In the town of Pervomaisc, the chirping of birds announced another casual day for the villagers. Isolated from the wider world politics, the news of the formation of the Nova Cor Empire or that of the expulsion of the old rulers has yet to disturb its peace. And as for Mike and Kadyn, they intended to keep it that way for a little longer. Sometimes, people need peace, away from the complexity of the world, inside their tiny petri dish.
Far away from the populated area, a World Forger gunship landed in a field of tall grass that swayed back in the exhaust of the ship. Within Kadyn's hands sat the silver box that contained Oltevin's ashes. As the ramp descended, Mike and Kadyn quietly disembarked into the greenery, leaving behind Captain Hyperion and Chief Medical Officer Polmeris. Watching as their lords moved away, Polmeris took a jab at Hyperion, whose attention seemed to be elsewhere than in the present.
[Polmeris] - "Heard you bagged yourself a date with the Empress's sister. "
Said Polemris as he smacked tauntingly at Hyperion's shoulder plates.
Snapping out of his trance, Hyperion playfully swatted Polmeris's hand off his armour.
[Hyperion] - "I have irresistible charm, what can I say? A femme fatale requires an equally adventurous man to match her energy, so who's more qualified than me? "
Said Hyperion as he pompously tapped on his chestplate.
[Polmeris] - "Fucking prick, you always get the fine shit. When is it going to be my turn? "
Smirked Polmeris as he congratulated Hyperion by shoving him slightly to the side.
Meanwhile, dressed in less symbolic attire, Mike trudged through the field, followed by Kadyn, who was carrying Oltevin's ash box. They intended not to stand out too much in the crowd, but the moment they stepped into the town, curious eyes began to turn toward them. Then, almost as if whispers were spreading through the people like a fast breeze, people began to gather in the streets as if they already knew why they were there.
Pausing his footsteps, Mike abruptly noticed a few tall figures in the crowd. Deserters: Marines who had abandoned their duty to escape the pointless war. Yet, even as the few Marines now in civilian clothes looked down in shame as the Lord of the Nova Cor Empire stared at them, Mike didn't call out for them. For all their dishonour, Mike decided to forgive them, not because he was merciful, but because he understood why they'd leave. The National Empire betrayed them, just as he was betrayed by it.
Ignoring the gathered crowd, Mike and Kadyn arrived at Oltevin's residence, where his wife and children were already waiting for them at the door. As if they were already prepared to face such a scenario, they were already dressed in black for the occasion. Arriving before the woman, who reached her hands toward them, Kadyn gently bowed before handing Oltevin's ash box to her. The children approached and touched their father's box, shedding a few tears of sorrow.
[Kadyn] - "Your husband, your father, he fought for my life. My husband and I will be forever in his debt. He was a good friend, the only man who believed me when others doubted me. He reached out to me when others only saw a monster. His sacrifice will never be forgotten! "
Said Kadyn as she lowered her gaze out of respect.
[Mike] - "On behalf of the Nova Cor Empire, I offer our support to you and your children. If there is anything we could do for you, please name it, and we shall make it happen. "
Said Mike in a sincere voice as he kneeled down to the children's eye level.
[woman] - "We have but one request. It is a strange tradition of our village, but please accept this. Take my elder son, Tarkovsky, with you and offer him the tool he needs to follow in his father's footsteps. "
Said the woman as she pushed her older son toward Kadyn.
Surprised by the woman's action, Kadyn instinctively took a step back. It was unexpected how right after a sacrifice, the dead man's son would get pushed into his place like that. However, before Kadyn can form a protest, a voice behind her caught her attention. Sat in a circle with basic wooden chairs, the town's elders stared at the couple with their grizzled eyes, withered by age and labour.
[Old lady] - "Ever since the chaos of the old world in 2030, our village has suffered from neglect and economic hardship. To sustain our community, we would regularly send out our strongest men to partake in mercenary work and other high-reward work. Oltevin was one of such men. "
Said the old lady, her mouth moving sideways as she chewed some kind of leaf.
[Old farmer] - "Oltevin was not the first, but he must not be the last. We hold his contribution in high regard, but this place still needs money and essentials. "
Said the old farmer, his chin curled up to cover nearly his whole mouth.
[Kadyn] - "What? You can't do this! This is just a child! "
Exclaimed Kadyn, shocked by the villagers' lack of compassion.
[Old man] - "Not everyone is well off like you, young lady! We are a community that relies on sacrifice without the luxury you have. Little lady wearing some kind of shit-smelling perfume that makes me want to smell manure, haha. "
Said an old man in the group, who proceeded to shamelessly fart loudly.
