Chapter 558

558 Future Goals

The Alconian Diplomats didn’t stay long after they’d returned from the shortened tour. Tokuga convinced Tidas to look inside the nursery area, but it was only slightly less horrific than the actual research room. Tidas’ disdain was plain on his face when he’d returned, so Tokuga tried to explain a few of the things his ancestors had done to ‘nurture’ the hatchlings.

Tidas was ready to deck him over the way he’d bragged about his family’s ‘advanced research methods’, which turned out to be no more than barbaric experimentations. They had machines available to examine the dragons without killing or dissecting them, but that wasn’t ‘in-depth’ research, according to Tokuga.

His family had kept extensive records, and had originally offered to let Tidas peruse them, but he had a feeling that the offer had been rescinded..

When they’d returned to the dining hall, Genie knew that something was wrong. He looked ready to tear into the Senators and Yaris, but Tidas had nonchalantly shook his head at him. Trusting his former pupil, Genie let it go, and simply made small talk for fifteen minutes or so before they bid their farewells, and left.

Once they were in the air, and several miles away from Tokuga’s estate; Skye and Tidas began to fill Genie in on what had happened. Tidas did most of the talking while Skye seemed preoccupied with Zazzy. When he described the rooms attached to the training arena, Zazzy whimpered as her mother rubbed at the side of her neck.

The attempt to soothe her only worked a little, but it was enough for Skye to explain; “She says that she could smell blood, and that she ken what kind..”

Tidas sighed heavily as he wished that he could do more for his scaly princess. Even after so many centuries, the Tokuga clan’s methods were still causing pain. His heart twisted as he heard a catch in both Zazzy and Skye’s breathing.

She was explaining most of what they’d told Genie, since Zazzy had been listening. It broke Tidas’ heart to recall the fact that she was most likely the last of her kind. She was going to live for centuries, while he and Skye would most likely only last less than one.

‘Our children will definitely take care of her, but what about the generations down the line? ..I can’t imagine how lonely she must feel sometimes..’

.....

As his chest tightened, Tidas rubbed Zazzy’s side in a soothing motion, just like Skye. He had no doubts that she’d had the same thoughts and concerns, and their conversation touched on the fact that she would Never be alone..

“Yer Da and I willna be around fer very long compared ta you, but we’ll treasure ya while we’re here, and so will our children, and their children, and so on.. Our love will stretch across time ta you through our descendants.. I canna promise that they’ll all be good people, but our love fer you will always be carried by the family.”

Zazzy seemed to calm after being reassured that she would be safe and loved. Genie didn’t know what was being said, but the situation was quite obvious. In a joking manner, he’d added; “And don’t forget that you have an entire nation that adores you. You’re always welcome in Sai, Zazzy: no matter the age.”

By the time the matter was resolved, they’d arrived back at Genie’s home. Bai Lei, Hang, and Mei were all waiting for them when they’d returned. Once everyone had bid Zazzy goodnight, they all went inside, and went directly to Genie’s personal office.

When everyone was inside and seated comfortably, Genie opened his little box, and secured the room. Skye was even more enthusiastic about seeing the tiny gifts that she and Tidas had given him over the years sitting out on his desk for display. After a short trip down memory lane, Skye and Tidas filled them in on the entirety of what had happened after they’d left Genie.

Klaus and Kari confirmed everything, and added little details that they hadn’t noticed themselves. Like how Senator Isko would sneer at Tidas when he wasn’t looking, and when Richard Yaris smirked on occasion when certain things were said.. Like when they spoke about Marco.

“I couldn’t tell if there was something behind the smile, or if he was just amused by the Princess’ utter denial of Prince Marco’s power,” Klaus commented with a smirk of his own.

Bai Lei sighed; “No matter the reason: Prince Marco is anticipating Sai reverting to a kingdom a little too hastily. But if we cannot get the majority on our side, then he may be right.”

“You can bet that the Loyalists will be doing everything they can to get the people on their side. He’s probably very upset that he couldn’t secure your support, therefore Zazzy’s,” Hang commented.

Skye looked at him with wide eyes; “Ima surprised ta hear ya call her by name.”

Hang sighed; “It is hard to forget when my daughter will not stop talking about her.”

“Is there anything we can do to counter them?” Mei asked, containing her excitement at being involved in the discussion for once.

Mei’s father donned a contemplative expression; “There’s not much we can do, other than stick to our ideals, and continue to try and fix the problems..”

“Oh, there’s lots more we can do!” Skye smirked as she gained everyone’s attention; “Not ta toot me own horn or anythin’, but yer seriously underestimating what I can do.. Sai’s facing a food shortage, right? Remember those fields we saw comin’ in? If ya can give me access to a decent-sized field, I can bring ya up ta par wit yer winter food stocks.”

