341: A Plague of Phantoms: A Reason to Reflect VI

<Pretender…I need to speak you…> Fours whispered in my head through our mental connection. I paused mid-step and arched a brow, looking towards the ceiling of the King's Glaive while I replied.

<What's wrong?> I asked, admittedly a little concerned.

<I must…explain myself.> Fours replied.

I frowned then glanced at the others behind me. The girls, Damon, Alberto, Sin, Anders, Bo were following me through the train cars to the navigation car. Jane was the one closest behind me and nearly bumped into me when I stopped suddenly. I stepped to the side and motioned for everyone to continue on with a simple nod of my head towards the car door.

Jane understood immediately and replied with a silent nod and continued towards the door. The others didn't comment as they left, the look on Bo's face told me he already figured one of my evos wanted to talk. Once they were all in the next car I focused my attention to Fours.

<What do you mean need to explain yourself?> I asked. My question was met with silence for several seconds before I heard a soft chittering noise.

<When the others spoke on how I don't see you as my master…as a Pretender…> Fours said softly. I made a 'O' shape with my mouth and nodded,.

<You don't need to explain Fours. I know your first master holds a important place in heart and memories. I'm not trying take that so it only makes sense would be more than me…at least sense.> I said hoping to reassure the evo.

<But they were right…how can I claim to care for your safety when see you as less?> Fours asked. I felt a wave of uncertainty and desperation wash over me but beyond that I felt longing and loss.

<Have you not fought to protect me? Guarded me whenever I passed out? You have killed and bled for Fours. don't doubt your loyalty or sincerity. You're one of my evos…even if see as master.> I said.

Fours stayed silent again for a good while. I started to think that was the end of the conversation until I saw a memory flash before my eyes. It was one of Fours, of the last moment he saw his master. I felt regret, shame, desperation, hatred, and determination in that brief moment.

<You are not My master but you Pretender…you are…more and less.> Fours said. A growl rumbled in my head from Fours which caught me off guard. <You will mot meet my Master's end!>

The determination in Fours words made me think twice about the smart ass answer I was about to give and instead nodded silently. Something about his wording gave me pause though, like he expected me to die. Given my track record and the number of close calls I've had since he's been with me alone it's a fair assumption.

<I don't plan to.> I said then started towards the control car again.

When I walked into the control car I was greeted by the sight of Jane looking uncharacteristically gutted and saddened. I frowned on seeing that expression and glanced around the room. Iris shook her head silently at me when our eyes met. I channeled mana into my manacite communication ring and focused on Iris.

<What's wrong?> I asked Iris. Her eyes darkened and she looked away before answering.

<I have all of the names members our military that's involved in second attempt on Jane's family's lives…distant relatives hers are involved. She just had Ayia'liah inform her father. He is not pleased.> Iris informed me.

<Fuck…so it wasn't just her sister then?> I asked.

<No…I'm starting to think she was influenced more rebel than let on.> Iris admitted. I nodded then glanced over at the navigation column.

King's Glaive was moving towards the hotel that the Egyptian representatives were staying at. This was to meet up with Turak'Kahn and Viola and plan how we are going to deal with the current situation.

"Jane." I said. She looked at me over her shoulder then glanced away at in shame.

"My great aunt…two of my third cousins…and my sister. All of them were plotting to overthrow my father…" Jane said in a voice so soft it was barely audible. She clenched her fists so tight her whole body shook with anger. "I can understand Aziza, she was treated poorly by everyone around her and me worst of all but them…they are all respected members of my family, so far removed from the throne that it would take the deaths of hundreds of other members before the line of succession got to them. I can't understand it!"

"You don't need to understand." I said softly then walked over to her side. Jane looked up at me, her eyes clouded with confusion. "Trying to learn the reason why every single person who wishes you harm is only going to drive you crazy. Sometimes there just isn't a reason or it's just the reason is so old that people forgot it and just cling to the embers of past grudges."