Kadyn was speechless, her face filled with fury and disgust. The old man's words and gaze felt like a violation, almost as if he was sniffing her and getting his grubby, tree-branched hands all over her body. However, Mike quickly placed himself in front of Kadyn and sat on an empty chair in the circle of elders. Looking around, Mike saw the contempt in the townfolks' eyes. Who are they, two strangers, to lecture them on their ways and judge them based on their supposedly civilized standards?
[Mike] - "I'm Emperor Horizon of the Nova Cor Empire. Oltevin helped my wife in her most dire times of need. We arrive today, not as pretentious missionaries from a kingdom above, but as people who hold gratitude toward one of your community. "
Said Mike as he pulled out a pack of his premium cigarettes.
Then, standing up, Mike passed around the circle, offering a cigarette to any elder who would take one. With patience as deep as the ocean, Mike took the time to shake hands and know every elder's name while lighting up their cigarette. Silently, Kadyn watched Mike make his rounds in confusion and frustration. How could Mike, the Emperor of half of humanity, be forced to act like some humiliated commoner like this, she thought.
Back inside the circle, Mike sat back onto his tiny wooden chair and allowed a solid minute for the elders to appreciate their cigarette. As the faces of many of them lit up at the savoury and rich aroma of Mike's offering, the young Emperor finally began to speak again.
[Mike] - "Pardon our intrusion. I propose that, with the strength of the Nova Cor Empire, we can bring relative economic prosperity to the town without needing to resort to the old ways. No more sons offered on the altar of sacrifice for the greater good, no more men condemned to carry the burden of a community on their backs. "
Said Mike, his hands extended in offering.
Whispers began to spread between the elders as they discussed Mike's proposition. Even many of the civilians began to converse among themselves as they considered the proposal. However, as the elders spoke between themselves, the old woman, who seemed to be the spokesperson of the circle, shook her head. Out of all the elders, she seemed to have the most contempt for him, with her gaze constantly analyzing him as if he were carrying some hidden plague into the town.
[Old woman] - "No! There is a delicate balance to how our town runs. If you bring us riches without conditions, we will become complacent and lose our way. "
Said the old woman before she spat out the leaf she had been chewing.
[Mike] - "And I agree with that sentiment. "
Mike's words immediately made many heads turn, as many became confused by his intentions.
[Mike] - "Prosperity without hardship, restraint, or memory of its cost becomes dangerous. When wealth is treated as a right rather than a responsibility, it breeds entitlement, waste, stagnation, and ultimately weakens the society that possesses it. So instead, how about I invest in Pervomaisc instead of giving it direct financial aid? I will help you grow your economy, and you'll be reliant on your own hard work to make money. "
Mike's words immediately made the circle of the elderly reconsider their previous decision. From the outside, it already seemed like the circle of elders was much more in agreement with Mike's second proposition than the first. Before long, the circle reached a consensus as the elderly each gave a nod to the old woman.
[Old woman] - "Very well, we accept your charity and your gratitude toward Oltevin's help. However, we stand by our tradition in case your deal fails to produce the desired result. "
Said the old woman, unimpressed as she began to fold another leaf into a chewable form.
Mike abruptly raised a hand in protest, the gesture even making the old man halt her leaf rolling.
[Mike] - "Choices must not be enforced on children. They need to be allowed to have a say when it comes to making a permanent decision on their lives. If Tarkovsky chooses to follow in his father's footsteps, then the Empire will always welcome him with open arms. However, until the day he becomes an adult, I will deny your attempt to send him away. "
The old woman was reluctant to agree to Mike's condition as she stared at him with silent frustration. After all, it was a multi-generational tradition to send one of their own away to serve and bring wealth to the town. However, as Mike's gaze and determination clashed with her own stare like a gate of iron, the old woman's stubborn expression finally began to change.
[Old woman] - "You are different from the previous so-called Emperors, young man. We've received messengers, soldiers, and Imperial Marines; none of them sat down to our level and advocated for children. What kind of emperor even are you? No Emperor should behave this way, dipping his cape in the mud and grime of these streets while speaking to us as if we were his equals. "
Said the old woman as she eyed Mike with a doubtful gaze.
Mike's glanced at his cape and noticed how it dipped into the rain and mud-soaked road below. However, Mike made no attempt to pull his cape up as he showed no concern for his situation. Though others didn't think much of this, the old woman seemed to sneer in contempt, like a disappointed parent shamed by their children's unruly behaviour.
[Mike] - "My body belongs in the skies, but my heart remains rooted to this earth. Emperor or not, we all come from the same humble beginnings, as helpless children left to the mercy of this world. A man who thinks himself above all else is no master of mankind or a human. "
Said Mike sternly, making sure others knew he meant every single one of his words.
Many of the elders couldn't help but nod in respect for Mike's humble ideals. Just moments ago, they regarded him with doubt, but now that Mike's intentions and character had become unclouded, they felt more comfortable trusting him. However, Mike's attitude still didn't sit well with the old lady, who abruptly stood up and pointed at Mike with her cane.
