Chapter 421 - Conclusion (2/2)
”I wish I was not,” replied Cleopatra uninterested by who spoke.
”Same here,” said another.
”Goddess Intherna and Goddess Gophy,” said the lady bored of the pillars of smoke, ”-what happened to Operation Malk?”
”Queen Cleopatra, we ask the same, how was thy mission?”
”A walk in the park,” said Cleopatra barely able to stand, ”-what about you?”
”Easy,” coughed an injured Intherna.
”The wounds are proof of our battle,” winked Gophy in an even dastardlier state.
Each glared another, a silent battle of endurance. The dampness of the coming rain had the stance relax. ”Haha,” unable to continue the seamlessly hate-filled conversation, the trio cracked. The pressure relieved, a plan completed – they rested with back against the opened car. ”I'm glad it's over.”
”I agree, Intherna, it must have been tough playing the villain for so long.”
”Are you worried about me, dear Cleopatra?” asked she with a slight tilt of the head.
”Oh shut it,” sighed she regretting having asked.
”Don't start you two,” interjected Gophy.
”To be honest,” spoke Intherna, ”-It wasn't that hard. I enjoyed being the villain, allowed me to let loose. I do feel for the few people who died to the greater picture.”
”Saving so many countless life, it gave a new perspective,” voiced Gophy.
”The goddess of destruction saving lives and the daughter of Rah being the villain, thy roles were the extremes of what the name suggests.”
”I guess…What about seducing the l.u.s.tful Director?”
”Just glad it didn't go past the point of hugging. Any more contact with him and I'd have cut his head or poisoned the meal.”
”Calm down,” said both goddesses in tandem.
”The question now is whether he is happy.”
”The Death Reaper,” mumbled the queen, ”-I wonder what Lixbin sees in him.”
”Did you say Lixbin?” asked Gophy with a frown.
”N-no…”
”Are you sure?” her brows knitted.
”Yeah, I'm sure.”
”Ladies, please be ready, transport is arriving soon,” came through the speakers. The menacing sound of air being cut rose from the back. The outline of a helicopter. ”Time to go home.”
'It's a success.' Sat Staxius far, far away from the growing riot. The small table held a hovering screen – on it, information relating to the AHA. Éclair infiltrated their servers and was in process of transferring all the information. Minutes turned to hours, soon, the sound of a helicopter landing broke the impromptu nap.
*Knock, knock,*
”Welcome home,” the door opened.
”Thanks,” said they half-asleep.
”Go on, get some rest,” offered he closing the door behind.
”Don't mind us,” soon turn into a flicker of light, they went inside his shadow. A place where rest and mana were abundant.
”What about you, Cleopatra, are you not going to rest?”
”I'd prefer to sleep on the bed, is that ok?” leaned off the wall, her fingers sloppily tried to take off the high-heels.
”Suit yourself,” said he with a smile. Changed to the other foot,”-good night.”
The one most important in this mission was Cleopatra. Operation Malk began to promote Meldorino. The operation soon changed to being a decoy for another mission. One kept hidden from everyone except Staxius and Éclair. Cleopatra, who went missing for a few months; headed to the AHA. Only a place and time was handed to her. Director Leo, as told by Emi, enjoyed roaming around the shady town of Tale during the weekends. He was given priority on any 'products' the company brought. Tis was there he met with the Queen. Using her wits and charm, she managed to pass off as the bankrupt owner of a motel. Attracted by her face; Leo made sure he knew who she was.
While she worked at getting his trust, the Jester and Hero Luna battled throughout the continent.
Few villains came as one to follow the Jester's idealism, effectively becoming his pawn. The alliance only served to increased Luna's reputation. The people fell in love, and so did the owners of the AHA. As for the proof the jester sent before he died; it contained revealing information of the AHA's abuse. The story of Asuna Muld, the real uncensored story with proof. Tis was a gift from what Éclair uncovered whilst looking into the Emi Muko scandal. One thing led to another and there it was, the damning proof to ignite the growing incompetence of the Association.
Staxius did as he told to the Emperor. He lit the fire of a coming inferno. The people knew the truth, or so what they thought. In no way would a man who refused to believe in the AHA's heroes be a liar. From day one, he showed a sense of integrity, despite the insanity, he showed he knew what he spoke of. The charm brought a sense of certainty, a confidence that the words were true on some basis. His death added even more credibility, the last words were those of a man in pain, a pain who wanted justice, a man who gave his all to save his sister. In no way could the association move freely, answers needed to be given.
'I've halted their movement. If Éclair's search finds links of Cimier or the Patek, it would confirm a few hypotheses on the ring leaders. It should at least give a clear target to go after. Intherna, Gophy, and Cleopatra accomplished more than I expected. They deserve a well-needed moment of respite. The rest is on my shoulders. Phantom needs to win the coming conflict. I need a firm foot in Alphia else there's no way I can take down those at the top.' Wondering what was to come next; the phone suddenly rang.
*Lady Shino Pierre Gaso Calling…*