Umbra Forest Council Meeting: The Pandora Assault

"…What if there's a situation where we need to speed up the invasion date?"

Tadhg looked toward Melissa with curiosity. "How so?"

She shrugged. "What I mean is, assuming the circumstances work out better than the intended objective, we have a strategy in place where we could move the invasion date up? Like, everything aligns itself perfectly to get all the pieces into place."

Moira glared. "That's a whole lot of nothing. Can you be more specific?"

Before Melissa could voice her vague thoughts, Blackwood chirped in. "Actually, I see where young Harlow is going with this. The plan is to carefully manipulate Telo Martius into the right position so that we perform the most damage possible with the least casualties possible. If we are truly going to spare the civilians, the streets will have to be cleared before the flood occurs."

Jason glared. "But we're already opting to micromanage everything to get them into position. How would we get them into an area free from the flooding?"

"…" Tadhg leaned back in his chair, tapping his wet quill against his arm. "Curious, isn't it?" He glared. "Though, if the idea is to get them somewhere away from the main point of impact, the center of town would do nicely."

"What are you proposing?" Melissa asked.

"If we want to go through with this emergency stratagem of yours, it'd have to be under circumstances that would get the people to that area." He smirked. "And it just so happens the colosseum is in the center of Telo Martius."

Jason raised his brow. "You're suggesting manipulating the civilians into attending a match in the colosseum?"

"Precisely."

Moira shook her head. "That wouldn't work. Not everyone attends those matches as far as our spies can tell. Even the big ones don't draw in everyone."

"Ah, with one exception: Emperor Nero himself."

Moira's eyes widened. "Oh?"

Blackwood smirked. "I see what you're cooking."

Tadhg sat up. "He's revered as a god in the New Chariot Empire, and we have intel he draws in huge numbers that packs the colosseum. In fact, ever since he became emperor, he has been attending the colosseum less and less, meaning seeing him in one of his chariot matches would be a rare spectacle. No one would want to miss out on a god taking part in a stellar match like that."

Jason raised his hand. "But if they're so rare, that means we have to abide by a date when he does perform, and the next time he does may be too early to perform an early assault—"

"Not if we manipulate him into challenging someone." Tadhg's eyes wandered over to Melissa, who instantly understood what the king was implying. "After all, a defiant prisoner would need to be taught a lesson should they try to besmirch the honor of a god."

Melissa nodded. "That means, if I so choose, I can call on this emergency assault."

"You will have to give us at least a month to make preparations, so not too early. But, if you can see an opportunity to get the emperor to challenge you and deem it worthwhile, we'll make final preparations and head out early to set up the attack on Fort Gladius. An event like that would draw in so much attention, it'll leave just enough of a blind spot to bomb the dam and divert the flood into the city. And because this is the emperor who will be competing, security will be heightened. Not enough to leave the city defenseless, but enough to send them scattering from an unseen flooding. We'll submerge the streets and take hold of Telo Martius while its soldiers scramble to prepare themselves and protect the innocent."

Jason glared. "Leaving only the elite commanders to deal with."

Tadhg smirked. "Not a bad idea, Harlow."

She smiled sheepishly. "Oh, uh…thanks."

"Let's make some adjustments to the idea and see if there's any room for improvement."

9th Autumn Moon, 908 – Telo Martius

By Nero's command, the construction crew worked double time to undo the damage left by Tyranno's final battle. Though they couldn't do much about the giant tree that firmly rooted itself through the ground, its bark virtually unbreakable, they worked hard smoothing out the ground around it and restoring back to its natural state.

Nero smirked. "Skill Hunter will regret facing me at my own game. I wonder if she has ever commanded a chariot before." He shook his head. "Oh, who am I kidding? This is going to be entertainment no matter what."

Gemini, standing diligently by the emperor's side, nodded. "I hope you understand the risk you're putting yourself in. This will go a lot differently compared to your execution of Lothar."

"Skill Hunter is a strong warrior, I'll grant her that, but I'm not some lazy emperor who doesn't know how to hold his own in a fight." He glared. "She'll come to understand the peril she's in soon enough."

Gemini sighed. "Well, at least you'll be drawing in a crowd tomorrow. Everyone's excited to see you in action again."

