Chapter 384 - The Jester

The day of the 31st of December came at last. Melmark's roads, town-square, and various shops, stores, were in the festive mood. At the end of a dense year, the relief around the faces was written in bold. Aceline's new film would premier later at night. Five days elapsed since the meeting with the AHA. Staxius did well beside the Emperor's side. Good advice on the matter of state and how to intervene in the monster invasion. Rather than fight, they stuck to protecting the populous, a full-scale evacuation of the citizens was issued. The Alphian army stood steadily as pillars. Shelters and centers were at the ready inside Dostein and Subrea. Lodging in the form of hotels and more was provided free-of-charge. Many of Whuotan saw the truth of the revolt, the beasts had killed many o' folks. 

"Good day, people of Alphia," a simultaneous broadcast sliced through the idyllic atmosphere. "It's good to see the festive spirits," said a figure on channels, screens, and electronic devices across Melmark. The city came to a halt, the intriguing figure dressed in black stole the limelight. "Such peacefulness, such joy," he said with a smile and giggle, "-how utterly useless," the tone sunk to one of hate, "-how cruel must this world be," the emotion changed again to joyful. "Allied Heroes of Alphia," the screen swapped to a room with a hostage tied in the middle. "I give you two hours to come find me. Hope, what a nice word. Hope, you people believe in Heroes too much. I've come as a messiah to spread the real truth – hope isn't in everyone's fate. Hope is for the chosen," the camera moved close to the victim, "-look at her," he removed the bag over her head, "-the girl's eyes are filled with hope. She knows someone is coming to rescue," without mercy, he stabbed her arm with a fork unleashing a deafening scream of pain. "Two hours," following a clap, the screens display not only one, but a room filled with kids of all genders and ages. "Listen to me," grabbed onto the camera, "-two hours is more time needed. Catch you later," giggles turned to mute and darkness. 

Streets came to a stop; people were quick to go on social media. Enraged crowds headed for the AHA. Heroes were demanded to be dispatched. Thus, a thorough search began. 

"Emperor," came a maid with a tablet, "-have you seen the news?" 

"No, what of it?" 

"A hostage situation," said Staxius staring out the mansion window. Lady Loftha stood in the garden and broke into pirouettes, a graceful ballerina. "There was broadcast not too long ago of a villain preaching about hope or some nonsensical thing."

"Here are the details," said the maid showing the footage.

"How despicable, what's the AHA doing?"

"Looking for some way to turn a profit?"

"Surely they mustn't be that greedy."

"I can assure you one of them is going to die, no hero allied with AHA will be able to save them."

"What of you?" raised he a good point, "-what of the Hero King. Can't you intervene and save the day?"

"Absolutely not, this is a problem for the higher-ups at the AHA. The more people realize how futile their heroes are, the better it will be for the villains." 

"Siding with the evil-doers?"

"No, siding with justice. If they can't save those kids, then what's the point? How do they have the audacity to say they'll protect the continent if they can't manage that much. There's a clue left by the perpetrator, open thy eyes, the answer is simple, hidden in plain sight. Only he with the unclouded and unbiased with a true sense of righteousness will come to their aid." It struck home how precise the thought process was. Still, Sultria's sense of wanting to help didn't yield. He was quick to send out a force of his own to aid in the rescue. The mansion turned to chaos with the King still as a rock.

"No, no, no," came another broadcast exactly one hour later, "-I asked for heroes to come search, not the public service. Police, special forces, what in the hell are you thinking?" a gun raised to the first victim's head, "-tis for the heroes, the worth, the harbinger of hope. If I see involvement from any secondary party," *BANG,* the bullet grazed her nose, "-she'll die first. I'm not opposed to ending the new year's party early; after all, who would not want to start with a bang." 

Panic ran rampant. The AHA who reached to the public service was cut from communication. It all came to the hero's ability. The lack of training, focus, and determination made many up and coming stars into revenue machines. Neither could they save a life, nor themselves. 

'Pathetic,' thought Staxius watching the live-feed of the hero's efforts. The media were all over the incident; broadcast of people's opinions was played across radio and television.

*Our heroes will come to the rescue, I believe in the AHA, we are blessed to being born in Alphia.*

*Hope will prevail, the power of faith can break the strongest of mountains.*

*I agree with the villain, our heroes are too complacent. I don't even know if I'm following people sworn to protect or idols. There's no difference, if the girl dies, I blame the AHA.* 

*Should have seen this coming ever since the incident with Luna.* 

The sole mention of the name relit the extinguished flame of her suicide. Many conspiracies of her death being a murder went around the many sharing platforms. Questions with no answers, Melmark's festive evening changed to fear and ire. 

"What are our heroes doing?" asked a masked voice.

"They're trying their best, sir, no need to worry," said Leo sweating profusely.

"I worry, of course, I worry. Who was it that brought up the case of Luna, I thought said stain was cleaned. Leo, don't you dare have our organization fail." Pressure from top and bottom all but stacked.

