Ultimatum

The guards freeze in place, afraid to move and risk harming the prince. Mukai goes pale at the sight of Sukai in danger.

Kangetsu: "Tell the King that he'll be hearing from Alicia soon."

People look at each other in confusion. An irritated whisper comes from the other side of the portal.

Sifiso: "Daughter of Chandler."

Kangetsu: "What's that, big guy?"

Sifiso, holding the portal open angrily: "Say Daughter of Chandler."

Kangetsu repeats loudly for the masses, "Daughter of Chandler."

Fear fills the air when they hear that name. Kangetsu hops back into the portal.

Moto and Mukai shout Sukai's name as he is taken.

Moto instinctively follows into the portal as it closes. Sheu shouts, "Moto!" The portal reopens, and Moto is thrown out, his shoe flying into his face as he crashes into the chairs.

"Alert the king at once!"

The teachers and guards rush to the palace, while Najo runs to the scene. Mukai's head spins, pondering what he should do as he stands in the middle of the arena.

Najo: "What happened?" he asks Moto, who is looking at Mukai.

Sheu: "They just appeared from nowhere."

Mukai runs back home to his mother. Moto quickly gets up.

Moto: "Let's follow him."

Najo: "What, are you crazy?"

Moto: "Come on, quickly, before we lose him."

They quickly catch up to Mukai. Moto is very perceptive of emotions and sees that Mukai is worried.

Mukai: "Why are you following me?"

Moto: "Our friend is in danger, and we want to help."

Mukai gets annoyed and tells Moto this is not a joke, that he doesn't need dead weight.

Moto: "I'm surprised you even care. Sukai told us you hated him."

Mukai looks away and doesn't respond. They approach the mansion. The door is guarded.

The guards let Mukai in, and he tells them to keep Moto out. They wait impatiently outside while Mukai tells his mother what happened.

Olivia is shocked by the news.

Olivia: "This is terrible. Let's go tell your father."

Mukai: "What's he gonna do?"

Olivia: "Oh, please don't start."

Mukai: "I came to you. You're the one with actual powers."

Olivia: "Enough! He is your father and the King of this country. You will give him his due respect."

Mukai doesn't talk back. They rush down the stairs. Only Mukai's footsteps are audible because Olivia is always on her toes. When they open the door, they see Sheu kneeling, holding Najo and Moto down to bow as well.

The king has arrived, his majestic red fur robe hanging on his tall shoulders. He wears a solid gold crown furnished with colored gems and a right hand with a unique ring on each finger.

King Douglas: "What brings you here, children?"

Moto: "We are friends of Sukai. Please let us help."

Sheu nudges him.

Moto: "Your Majesty."

King Douglas: "What a clever friend you have," referring to Sheu. "Ginimbi's boy, are you here for the same thing?"

Najo remains silent. He simply came because Moto asked. Sheu nudges him, and he quickly says, "Yes."

King Douglas: "Ok then. It's a shame I am meeting my son's friends under such circumstances."

The king raises his ringed finger, and one of his five guards enters the house behind the children. The king hugs Olivia and tells her he came as soon as he heard the news. Mukai doesn't greet his father and is annoyed that Moto was let in.

As they talk, the king's guard turns on the video transfer device, and the screen lights up.

Alicia appears on the other side of the screen.

Alicia: "Greetings, Your Majesty. I never thought my work would bring me against you, but money talks."

King Douglas: "How much do you want?"

Alicia: "Oh, don't be foolish. If I wanted money, I would have taken Ginimbi's kin. I want something infinitely more valuable. I know you will be hard-headed at first, so to spare myself the back and forth, let me remind you why we're here."

They bring Sukai out, tied up like a roasted pig. He can only move his hands and feet. Everyone is shocked. Upon seeing him, Olivia slowly lowers her heels as sparks of lightning crackle from her.

King Douglas: "Dear, please, let's hear their demands."

Alicia: "Good. The moment your wife sets foot out of that house, the boy is dead. I know what she's capable of. Now that I see you know the ground rules, let me tell you what I want. Bring the Earth Ore to a cave six clicks past the border."

King Douglas: "But that's—"

Alicia: "I told you no back and forth, Douglas."

The guard cannot believe the disrespect.

Alicia: "Bring it without fail. You have till twilight."

The screen goes black.

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