"Yes. Make sure security remains tight around the perimeter."

"I've divided up the guards accordingly, though I doubt we have much to worry over. No one would be foolish enough to march an army onto the capital."

Nero shrugged. "Never underestimate the foolish bravado of the enemy. You never know what trickery they'll utilize." He smirked. "Do you think Stormbreaker actually believes he's gained my trust?"

Gemini glared. "The Foresters have been acting suspiciously in Fort Gladius. I managed to intercept one of our soldiers who had been making frequent visits there. Apparently Miss Vibiana has been particularly kind to them."

"We'll leave Fort Gladius in Decimus' hands. You try and keep this Miss Vibiana in line. Make sure what you're seeing is nothing more than acts of kindness."

"Of course. Ah, that reminds me…" Gemini crossed his arms and sighed. "Unfortunately, we haven't received an update from Commander Manlius as of late. For some reason, his messenger hasn't returned. And the messenger we sent hasn't returned either. I'm starting to get worried."

Nero scratched his chin. "How strange. Our messengers are trained to evade capture. The threat of an attack, though possible, wouldn't guarantee all our messengers were captured. Perhaps something is holding him up."

"Shall we send a search party?"

"We would have to cancel the match tomorrow if we still want optimal security. We may just send a couple spies to investigate from afar. At best, Manlius has been preoccupied with something. At worst…" Nero smirked. "Well, what does it matter?"

Gemini groaned. "You are too easygoing about this."

"Yes. Yes, I am."

"I will order for a couple spies to investigate Commander Manlius' status."

"See to it." Gemini bowed and left the emperor to himself as he continued to oversee production of the arena. He snickered through his grin. "Besides, why miss out on an opportunity like this? We're going to have so much fun tomorrow."

Fort Gladius

"Here are your meals, my good fellows!" Enora cheerfully exclaimed, sliding a tray of piping hot meals off her back.

"Get it while it's hot!" Sadie joined in, sliding more trays onto the table.

An Electabuzz soldier crossed his arms and laughed. "Well, about time those prickly attitudes got pruned. You girls are acting a lot more cheerful recently."

Jewel bowed after setting out the last of the trays. "We've come to appreciate the services and privileges given to us as loyal followers of the New Chariot Empire. Here is to hope our services will be better utilized for the greater expansion of its reign."

"Here, here," a Golem soldier exclaimed. "Glad you lasses see things our way!"

Sadie tilted her head, smiling sweetly. "Now then, who would care for some fine ale?" she asked, presenting a fresh bottle to the soldiers.

"Serve us up, woman!" a Carnivine exclaimed, raising his chalice.

"Oh, with pleasure~."

Enora winked. "Drink to your heart's content, boys~."

Jewel giggled. "We'll be sure to tend to all your needs~."

A strange reversal of attitudes. Mere days ago, the Foresters were remarkably distant from their newfound allies having been viewed since arrival as second-class citizens on parole with the distrusting soldiers. However, relations had improved, and the thieves worked with greater diligence to please their allies in hopes of a better tomorrow.

And there was none better than the catharsis of their mistreatment they'll receive come tomorrow.

The peachy service delivered by the girls was a deceitful front to hide the dark underbelly of malicious compliance cooking up in their vengeful minds. In actuality, it was to let the soldiers' guards down just enough to hide what was really going on across the fort.

Or more specifically, at the dam site they were currently serving lunch.

As Enora, Sadie, and Jewel distracted the men with flattery and charm, others were working to get started on the main target. Ursula, Fabrice, and Luna snuck out of sight from the soldiers carrying a mysterious package. They reached the edge of the lake where the dam kept the water at bay. A nearly still lake filled with the freshest water around with its many underground channels transporting clean drinking water toward Telo Martius.

Luna coiled her Vines Whips around Ursula and Fabrice's ankles. "Go," she whispered once determining the soldiers were distracted.

The duo leapt into the water and paddled their way to the manmade wall itself. Fabrice unfurled the package, revealing clusters of waterproof explosives and a bundle of wires with hooks at the end.

