Chapter 85 : Sneak

Axion and Rum ride a motorcycle through the sewer and manage to get inside Sveratis kingdom.

"This is a cool ride," Rum yelled, trying to fight the loud sound of the motorcycle's running engine.

"It would be much cooler if we rode it on better tracks," Axion replied.

"You never told me you have a cool ride."

"I have a lot of things but very little desire to share."

Rum laughs. "You should let me ride it sometimes."

"Only if you can ride it without blowing anything."

"I know how to drive. I have a driving license."

"Oh, I'm not worried about that. I'm worried about this!" said Axion as she pressed a button.

Suddenly, the motorcycle shoots two bullets. They break through the metal fence on their way.

Rum shocked. "This thing shoots?!"

"Of course it can. It even has grenades," said Axion proudly.

"It's amazing!"

They continue to drive through the sewer. After a while, they stopped at an iron gate door. Axion breaks the padlock on the door. They climbed up the stairs and exited the sewer. They came out under the bridge near the capital's square. Axion looks around.

"Looks quiet around here," said Axion.

"Hey," said Rum as she pats Axion's shoulder. She showed Axion her tablet computer.

"The news said General Versatel is commencing martial law. The whole kingdom is in lockdown," said Rum.

Axion read through the news article. Suddenly, they heard heavy footsteps. Axion peeked from the bridge's shadow. There are some troops patrolling above the bridge. She turns at Rum.

"Let's go back inside the sewer. We need better plans," Axion whispered.

Rum nods.

They quietly go back into the sewer.

"Okay. What we need now is information. Can you hack into CCTV and see the situation in the city?" Axion asked.

"Shouldn't be hard," said Rum.

"Great. I'll contact Kaizo and report to him our situations," said Axion as she pulled her tablet computer.

At the camp...

"So, you guys are from Astraeus?" Flavius asked.

"Not this time," Kaizo replied. "Astraeus can't meddle with your political issue. We don't have Astraeus' authority to get involved. We're alone in this."

"So, Astraeus didn't send you...." said Flavius with doubt.

"Well, at least not officially," Ramenman replied.

"You must understand. Astraeus station should remain neutral as part of the united galaxy alliance. Plus, the request that your Queen asked us was unofficial. We can't risk Astraeus getting involved in some political affairs," said Kaizo.

"I understand. Taking a side based on personal interest is not a good image for Astraeus," said Flavius. "Even so, I thank you."

"About the Queen's request. What is it?" Virion asked.

"The thing she asked us to deliver? Axion has it," said Kaizo.

"Yeah yeah. What does she want you to deliver?"

Kaizo and Ramenman looked at each other.

"Come on. We've already gone this far. I know we still don't trust each other in some parts. But we're already starting to get to know one another," said Virion.

"We're not doubting your loyalty to the Royal family. We're doubting if telling you everything is a good strategy," said Kaizo.

Flavius scoffed. "Huh! Really?! I mean, who do you think you are? I'm the Prince's aide and a loyal member of the Kingdom. I at least deserve to know."

"Well, the last time I checked, you're supposed to be the Prince's aide. Yet the prince is nowhere near you. You're outnumbered by Versatel's army. Your equipment is far behind. Your server system is easy to hack," said Kaizo. "And your generators are bad."

Flavius frowned.

"Let's be frank. With your current state, you can't protect anything. Even something so simple as information would be easily leaked to Versatel's intel," Kaizo adds.

"Harsh but you got a point there," said Virion.

Suddenly, Kaizo's watch beeped. He looked at his watch and saw Axion's name.

"What good timing," said Kaizo. "The Queen personally asked Axion about this matter. She's the main role in this operation. Perhaps you can ask her instead."

Kaizo pressed a button on his watch and Axion's face appeared on the holographic display.

"Kaizo," Axion greeted.

"Calling so soon?" Ramenman asked. He peeked into the screen and saw Rum fiddle with her tab behind Axion.

"Someone needs to talk to you," said Kaizo.