Far, far away, Staxius headed to the soiree. The radio played constant news of the happening of Melmark. 'The new years is pretty exciting. Guess the five days were worth the hassle. Let's see if it all works out. Heroes, prove to the public thee exists. Not the fakes who preach to popularity, no, those who have a sense of duty. Will Alphia live to standard?' 

"Fifteen minutes remaining," laughed the figure sat on a swing. Each broadcast was in a different location. The last seemed to be a hangar or storage-space. The large echoes made it clear. Dressed as a jester, the mental health concerned many watching. The people were jaded, many after the initial shock, went their the usual business. Families shopped for the late-night dinner. Only a few were preoccupied with the lives. "It's funny to see how hard the heroes are trying," he took the camera and jumped around. "Five minutes remaining," the video-camera flipped over, "-my babies are ready to fire at a press of a button. What sound will they make, crush, crash, or maybe silence? Who knows, I'll be busy laughing at their cries for pity."

*Ding,* ringed an alarm, "-five, four, three, two, one," *beep,* the guns fired with him laughing maniacally. "You see, you see," a pile of smoke rose, "-you see, you see, heroes are worthless. Children with families waiting for the arrival killed by the incompetence of the AHA, such sadness. It makes me also want to cry… HAHAHA."

"You seriously need professional help."

"Ohh, what is this," he pointed the camera to the voice, "-a plot-twist, could this be a hero!"

"Should I bother to answer that?" long black hair, a tight bodysuit with weapons at the ready, the bullets were but dust. "What is the matter with you?" she asked with a smirk, "-don't sell heroes so short," in a flash, the camera fell to face the fight. Live, an epic show of power and skill ended with a bitter taste. She won the fight, "-haha, get pranked," the fight against a robot. 

"Here's an interview," displayed on the news, "-from our correspondent at the port, take it away." 

"Hello, who would have thought a battle took place in this beautiful oceanic view. We have the privilege to interview the hero who saved the day," it panned to the lady.

"What's your name?"

"Luna," she replied calmly.

"Lady Luna, how did you know of the location?"

"It was a simple matter of being attentive. The purpose was to always serve the people. I'm just glad I made it in time. I do want to advise the population to be careful, there might be more attacks in the future, you never know."

"Thank you for saving the hostages, I'm sure Alphia is grateful to have thee as it's guardian." With a nod, she dove headfirst and disappeared. Social media blew up. The return of Luna trended as a topic all across. Her figure, height, and visage matched her recorded measurements. Speculation, rumors, a mystery served to skyrocket the popularity of she who saved the day. Needless to say, the higher-ups of the AHA were livid.

Massive gates opened to the sound of an engine, a lovely estate of modern-architecture and design posited itself against dusk. Dorino's mansion was a work of marvel. From lights to curtains and even the type of lamp installed, each fitted a particular theme.

Scheduled at 18:00, he made sure to come fifteen minutes before. Parked, Staxius's allure seized the wondering glances of men and women alike walking across the exquisite garden and cared yard. 

"I'm glad you made it," came Dorino with a smile.

"Tis my pleasure to do so," nodded Staxius, "-here," he presented a box in which contained a very expensive signet ring, "-a present for the troubles of discussing with Lady Amber." 

"You really shouldn't have," with a grin, the jewelry was a perfect fit. 

"I must have forgotten my manners," quick to hold out a handshake, "-I've yet to formally introduce myself, Dorino, tis a pleasure to make mine saviors acquaintance."

"Staxius Haggard."

"Please, make thyself comfortable, snacks and drinks are served in the ball-room, a butler shall escort thee there." 

"I'll find my way, thanks for the hospitality. I do wait patiently for our conversation later."

"Yes, indeed, Sir Haggard, indeed we shall do so."

Stepped inside the moderately large room for a mansion, there was an exceptional number of guests. Not ordinary folks either, people of high-class and prestige. Their mannerism spoke volumes, a setting more or less familiar to him. Not wanting to indulge, he walked confidently to a door leading to the veranda where rested a few tables and chairs. 

"Excuse me,"

"Y-yes," 

"Do you mind if I smoke?"

"No, go ahead."

A quick exchange to a lady who seemed to wait for something. Her visage was melancholic, her long-dress seemed to match her expression. Sat next table across, he puffed slowly and gently. Dressed with a suit brought from Arda, one worn during formal reception at the castle, it drew the eyes of many. The watch he wore was of a prodigious watchmaker. Moname was written in calligraphy on the dial.

Her partner came soon, a man with broad shoulders and elegance. The ring on their fingers as well as the intimacy was a telling sign of being engaged. Her smiles felt empty, forced weirdly. Not that she could have helped it, her face moved naturally to the handsome man. 

"Excuse me," said her partner, "-would you kindly?"

"Yes, with pleasure," he stood, "-I'll excuse myself," he returned inside where Dorino stood with a confused expression.

"Ah," nodded, Dorino sprawled, "-Sir Haggard, I had the gift appraised by a fellow friend, the gentleman on my right, and it seems that you might have made a mistake. This piece is valued over 500,000 Exa."

"Sir Dorino," smiled Staxius courteously, "-there's no mistake. The gift is a mere token of my appreciation, after all, a good connection can be worth more than money."