One by one, Fabrice handed off the bombs to Ursula, who swam along the wall and planted their adhesive bottoms against it. She would then take some of the wire and clamp them onto the tiny pins connected to the bombs. They moved slowly, but surely, lining up the bombs precisely as instructed in Pandora's notes.

The bombs were set to go off when the pins were removed, igniting a chemical reaction designed by Enoch Yap that'll create enough explosive force to pierce the dam's hide. While one would hardly do any damage, the point of their placement was to strategically create weak points in the wall. The water itself will do the rest of the work, finding a gap to squeeze through until the wall couldn't handle the weight of the water anymore, creating a massive tidal wave that'll surge down the mountain.

And upon that, Sidney and her team will already be in the area ahead of the Umbra Clock army, using their digging skills to manipulate the water's path into Telo Martius, where it would be diverted underground and released through the streets like active geysers. This would guarantee the damage and causalities were minimized to near zero while still creating enough chaos to disrupt a counterattack.

After that, it was simply a matter of invading the capital in the state of confusion and pressuring Emperor Nero into surrender. If he were to value the safety of his people, they would have enough leverage to force him into signing a treaty with Umbra Clock. The damage alone to Telo Martius would be enough. Refusal to comply, and they would take the opportunity to cripple his army during the flood, thus significantly weakening his threats of a counterassault.

All was going according to plan.

However, the matter of forcing Nero into surrender was…a different matter.

Eadwulf kept reading the letter over and over to himself, as if asking the words themselves if they portrayed the dark meaning they carried with them. Perhaps it was a desperate plea, or a way of coping with the difficult ask, but Eadwulf understood the reality of Jason's request.

He couldn't blame the Pikachu. Having been responsible for Artur's death and nearly taking his brother's own life in the same attack, Jason didn't have the spirit to kill again. Though a violent nature hid within his cold exterior, that bloodlust had to be kept in check for his own sanity. Letting it out again, and Jason may never go back. That fear of becoming comfortable with taking lives grows stronger with every justified death.

For Eadwulf, though directly responsible for the murder of his own parents, he didn't carry that same burden. It was still a monumental task on his part, but he wouldn't feel anguish from the deed.

That said, to take another's life? That wasn't an easy decision. He understood the obstacle that was Emperor Nero, and this was a possibility that had been considered. Melissa wouldn't approve of the idea, though. She believed, by some miracle, she could reach Nero's heart and persuade him to their side. It would be too much to ask her to go along with the assassination, much less do it herself. That reality would shatter her.

She would not be happy if she ever found out Jason assigned the Nature Spirits to this assassination.

Eadwulf pocketed the letter and collapsed back against the hut he hid behind, covering his face. "I'll have another person's blood on my hands tomorrow. That's more than anyone should have."

"A murderer and a surgeon share similar traits: holding the life of another at the tip of their blade." Eadwulf turned his eyes up and found Shingo standing upside-down from the edge of the hut's roof. He adjusted his scarf before jumping down to Eadwulf. "Blood is part of the profession."

Eadwulf sighed. "Not exactly the comforting piece of wisdom you think it is." He glared. "I…haven't told the others about this. How did you—"

"Information gathering is part of my profession, remember?" He sat on his knees and bowed his head to the troubled Nuzleaf. "You struggle with the task assigned to you?"

"Is it obvious?"

"Life is precious. Once it is gone, it can never return. It must be treated with the utmost care." Shingo glared. "That said, there are times where certain actions need to be taken."

"Your own family deals in assassination, doesn't it?"

"It…wasn't a common practice. Ninja, or shinobi as we say, are information gatherers. Traditionally, assassination wasn't our specialty. The Mochizuki Clan was more known for working within the internal affairs of Great Gate. We kept an eye on everyone, watching them from the shadows. Subduing criminals before they have a chance to act. My mother, however, was part of an assassin clan. Troubled times during the former emperor's reign led to a loss of power. Assassins weren't widely sought after at the time. She and my father were placed into an arranged marriage to keep her family legacy alive. I've learned much in the way of death from her, but was taught never to exercise such practices unless deemed necessary."

"…You make it sound so simple."