"I just…was I that bad…am I just that evil? I know I was a bitch and spoiled and pampered but was it enough to justify all this?" Jane asked.

"Who knows? Does it really matter if it was?" I asked in return. I turned and looked at everyone gathered in the control car and then looked back down at Jane. "Regardless of who you were to these people, to us you are Jane. A friend, a sister, and a royal pain in the ass. These people want to kill you and us. All that matters is that none of us will let that happen. So sack up Lil PP! We're going full psycho on all their asses!"

***

"Destination reached. Setting King's Glaive to standby mode." King's Glaive announced.

I stood in front of the door leading outside the control car, Jane and Iris stood on either side of me. Sin, Alberto, Damon, and Astrid were behind me and all ready for the trouble inside had planned.

I opened the car door and found that the King's Glaive was parked on the front awn of the hotel. There were several staff members from hotel looking out at the mana train from the doors, whether in astonishment or fear I couldn't tell. More importantly Turak'Kahn and Viola were standing at the end of the walkway to the hotel doors, waiting for us. Ayia'liah was fluttering a few feet above them protectively.

I stepped off the train with the others following behind me and made my way over to the Pharaoh and queen. As we walked I glanced over at Jane occasionally, she had her ice princess look on and a fire burning in her eyes. It seems like my earlier speech helped her focus.

"Chase." Turak'Kahn said once we approached, then turned his attention to his daughter. "Bug."

"What's the situation?" I asked. Viola glanced over her shoulder then looked back me with a frown.

"We have a few trusted soldiers apprehending General Rakish. General Panzer left the hotel earlier and hasn't returned. However we know he is meeting with the rest of his collaborators from other countries." Viola summed up. I nodded then looked at Turak'Kahn.

"What about the relatives and others here?" I asked. Turak'Kahn's expression darkened.

"I will be dealing with them personally." He said, the dark threatening rumble in his voice made the little chaos gremlin in my head perk up and start foaming at the mouth. "I have all major members of the military gathered in the lobby for an important announcement. All the conspirators in my country should be there. I will confront them there."

"What do you need us to do?" Jane asked. Turak'Kahn smiled softly at his daughter.

"Deal with General Panzer and his lot. He's a Egyptian General so he can be dealt with by me but I can't deal with the others without starting another world War, which is what these bastards want." Turak'Kahn said.

I smiled devilishly and glanced down to see that Iris had a murderous look in her eyes. We shared a brief glance, coming to a silent agreement to make sure that these people would meet a painful and terrifying end.

"Understood Father. Do you want me to leave Ayia'liah with you just in case?" Jane asked. Turak'Kahn chuckled and shook his head.

"No Bug, in fact I need to do this alone. These attempts to destabilize our country are only happening because people are assuming I am weak…it's time I give them a reminder as to why our family has remained in power for all these centuries." Turak'Kahn said. Jane nodded and almost immediately Ayia'liah flew over and landed on Jane's shoulder.

"Sounds like a plan. By the way how did you find out about all these traitors?" I asked. Viola smiled innocently and snapped her fingers, sparks of blue flames flying from her finger tips.

"We have our ways." Viola said ominously.

"Rest in peace." Iris said with a slight smirk. I spun on my heel and pointed back to the King's Glaive.

"Guys! We're moving out! Again!" I exclaimed and started towards the mana train. "Iris where is General Panzer?"

"The hotel for Japanese dignitaries…looks like they are hiding their meeting by having moving throughout a social event being held their." Iris said.

"Are we about to crash another party?" Alberto asked.

"Was that a serious question?" Astrid asked.

"Yes…I know it was dumb." Alberto asked.

"Not as dumb as pissing me off and trying to kill my friends and employees!" I exclaimed then stepped back into the control car of the King's Glaive. Everyone else started piling in after me, though Damon who was last paused before getting in.

"Should we worry about offending the Shogun?" Damon asked.

"We'll send him a gift basket as an apology." I replied. Damon blinked several times then climbed in the car.

"What's a gift basket?!"