Five Years Later

Emporer Valeborn wanted to truly become a man of the people and decided to make an announcement that would shake the very foundation of Arian society.

On a warm summer day, Emporer Valeborn came in person to La Rando.

La Rando was a place that was in between The Pit and the rest of society. It was a place where Undesirbles could sometimes get higher-paying work, and there was less persecution in La Rando compared to the rest of Mu. Because of this, many people who were of low class would have the chance to see the Emporer in person, and one of the biggest crowds to have ever assembled was in La Rando.

An outdoor stage was put up in the middle of a street downtown. People squeezed in as tight as possible, not caring for the heat and sweat. Police officers disguised as civilians mingled in the crowd, and obvious police officers stood on the rooftops with sniper rifles. The security was tight, and Emporer Valeborn was going to make sure that he would make more public appearances to show strength in his public image.

"ATTENTION. PLEASE STAND FOR THE NATIONAL ANTHEM," a floating Securi-bot announced.

Everyone sang the national anthem while saluting the large black and gold flags hung from the sides of the building. Large holo screens popped up on the sides of buildings, and a video of Emporer Valeborn appeared with his trusty knight by his side, The Phantom Knight. Emporer Valeborn wore a black designer suit, and shoes, with a gold tie. His black hair was slicked back, and to appeal to the public he wore his glasses.

His "Phantom Knight" did not look anything terrifying as his name implied.

He was surprisingly young, tall, and lanky, with a pretty face. His blue eyes and black hair matched his knight regalia. It had the symbol of Aria's pride, a paser bird, on his left shoulder. In the center of his chest was a beautiful blue gem that sparkled in the sun. He looked more like an Emporer than Valeborn did.

And that was Valeborn's intent.

To look like a man of the people.

As Emporer Valeborn took the podium, The Phantom Knight smiled, and flashed his sword at the crowd, making the threat clear.

People in the crowd clapped when the national anthem was over, and cheered for the Emporer. He adjusted his glasses and calmed them down, with a few waves of his hand.

"I am so happy to see you here today my children. Thank you for letting me lead you these past few years into a brighter and safer future," Emporer Valeborn said.

Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

Everyone let out a cheer again, and the Securi-bots had to flash QUIET, or else Emporer Valeborn would be unable to finish his speech.

"We have made great strides these past few months. Our security has improved, and no more do we have to deal with the threat of terrorism. Fadeno has been Weaver-free for six months!"

Cheers erupted, people believing the very obvious lie. There was no way that the capital could be free from Weavers, but people wanted to believe anything to feel safer from the threat outside their doors.

"I want all of Aria to move forward into another era of peace. We have not been at war for forty-five years. When not at war, we have made so much technological and sociological process. The Dyson Sphere is near completion, and then everyone will have the gift of endless energy. But that is not enough."

Whispers went through the audience. What else could be grander than unlimited energy? That was already the start of limitless possibilities.

"I am going to anger many people today with what I am going to say. There are people that stand to gain from how we live our life now but those who hold power do not always protect the weak, but only their own interests. But not my brother."

The holo-screens on the sides of the buildings changed to show a picture of Flama, as a child. He was sitting on his older brother's lap, while he read him a story. People were touched by the picture, and some cried remembering the untimely death of the young Duke of Fadeno.

"My little brother was the first to ever pardon someone of their standing," Emporer Valeborn continued. "He was a man before his time, in his beliefs, values, and...sometimes fashion choices."

Everyone in the crowd laughed when another picture of Flama came on the holo screens of him wearing another flamboyant outfit.

"I want to see what my brother saw in that young girl that day, wherever she is," Emporer Valeborn said. "For someone to risk their life for others, no matter their status is truly honorable. Yet she would have returned to a life without dignity if not for Flama."

Soft hopeful music played from round Utili-bots that lazily bobbed through the crowd. The sad atmosphere now changed to that of hope.

"That is why today, I am seeing in you what Flama saw in her. I see you," Emporer Valeborn said. "Today, I am not pardoning the Undesirables and Mezzi of Aria."

With all the strength and veracity he could muster and a fire in his eyes, Emporer Valeborn changed all of Aria.

"There is nothing to forgive! Today I end the ŝtupetaro!"

Everyone burst into a wild frenzy. There was screaming and crying. Streamers and confetti were released by the Utili-bots, and loud, bombastic music blared. Fighter jets soared through the sky, leaving a trail of golden steam in the shape of a paser bird. It was made at such an angle, that one could see it behind Emporer Valeborn if watching it on any screen.

"Today and forever, always and in Elysium, we are equal," Emporer Valeborn announced. "Together, as a unified Aria, we can defeat and kill every last terrorist, every last peko that seeks to destroy us!"

There was no point in trying to calm the crowd down now. The entirety of La Rando was exploding in excitement. People were kissing, some were dancing. A man took his shirt off and sang the national anthem, and soon others joined in.

People were ready to do anything Emporer Valeborn said, anything he wanted, because he was their father, and they were his children, and nobody would ever come between them.

Emporer Valeborn waved at the crowd and he was going to continue his tirade of his hatred of the peko when the holo screen changed red.

DANGER. DANGER. CHEMICAL FIRE.