"We are gifted with incredible knowledge of life and death. Understanding when to act upon it is crucial. You have been burdened with a trying assignment, Trevorrow Eadwulf. For that, I don't envy your position. If you so wish, however, I could shoulder the burden of responsibility."

Eadwulf smiled and shook his head. "You're too kind, Shingo, but no. This is a lot for me, yes, but I have to see this through. New Chariot in its current state is far too much of a threat. I…will manage to find the will to go through with the plan."

"Hmm. Very well." Shingo bowed his head. "Then I wish you and the rest of the Nature Spirit Scouts a successful victory in tomorrow's assault."

"Thanks for the pep talk. I needed it."

"I am glad to have eased your troubles."

Eadwulf took a deep breath and sighed. It won't be easy, but I'll do all I can to win this war. All my training these last few months will not be wasted.

Ducking away from the guards and her allies, Marie secluded herself in the wooded area of Fort Gladius. She leaned against a tree, waiting for her partner-in-crime to arrive.

Though, today…she seemed agitated.

Tomorrow. Everything changes tomorrow. Marie closed her eyes. Am I doing the right thing? Am I really going to sink back into my old ways? Am I really going to confront…everything? She sighed. What's everyone going to think of me when this is all over? What is…Melissa going to think of me?

"A troubled afternoon, my dear?" Marie glared ahead as Basil slinked out from hiding. Though, he seemed a bit weary, signs of shortness of breath and minor trembles in his limbs. He clutched his sore arm, yet managed to keep up an air of self-confidence and jovial deviousness. "Isn't this a time for celebrating?"

She glowered. "You see this as celebration?"

"Well, mostly for me, but what can one expect? I'm not exactly one for sentimentality." He approached her, looming over her with a sinister, yet nonchalant smile. "Pretty soon, your debt to me will be paid."

"…How long are you going to hold that over my head?"

"Hmm, depending on whether or not you complete your half of the deal."

"…You know I was never involved in any of that. I was too young—"

"And yet, the blood on your hands tells a different story." Basil slammed his hand against the tree she leaned against. He chuckled softly. "It's not about what you didn't do. It's about everything. You think I'm not aware of the person you once were?" His glare narrowed. "And besides, you're not entirely blameless…given that there were some survivors. Rosemary? Clover? Any of those names ring a bell?"

"…" Marie looked away. "I didn't know any better—"

"Is that really an excuse?" He snickered. "I wonder what Melissa will say when she finds out who you really are. Of all the people you fear knowing about your past, her opinion would crush you, wouldn't it?"

"…"

"You understood what you, Giles, and I were getting involved with when we came together. And you understood why I've been holding this burden over your head for so long. We both want the same thing in the end. Don't think of it as me manipulating you. After all, you want him dead as much as I do. As well as the rest of them."

"…Except my sister."

"Oh yes, her. The one I want dead the most."

"Basil, she's my twin sister—"

"And I've told you countless times about how much she changed since you left to join the Foresters. Do you need a reminder of how she got so much stronger?"

"…"

"Besides, something tells me she won't look at you with the same sisterly love you're pining for. Actually, I'm pretty sure that goes for the rest of your family."

"…" Marie glared at him. "You're not well."

"I've never been more sane."

"Basil, even I know what you've been doing to yourself is not healthy. The experiments you've been performing on yourself shouldn't be done without medical consultation, and especially in the mindset you're currently in. How far are you willing to go to avenge your clan?"

"…" He flashed a wide grin. "How does burning the entirety of Great Gate sound?"

"There are innocent people—"

"And there were innocent people in Arcania. Funny how that works out."

"This doesn't involve them—"

"Then let's hope it doesn't come to that. I'm dead set on my main objective, but I won't hesitate to go to the extreme if deemed necessary. This region is wrought with corruption, disarray, and hopelessness. There's nothing like the cleansing power of fire to undo all that."

"…Itzal really was a bad influence on you."

"And he taught me so much, even if I repaid his teachings with a little treachery. That's the moral of life: you can never let someone into your life without risking a knife in your back."

"Is that how you see your friendship with Melissa?"

He sighed and turned away. "She's a good lass, but…well, like I said, I'm not one for sentimentality. She's got good ideas, but peace isn't enough. It never will be."

