The air froze Obai's skin as his family waited patiently for the upcoming announcement. Why didn't he bring a coat? He knew they'd be staying the night. Was he really so forgetful?
'It's Nova's fault. Yea... I'm too focused on training.'
People crowded around them as they pushed closer and closer towards a large circular platform that rested just outside the palace. The air buzzed as the announcement grew close.
Obai's face appeared apathetic as he stared off absently, lost in his train of thoughts.
'Wait. Why am I training so much?'
He looked over to Riruka, who stood on her tiptoes trying to grasp a better view of the platform. She was excited about the announcement. Why? What's so important to her? She'd dragged Obai through the streets of the city to explore earlier. Why? What about Le'Lau had piqued her interests?
After pondering for a couple of seconds, he got distracted as the crowd started to cheer for the beautiful woman who'd just taken the stand.
Fey Draven, the current ruler of the Kokoro Isles, radiated pure joy as her hand waved at the happy crowd. She wore a long, slick dress full of color, reflecting the life of which that surrounded her. Her glossy black hair fell along her back perfectly straight, sprinkled with beautiful flowers, which only made her image pop even more. Her white smile brightened the city, maybe even the whole country, and her eyes glowed with energy.
The crowd slowly hushed as she lowered her hands to rest on the marble podium. With a small breath, she announced:
"My friends. I'm glad to see so many gathered here on this very special day."
Her voice was soft and cheerful, paralleling her enamoring smile, which drew everyone's attention to her. Fey gifted her words to the crowd like she was a close friend, not a hint of authority in her voice, making it seem as if she weren't the ruler of the Kokoro Isles. Perhaps that was the reason for why she was a great ruler.
"I'm sure you're all wondering why this day is so special," she continued. "It looks just like any other, right? Allow me to enlighten you. Our world... is a grand place. And yet is still full of mystery. The great powers that many of you know—the Seishin, the Vweiyan Empire, and our very own Kokoro Isles—have all strived to create better lives for humanity and fight back against the forces of the devils."
She paused and scanned the mystified faces.
"Our history is rich and deep, and now, it is safe to say that we are in an era dominated by humans. Over the past years, our leaders have theorized what this new life could possibly mean for humanity's future. Will we be able to progress without the constant threat of devils? Will we become the threat ourselves?"
Her smile faded.
"I won't advocate for violence against the rest of our kin. My goal and vision is to create a clean and peaceful world for everyone to enjoy. So, with that goal in mind... we have made a deal. Other powers may have differing goals, but no one wants to ensure self-destruction. That is why I announce today that the Kokoro Isles has made an official alliance with the Vweiyan Empire! Our first step to tying together the world into a heavenly embrace free of the violence of the bygone era!"
Fey's voice washed over the crowd, causing a mix of emotions. Murmurs sprang up across the square, full of confusion. Some people applauded the announcement, smiles glued onto their faces. Some stayed quiet, waiting for more information that could quell their now confused faces.
The empire's recent military expansion had caused an influx of people to relocate, and now the country they'd moved to was joining them in an alliance? Surely the people should've had more influence in the decision to ally themselves with a foreign nation.
Fey continued her speech, reiterating the benefits of this new alliance, until she eventually beckoned to someone behind her.
"I invite a representative from Vweiya to address themselves. We need to see the face of those we're trusting, don't you think?"
Fey stepped back, allowing another woman, who was dressed in a dark but majestic robe, to take the stand. Gasps escaped a multitude of mouths. The woman who'd stepped up looked beautiful, too beautiful, maybe even the most beautiful in the world.
"Greetings, people of Kokoronashi. I'm glad to have the chance to witness all of your gorgeous faces."
She smiled.
"My name is Ilka Merric, a representative for the emperor of Vweiya."
As the crowd buzzed from the appearance of Ilka, Obai had grown extremely bored, not even taking a glance at the Vweiyan woman.
'Were they really going to repeat the same stuff over and over?'
There wasn't a reason for an announcement that went on this long. He was so cold! Couldn't they have posted a bulletin?
Merric continued speaking with a brilliant smile as Obai glanced around the crowd. He focused on the world's energy again. It was really the only activity that he could do. There wasn't much point in pushing through the crowd behind him when that crowd didn't have space to move.
Instead, he noted the strange brightness that resonated off the people surrounding him, as if they were set alight by invisible fire.
'Everyone here is so happy.'
His face scrunched up as he continued to look around. His breath was steady and his eyes were sharp.
'Why are they so happy? Were their lives really so great in the city? Weren't some of them complaining about the empire just a few hours ago?'
Obai shifted his gaze back to the platform, pretending to listen to Ilka Merric, as he noticed something odd. The number of people on the platform had decreased by one.
Fey Draven had disappeared.