[Old woman] - "Yet, you aren't just any person anymore either. We are all people, but you are the leader of said people. If you are truly the Emperor, then you must act like it as well. The duty of a ruler is in equal parts his devotion to his subjects and his willingness to keep his kingdom strong. You are the face of that Empire, so stand! Make me believe that you are the Emperor! You can kneel out of compassion, but you should never kneel as a rule. "
Said the old woman, scolding Mike as if she were his grandmother.
As the old woman tapped her cane in front of Mike, he finally decided to stand up, his height towering over her like a massive pillar. Though Mike felt uncomfortable asserting himself in front of a frail old woman like that, she quickly assured him with a prideful smile. Even as Mike cast a shadow over her, she bowed to him as if he were radiating with divine light.
[Old woman] - "That's more like it, my Emperor. "
Turning to her daughter in the crowd, the old woman called out in Russian for her to go get her a bucket and a rag. Then, turning to the crowd, she ordered the men to clean the area around Mike and to bring over some tea and snacks for the guests. Like clockwork, the crowd began to move with mops and buckets of fresh water to scrub away the mud.
Though Mike tried to be humble and decline their hospitality, the old woman and her daughter ignored him and continued to scrub the mud off his cap with their rags. Moving beside him, Kadyn looked at the situation with a confused gaze before turning toward Mike.
[Kadyn] - "That took a turn real quickly. "
Said Kadyn as she crossed her arms and watched as the old woman worked.
[Mike] - "That was quite unexpected as well. I thought we'd strike a deal and leave. "
[Kadyn] - "Good thing, though, you finally began to behave more like the Emperor. I was getting a bit sick of you acting all humble and such, like back in the day. "
Said Kadyn, feeling vindicated at last for her feelings earlier.
[Mike] - "Kadyn... "
Said Mike in a chiding tone as he looked at her.
[Kadyn] - "What? That old woman is right, you know? You used to be a soldier, so it's fine to muddle in the mud with your men. However, being a ruler comes with expected behaviours. "
Said Kadyn while wagging her finger at Mike as if she was scolding him.
Mike thought for a moment, realizing that the old woman's wisdom might have some merit to it. After all, he's not just the Grand Knight anymore; he's the Emperor. The world believes in his rule because he has proven himself capable of protecting it and leading it toward a better future. In turn, he must also renounce his old role as a purely military leader and accept his new position and all the nuance that comes with it. That includes being the beacon of light humanity needs to guide it through the fog.
[Mike] - "You're perhaps right... "
Said Mike with a slight smile.
After thanking the old woman and her daughter for cleaning up his cape, Mike and Kadyn accepted a cup of tea from the villagers. While they drank, the old folks pulled out their instruments and put on a traditional musical performance for their honoured guests. Even though Kadyn was still quite uncomfortable with the more rugged and rural side of the people, she couldn't help but get lost in the joyous rhythm.
While being served a fresh cup of homebrewed kvass, many ladies flocked to Mike, admiring his stature and handsomeness. As some women began to try touching Mike's arms and chest, Kadyn immediately stepped in and asserted her claim to her man by grabbing his arm and clinging to him.
It was a completely different feeling to be a part of this small community, even for a short period of time. The townspeople had a vibe and atmosphere completely different from everything the couple had experienced in their lives. These people were relaxed, natural and true to their character. There is only the gentle rhythm of a simple life where you lived free, with no burden of the world crushing against your back. It was a happy little experience that made the two feel like they were just regular people living in the moment.
However, with a tight schedule, they had to deny the town's invitation to have a meal with them. As they marched out of the village, people lined up to wave goodbye to them. They entered as strangers, but exited as trusted friends of the town. At the edge of Pervomaisc, Mike and Kadyn looked down at the town one last time from the top of a hill.
[Kadyn] - "Suppose you can build our home somewhere nice, away from the big cities? "
Said Kadyn as she looked at the town with a yearning gaze.
Mike rubbed his finger across his chin as he thought for a second.
[Mike] - "Are you tolerant of high altitude and colder temperatures? "
[Kadyn] - "Don't isolate us somewhere on the mountains of Siberia either! "
Said Kadyn as she turned toward Mike.
[Mike] - "Not what I had in mind. I was thinking of the Italian Alps, right beside the new Imperial Palace. You'll be far away from the city below, so it will be a gated community. Then, you'll be close enough to the Palace for me to come home frequently. "
Said Mike while pulling Kadyn closer toward him.
[Kadyn] - "Sounds like a nice plan, with you coming home and all. Actually, it might be the best bloody idea you've come up with. "
Said Kadyn while rubbing her belly with her free hand.