"…" Marie sighed. "She's going to hate you once this is all over."

"Good. That's what I'm hoping for." He laughed and waved her off as he walked away. "Make sure to get plenty of rest for tomorrow, my dear. Something tells me you won't be sleeping for the next several weeks."

Marie clenched her teeth, gripping to the dagger hidden under her clothes. Basil, you…ugh. For your sake, I hope you're willing to live with the consequences of your deceit.

Martius Palace, Telo Martius

"Seems the palace won't need much maintenance tomorrow with Emperor Nero's match."

"I could use a break. Keeping these floors sparkling takes its toll."

"Ugh, I still need to come in and do the bedsheets."

The chatter of the palace servants mostly fell on deaf ears with Freya, who went about her business dusting the hallway's collection of vases and trinkets. She periodically looked over her shoulder as if someone was going to jump out and grab her. The prospect of getting chores done seemed some…arbitrary with all that came into her life recently.

To think there's a chance today is the last time she'll be working in the palace.

Tomorrow, everything changes.

Her drifting thoughts refocused as she heard a tap on the hall window. Her eyes widened, spotting two distinct ears bouncing into view before scampering off. Freya looked back at her fellow servants who were still absorbed into their conversation before setting her duster aside and snuck off.

Scampering off to a different part of the palace, she made her way to a window and unlocked it. After getting it open, Lillia flipped through and landed inside. "Phew. Thanks a lot, partner."

Freya winced, wringing her skirt between her hands. "I'm…having second thoughts about all of this."

Lillia patted her head. "You're going to be fine. Just do as I say, and you'll see freedom once again."

Freya gulped. "I'm just not sure how I feel about putting the city in danger. Sure, I don't have the most pleasant memories of this place, but—"

"Shhh." Lillia set her hand atop the Heliolisk's shoulder. "No one is going to get hurt. We're doing all of this to back the emperor into a corner. I just need your help getting the palace secured for tomorrow, then I'm going to need your help preparing tomorrow's breakfast for the reserve soldiers."

"Ehhhh…"

"You'll be fine, I promise." She smiled. "And pretty soon, you'll be reunited with your brother."

"…" Freya looked down. "Has Ragger really been looking for me all this time? I always knew he might still be alive, but…oh, I can't imagine what he must've gone through. What's he like these days?"

Lillia winced. "Eh, not exactly anything…decent. Oh, he's in good spirits and all, but…was he ever an alcoholic when you two were kids?" The horrified expression on Freya's face was all the answer the Meowstic needed. "Heh, yeah, uh…well, that doesn't change the fact he's ready to bust down the doors to rescue you."

"…" Freya sighed. "Okay. I'll do what I can."

Lillia smiled. "Good. Now, we need to get the palace ready for tomorrow, so that'll be the time we waterproof this place for the flood. You'll do that while I commandeer a couple of wagons to bring in our guests."

"How are you going to get a couple of wagons full of unconscious soldiers here without steeds?"

Lillia snickered, her eyes briefly flashing blue. "Don't you worry. My telekinetic might is a lot stronger than you think."

Telo Martius Jailhouse

"HA! HA, HI-YA!"

With the day of her big match against Emperor Nero just around the corner, Melissa had get herself into shape. With nothing but the confines of her holding cell to act as her training grounds, she practiced her bouncing and kicking. Fortunately, Alfhild was thrown into the same cell as her, giving the Buneary a tough sparring partner.

Alfhild raised her arms and blocked Melissa's flurry of kicks. "{Alright, that's it! Keep going! Just like that! You go, girl!}"

"HI-YA!" She sprung across the cell and landed a heavy kick into Alfhild's guard, sending her skidding into the wall. Melissa landed and bounced readily on her toes, panting lightly. "I need to keep my mind sharp and body strong. I won't let that arrogant blowhard get the last laugh! HA!" She launched herself at the Tinkaton again, raining down a flurry of kicks.

Across the cell hall, Terrowin watched the Buneary's training attentively while Vilde kept watch of the steadily recovering Galus, who snoozed against the Armorouge's leg. Vilde glared and said, "She's taking this challenge seriously. I didn't think she could get so mad."