“Can you also maintain any lands you reinvigorate by creating a water source with your Water trait? That way, unless there is a drought: Sai should be fine. And all the thanks can go to my father’s faction,” Mei asked as she watched a range of emotions traverse her father’s face.

Skye smirked; “That’s a brilliant idea, Mei! If I create underground wells, then the water can be used in part with your irrigation systems. Nice suggestion, Sis.”

“Why not take it one step further, and say that the Bai Lei asked Skye to do it? Ya know: give him the credit for the idea?” Tidas questioned, obviously uncomfortable with his own suggestion.

“I do not think that the credit should go to us, but rather Mei. This was all her and Skye’s idea, and it will look better when I give my official proposal to my family for her to become the next head,” Bai Lei had smiled at his daughter as he spoke.

Mei stared at her father as Skye beamed, and said; “Ima good wit that.”

“Father..”

“I know that you’re scared, but you have everything this country needs, Mei,” Bai Lei cut his daughter off with a soft smile, and encouraging words; “You are kind, fair, and honest. You’re a wonderful daughter and mother-”

“And a good wife, despite our circumstances,” Hang interjected before Bai Lei continued; “Women are allowed to join the Senate, even though only a handful have ever done it. There is one woman who served two years ago, remember?”

Mei nodded nervously before her Father kept speaking; “If you decide to follow the tradition, Yuki Kim can be your mentor. Toshinori will also be good council, if you decide-”

“I want to,” Mei cut in; “I want to become a Senator like you, and my grandfather, and my husband. I want to help Sai, and I think that I am in a unique position to do that..”

“I am constantly surrounded by incredible people, but I have never felt that way myself. I think I finally realized that my circumstances and bonds could be my contribution.”

Mei turned towards Skye; “I want to be like my sister, and help people.. Is it alright if I-”

“Ya do whatever ya gotta do, Mei. Tidas, Zazzy, and I will back ya one-hundred percent. Yer a good person, and not greedy. I think you’re exactly what politics needs.”

Mei smiled nervously at her, completely surprised by herself. She hadn’t realized it until that moment, but her life had designated Mei to be a force to be reckoned with..

Her Father was a famously beloved politician, her uncle was an anti-hero, and her adoptive sister was the Guardian of the Last Dragon. Whether it was due to fate or simple circumstance, however one wanted to word it: Mei was meant for something. And she was ready to accept whatever it was.

“It will be very difficult for you, but I will support you. And I am sure Hana would agree,” Hang stated, knowing that his wife was in for a hard road ahead.

Aside from in ancient times, Sai was the first nation to allow women a day in their government. The first woman had barely been allowed to join, and only with the support of the people. The requirements to become a Senator had been changed to be less gender-based, but there were still hurdles for Mei to jump over before she would be accepted.

Tokuga was the biggest, but his public threat had been lessened by Mei riding around with Zazzy. The majority of the Lei family was ready to accept Mei as their new head because of it as well, but like with the Senators; a few traditionalists were holding out.. Like Mei’s Great Aunt.

“What about this Toshinori fellow? Will he help us get Mei elected?” Tidas inquired, recalling Skye mentioning his name before.

Bai Lei grinned; “He won’t be happy that we’re dragging him back into politics, but he’ll do it for Mei and Skye. Mei is like a granddaughter to him, and Skye did him the kindness of saving his life. If he tries to refuse, then I’ll guilt him into it.”

Skye shook her head; “Ya dinna gotta try ta manipulate the man! If he doesna wanna help, then he doesn’t have ta. Tryin’ ta guilt trip him into it will make an enemy, but if we can barter wit him-”

“Aye, Skye’s right. You get more with a carrot than a stick, Senator,” Tidas added as he looked at Bai Lei for a reaction.

Genie smiled; “That’s a good point. Let Skye and Mei visit Toshinori tomorrow directly. I have somewhere I want Tidas to come with me..”

As Tidas flashed him a quizzical expression, Genie added; “I think we need to have another chat with Richard Yaris.”

“That bastard did seem to know quite a bit about whatever my brother is up to. I think that’s an excellent idea, Genie.”

As the two began to discuss their strategy, Skye went over to Mei; “I take it that Hana has Rukia right now?”

“Yes. She thought that I should be here as well, so I believe Hang is correct about her supporting my choice, but..”

Skye placed a comforting hand on her shoulder; “What’s wrong?”

After a moment of hesitation, Mei replied; “If I decide to follow through, and my relationship with Hana is discovered-”

Skye smirked; “Then, we’ll just start takin’ her wit us on our mornin’ flights. Let’s see how their bulshit stacks up against their faith in a dragon’s wisdom..”