On the gunship, while Mike conversed with the holographic projections of his top commanders, Kadyn sat in a quiet corner and pulled out Audrey's recording device. Putting it on the table, Kadyn activated it and adjusted it to play the message Audrey had left for her. Like clockwork, Audrey's face projected upward, and her voice immediately hit Kadyn with a wave of nostalgia.
"Hey, bestie... Kadyn. I don't know if this message will ever reach you, but I do hope it does from the bottom of my heart and the favour of all my lucky stars. If you're hearing this, it means I have probably perished somewhere down the line, but hey, that's the price of the dangerous lives we're living. Haha... All this adventure we shared, all these moments we laughed, cried and conversed. I don't regret it, not a bit.
So, what now? I suppose you're rescued, and now walking free... Meaning that we won. Against all odds, we won... "
There was a long pause as Audrey's enthusiastic expression shifted into that of sadness.
"Sorry... I don't know what to say to my best friend... It's just that– that– *sobs* That I don't expect to leave you so soon. I want to be your friend forever, watch as time erodes our faces, but not our smiles. *Sobs* I'm not ready to say goodbye yet... I truly, truly want to continue being your best friend. "
Audrey began to weep. No matter how many times she brought her arms up to wipe her tears off, more would just keep coming. Slowly, Kadyn couldn't help herself anymore as her own tears began to fall as well. However, Audrey's voice snapped Kadyn out of her sorrow as she resumed talking.
"Maybe in another life, we'll be best friends or even more. However, maybe I still have a chance to live through this. Maybe I will never need to show you this recording. Yeah, I hope this is the outcome I get... I truly hope. "
Said Audrey as she tried to sound optimistic.
"But no one can tell us what the future holds for us. None of us can break our fate... So, in case I'm truly gone, I do have one small request for you. See, my family and I celebrate our birthdays with a big family gathering and a big feast. Every year, due to my work, I can only attend one birthday. This year, it was supposed to be my birthday. So if I had truly passed, go in my stead to my family. Tell them about what happened to me, let them have some closure. And if possible, take my seat at the family reunion. It will be much appreciated. "
Said Audrey in a more sincere tone.
"I wish you a long and happy life, bestie. No matter what happens, just remember, even when you have no one there for you, I'll always be beside you. I'm happy I met you, the most beautiful, the bravest and the most endearing girl ever. Peace! "
Said Audrey with a big grin as she showed Kadyn the peace sign.
Kadyn slowly wiped her eyes as the recording ended. Gradually, a smile appeared on Kadyn's face as she felt happy that she was able to honour Audrey's last wishes. Back when she first saw it, right after Athena's battle against Jagger, the message made Kadyn feel pitiful and shameful, as not only did they not win against Jagger, but Athena also gave her life in the process. It was the exact words that drove her to exile herself. However, today, Kadyn could proudly hear those same words and know with confidence that she could fulfill that wish made by her old friend.
[Kadyn] - "Happy birthday, bestie. "
Whispered Kadyn as she looked out into the starry night sky.
Arriving at the town of Meung-sur-Loire, it didn't take long for Kadyn to find the address Audrey had told her long ago. With a few knocks on the door, it didn't take long for Audrey's family to meet Kadyn, who stood basking in the warm glow of the entrance against the darkness of the night. From afar, Mike watched as Kadyn stepped into the house, the family seemingly welcoming her in after hearing her first words to them.
It was the closing of a wild chapter filled with emotions. Sitting on the wing of the gunship, Mike looked up at the stars, hoping against all logic that this was where the story would end. He knew this was not the end, but one could hope so. How many looked up just like him at the sky, hoping that this happy ending would endure? With a smirk, Mike allowed his mind to finally relax after so long, content with the respite of the moment.
Back at the Imperial Palace, which was being rebuilt, Ari watched from the massive windows of the hall as demolition crews detonated a part of the mountain beside the palace, intending to turn it into flat land for construction. Meanwhile, at the foot of the mountain, as the World Forgers restored a large section of civilian habitation, the first migrants stepped into the city since the Luciferian Sundering. Some of them were just children when they left this place, but now, they have returned as young adults.
In the crowd, a family stood before their house, which was reduced to rubble in the war. However, thanks to the reconstruction effort, their house was restored to how it was before the war. A smile appeared on the teenage daughter's face as she saw how the Marines even recreated the same little butterfly painting she made on the house's front door.
[34th Company Captain Basilis] - "Alright, move in if that's your designated habitation unit. Do not block the main road, please. "
Said the Marine captain as he appeared behind the family.
With haste, the family waved their hands apologetically at the warrior before moving to enter their home. At the entrance, the teenage daughter couldn't help but inspect the painting again, being more surprised by the accurate details up close. With a proud smirk, Basilis stepped away, carrying in his hand a box of paints and brushes.
To be continued...