Terrowin nodded. "Seems Nero finally got under her skin. What happened with Tyranno set her off more than I imagined."

"I wonder if we made the wrong decision not taking Nero's offer to leave," Vilde admitted.

"Do you truly believe that?"

"…No. I made my choice to fight under Commander Harlow's leadership. I shall not run."

Terrowin smiled. "A fine choice." He turned his attention back onto the girls, clearing his throat to gain their attention. "Perhaps that's enough for today. You'll need to conserve your strength for tomorrow."

Melissa panted lightly and wiped her brow. "I'm fine. I know my limits."

"You understand the objective tomorrow is to keep the city's attention on you. You mustn't let emotion rule your judgment."

"…" She closed her eyes and sighed. "To think someone like him exists."

"It's a troubling mindset to see so little value in those outside one's own territory, but you must take the high road. You stand above him in the moral high ground. Take pride in that."

She shook her head. "Every move I make justifies his twisted ideals. I don't…" She growled and trembled with rage. "How can I possibly refute his points when I still don't know how I'm going to bring peace? I'm pleading that tomorrow goes right, but…what if it doesn't? What if I made a bad call? What if I end being the hypocrite he claimed me to be?"

Terrowin glared. "Let Nero believe what he wants. You trust in your instincts to bring harmony to this region, thus you must hold firm to those beliefs." He sighed. "I, too, wish for a world of harmony. I only wish someone worthy could take the reins to lead Virdis to a better future."

"…" Melissa scratched behind her head. "You…really think I was the best candidate for it?"

He smiled. "No. You are the best candidate for the true throne of Virdis."

"How can you be so sure?"

"Well, in a different time, you and I were brothers-in-arms. We inherited the wills of the Laurus Vanguard, so consider it a sixth sense. Perhaps I can sense the good will brimming within you, and I have no reason not to trust such righteous spirit."

"…" Melissa looked at him unsurely. "What…What would accepting your offer entail exactly?"

He chuckled. "Well, a world where the concept of war doesn't exist. Wouldn't that be grand?"

"A world without war, huh?" That word. War. Whenever she said it to herself, she could picture Nero's malicious tone overlaying it. The thought made her blood boil, and she practically huffed smoke through her nose. "That…does sound tempting."

"You still don't know if you want to take up my offer."

"…I don't."

"Hmm. Well, I will not force you into deciding. Take all the time you need."

Melissa looked away from the old Sceptile, awkwardly scratching her arm. Is it wrong of me to even humor his offer? If Jason knew what we were talking about, he'd…ugh, I really am a hypocrite. I'd feel awful keeping this to myself. Still, would a world without war really be so bad? A world where I can save people without bloodshed and violence? A…perfect world.

Meanwhile…

With the sun beginning to set, Jason took the opportunity to sneak off through the city. He kept his head low to not draw attention to himself and found his way to a secluded area near the wall of Telo Martius. He kept checking over his shoulder as he closed in on the meeting place, thankfully not being followed.

He took a seat against the back of a building and sighed, waiting for his contact to show themselves.

He didn't need to wait long as a hole crumbled up in the ground. He narrowed his eyes as the dirt parted, and Sidney popped her head out onto the surface. She grinned. "Hey, Jason."

"Sid. Did you bring the stuff?"

She fished inside her tunnel before pulling out a packed bag. "Got them right here." She handed them off to Jason, who immediately checked inside. "Enough explosives to punch a hole through the ground. Uh, you might want to tell the prisoners that they'll need to take cover before setting them off. That dungeon is going to fill with rubble real quickly."

Jason nodded. "They'll manage." He slung the bag over his shoulder and sighed. "What's the status of the Umbra Clock army?"

She saluted him. "King Tadhg has just led his knights to the meeting ground. They're currently laying out of sight from Fort Gladius and will make the charge to Telo Martius once the dam is destroyed. Everything is in position."

"Good. We can finally put this ruse behind us and start making progress." He turned his back to the Drilbur. "You get back to your unit and finish up with the tunnel system—"

"Oh, uh…Jason?" He stopped, sensing the trepidation in her voice. She tapped her claws together awkwardly. "Uh, about that request Eadwulf sent us on your behalf…"

"…" He sighed. "I'm sorry. I…I know it's a lot, but—"

"No, I understand. Percival, Zephora, Valentine, and I understand what is expected of us, and so does Eadwulf. This is for the good of the mission." She frowned. "It's just that…are you okay with this?"