Flavius and Virion step closer to the holographic screen.

"You're the one our Queen asked for aid?" Flavius asked.

"Yes," Axion replied.

"The thing the Queen asked to deliver. What is it?"

"The same thing Versatel is probably looking for," said Axion. She pulled out the sapphire ring and showed it to the camera.

"Impossible," said Flavius.

"Flavius, you're very close to the Royal family. You must've recognized it from first glance," said Axion.

"H-how did you..."

"Isn't it obvious?" said Axion, cutting off Flavius. "Your Queen asks me to deliver this to the prince."

"Do you have any idea how important that ring is?" Flavius asked.

Axion stared at Flavius. "The ring has power. I know the legend and I know it's real." She sighed. "I know you have doubts. But my objective is to deliver this to the prince. And that's all."

"Vainstale said the prince is dead," said Flavius.

"And you believe him?" Axion asked.

Flavius looked at her.

"No dead body, no proof. Until I see the Prince, I am not changing my objective," said Axion with determination.

"Why are you so determined to do this task?" Virion asked.

"Oh, I want to ask the same thing," said Kaizo.

"Your Kingdom is not the only one who has magic," said Axion. "Alright, put the explanation aside, I need to match my info with yours."

"What info?" Kaizo asked.

"Versatel has commenced a martial law. See the news," said Axion.

Everyone in the tent looked at each other. Ramenman pulled out his tab and showed the news in a holographic display for everyone to see.

"The Kingdom is in lockdown. Versatel's soldiers swarm the streets. Rum just hacked into the capital's CCTV. This is a recording we got a few hours ago. The square is in chaos. People are rioting against the military army," said Axion.

Flavius and Virion watched the CCTV recording in grief. People protesting against the military. Smoke filled the street.

"Right now, the capital is in calm hours. But another wave of riots would surely come again," said Axion.

"My people...." Flavius mumbled.

"How did this happen?" Virion asked.

"Versatel claimed that the Queen has failed to serve the Kingdom. In which she has lost the ring. He's using that excuse to put the Queen in house arrest," said Axion.

"How is losing a ring can lead the General to lock an entire kingdom?" said Virion.

"Versatel claimed that the Queen losing the ring is proof of her incompetence. He uses the excuse of "putting the kingdom in more reliable hands" as a suggestion to end the monarch of the royal family," said Axion.

"Preposterous! How dare they...." said Flavius.

"Seeing how Versatel started martial law in such a short time, things are going to change fast around here," said Axion. "We must act fast. It's probably just a matter of time until Versatel finally puts an end to this."

"What's your next move?" Kaizo asked.

"My objective is to deliver the ring. Whatever happens, whatever Versatel does to the Kingdom, my main goal is to reach the Prince. That's all," said Axion.

"You're going to go to the palace? There are soldiers swarming the place," said Virion.

"There will be another riot tomorrow. We just need to come out and blend in with the rioters. Then, we make our way to the palace," said Axion.

"We should go too," said Flavius.

"I can send you the map of the path we use to get into the Kingdom. Do whatever you want. As soon as the riot starts, I am heading to the palace, with or without you. The longer we wait, the risky it gets for the Queen and her son," said Axion.

"I understand. I entrust the Queen and the prince to you," said Flavius.

"If there's nothing else, we should end our conversation here," said Axion.

"Alright. I'll see you later," Kaizo replied.

The communication turned off.

"Let's go to the capital and join her," said Virion. "We must do what we can to help the people."

"Are you sure it's a good idea?" Flavius asked.

"No, he got a point," said Kaizo. "The capital is already chaotic with the riot and martial law. Might as well start an open civil war."

Flavius scoffed. "A war? You're out of your mind."

"Flavius, open your eyes. Our people are fighting in the capital. Many already died fighting Versatel's military. Kaizo is right. We're already in a civil war," said Virion.

Flavius went silent. He let out a distressed sigh. "Alright. Let's get our knights ready. We go to the capital asap."