veiny palms. "Haste makes waste, my child," he intoned softly, his voice dripping with condescension. "We have time on our side. Let's not squander it."

The messenger slammed a fist into a puddle at their feet. Water splashed all over the figure's robes. "Father, you're being too passive!" The messenger cried. "The time is ripe to eliminate her. Why hesitate?"

Unperturbed, the Father calmly patted his robes dry as he descended the dais to approach the messenger, his eyes locked onto his subordinate's. "Do not underestimate the Imperial Government. Should she be killed now, her death would simply be another state secret. Better to strike when denial becomes impossible."

The messenger inhaled sharply, realization dawning on them. "The concert?"

The Father's lips twisted into a sinister smile. "Precisely."

"And what of her entourage?"

The Father waved dismissively. "Inconsequential. They will soon realize that any breadcrumb of information they manage to glean from the situation will only lead them into a labyrinth of deceit." He gestured with a flick of his wrist, as if swatting away a nuisance. "Leave me. This technique is difficult to maintain."

The messenger bowed deeply, his form shrouded in a mix of reverence and fear. "As you command, Father."

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