"…I don't know."

"That must've been hard. Asking us to take a life."

He sighed and covered his face. "Melissa is going to hate me if she ever finds out what I'm doing."

"I mean, this is Emperor Nero we're talking about. I don't see any other way how this can be resolved."

"But I want to believe Melissa can bring him to our side. But at the same time, I've spent enough time around that monster and his subordinates that it's just a fantasy. Nero is locked in his ways. He truly believes war is an inevitability. He chooses to act on the path of war to stay ahead of everyone else."

"So, you're sparing Melissa from a crushing truth?"

"I don't know if she can handle another bout of disappointment. She was mad when Tyranno had to be executed, but…" He groaned. "I don't know. Melissa's soft. I don't think she can handle the weight of taking a life with her own hands. I often wonder if she'd have the guts to kill someone she truly hated. It's not an easy feeling to break from, and it's not a glamorous one to partake in. A life is precious."

"…Are you ever going to tell Melissa the truth?"

"…Let's just keep this between us. As far as she should be concerned, it's an act of self-defense."

Sidney nodded unsurely. "Alright, but…you know she won't be happy about this." She ducked back into the ground and closed the tunnel.

Jason sighed and started his way back toward the palace, adjusting the bag of explosives. Sometimes we have to do things we're not proud of to see the first light of dawn again.

Nightfall

In celebration of what would certainly be another rousing victory for their emperor, Nero's harem went out for drinks, leaving the emperor to himself in his chamber. They pleaded with him to come along, but he wished to be alone for the time being, mentally preparing himself for tomorrow's battle.

His robes fluttered against the light breeze entering his room as he stood out on the balcony, overseeing the glimmering lights of his fair city. It was a pristine image he wished not to tarnish. Everything he worked toward was to keep the empire from knowing despair. A dream he held in such high regard above all else, lest the beast of war that he fought to tame would finally snap its fangs back at him for his sins.

He remembered a time when it was divided, split in ruins because of his civil war with his brother. A time when the people were forced into factions, unsure and uncertain of the future. That perilous uncertainly twisted by the famine and harm of another's ideals. His brother, who so foolishly believed in his goodness, failed to see the dread he brought in his fight for peace.

"You believed in his vision once, didn't you?"

That question. One spoken so brazenly against him. How it irked him.

How it irked him…that he once saw the good in his brother's vision.

He often wondered if things would've turned out different had his brother exercised restraint. What if he wasn't so desperate to spearhead peace in New Chariot's name? What if he took his time? Perhaps the idea of peace would've been made reality, and then New Chariot could've gone in a new direction. Maybe they could've allied with the very kingdom they sought to capture.

But then, would that really change anything? The Umbra Clock Kingdom had been locked in combat for years before Nero took command. They would've sought vengeance. They would've seen the empire's weakness.

And what of Great Gate? Nero wasn't an idiot. He knew of the horrible deeds committed by Emperor Amano to gain power. The fall of Emperor Kazuyuki, the death of his child in the flames, and the reworking of Great Gate's internal affairs. Allying himself with the infamous Takigawa Clan, known for their cruel practices to become the elite assassins in exchange for power and wealth. They wouldn't hesitate for a second to take down New Chariot. The only stay at bay because they understood Nero was willing to destroy without hesitation. For all his faults, Emperor Amano wasn't willing to sacrifice his people.

Everyone had something to gain from another. As long as two people in the world existed, and one wished for something the other had, war was inevitable. It was better to stay ahead of the game. An endless war, hardening the spirits of his people so that in times of difficulty they won't cower and wither. It was a cruel kindness, teaching his people to never falter even in the collapse of the empire. That was the lesson he taught them, and his symbol had to remain unbreaking to preserve their spirits.

That was he meant to be a God of War.

The soft patter of footsteps broke Nero from his thoughts. Glancing over his shoulder, he spotted Fortuna walking up the stairs and entering his chamber. She curtsied to him, albeit nervously. "Emperor Nero."

"…" Nero gazed out over the city again. "Fortuna. A lovely surprise. Why aren't you out with the others, my dear? You of all people appreciate a good drink."

"I, uh…" She wrung her skirt between her hands. "I wanted to…be with you, I guess."

"Heh. Well, unsurprising. Well, are you looking forward to tomorrow's match? I'll be sure to put on a show for everyone. I hope you and the girls will be cheering the loudest."

"…" Fortuna gulped. "O-Of course."

"Are your lucky senses as fine tuned as ever? Tell me the good news."

"…" She forced a smile and laughed. "W-What's there to tell? Naturally, you will succeed. You are the greatest, my liege! Th-There's…no denying that."

"…You predict I'll be defeated tomorrow."

Her eyes widened. "I…no! Of course not! I speak only the—"

Nero laughed softly, cutting her off. "You don't have to fear speaking the truth in my presence, my dear. I would sooner kill myself before I'd ever have the nerve of thinking of striking you for being honest."

Fortuna dropped her façade and looked away unsurely. "M-Maybe I'm just not feeling well. It was bound to happen eventually. I could be wrong."

"No. I trust your senses."

"…" She closed her eyes. "Please don't say that."

"Fortuna—"

"I'm wrong! I have to be wrong. I…" She shuddered and covered her eyes as tears started to breach. "I don't want to be right! Why would I want to think there's a chance you'll die tomorrow?!"

Nero frowned. "Fortuna—"

"I was as cruel and heartless as my sister back home. I never knew love or compassion or…anything! You don't know what Father did to us to make us into his perfect weapons! I still remember the horrible things I had to do just to be alive!" She hugged herself. "You know every scar across my body! Every one of them was me fighting for my life, to prove I was worth living!" She shuddered. "And yet, I was still the weakling of my family! I was sent here just to be a peace offering! Just some toy for you to play with to keep the peace between the empires!"

"…" Nero walked over and knelt in front of her, resting his hand on her head.

"I accepted my new purpose…but I could've never expected I'd come into the possession of a man like you." She wiped her eyes. "You never took advantage of me. You never forced yourself onto me. You…treated me with kindness and love I've never had in my clan. You were so gentle. So warm. You helped me overcome the cruelty of my clan. I never imagined someone like you would enter my life. I was…happy. Happy to sever connections with my clan. Happy to…serve under you." She pressed her face into his chest and sobbed. "A-And now…I'm scared I'm going to lose you. I don't want to believe that! I wish I never had these hyper intuitions! I can't live without you!"

"…Don't say that."

"H-Huh?"

Nero brushed his hand across her cheek. "You are so much more than a harem girl. You are an amazing woman, Fortuna. I never forced you to stay with me. You always had that choice to leave, but you stayed because you wanted to. All I ever did was ease your burdens. I love each of you girls deeply, but I've always cherished that devious mind of yours." He wiped a tear from her eye. "And you have no reason to fear what comes tomorrow."

Fortuna sniffled. "B-But—"

"Whatever comes of tomorrow, I will not regret my actions. I will not doubt. I will not fear the unknown. I've spent every day of my life enjoying the pleasures of this world." He scooped Fortuna into his arms, holding her against his chest. "No matter what may come, I will not falter in Death's presence. Should my time come, the last thing you will hear from me is my laughter. No matter the horrors I've committed, I've lived a marvelous life."

"N-Nero…"

He carried her over to the bed and gently lay her down. He crawled onto the sheets, looming over the Pachirisu. Her face turned bright red, yet she did not shy away from his gaze.

"Never regret a life filled with anguish. Fortune finds its way to us in time, and we must cherish those moments for all their worth."

"Nero…"

Nero leaned over the electric squirrel and claimed her in a kiss. Fortuna nearly melted on the spot, but kept her cool and kissed him back, caressing his snout as her tail wagged uncontrollably.

Though her instincts still warned her of what was to come tomorrow, she will place her trust in Nero's will. Going against her instincts, she will make her ultimate wager: Nero Martius will survive tomorrow.

For now, she will do as he advised and cherish this moment for all its riches.