Decision

Aren turned to the darkness that lingered in the hallways and reached out his right arm. Unintelligible words left his lips, and a sudden spark emanated from his palm. The hallways, once shrouded in darkness, now gradually lit up like stars in the night sky. With a quick glance at Lumi, he confidently led the way through the now colorful and rich halls of the Dae Turris of Polanoire.

Heyo, Aren!" Saturn greeted with a mischievous glint in her eye.

Aren turned to her and replied, "Yes?"

"Alright, Aren, spill the beans! How do you and Lazuli know each other? You've been dropping hints like breadcrumbs, but we didn't officially introduce you yet."

Aren chuckled and said, "Lazuli is an Elder being, and I'm a spirit. I’d thought you’d connect it"

Lumi jumped in, adding, "Well, you know Saturn, she can be a bit slow on the uptake sometimes. But yeah, both of them are from the Garden, so it's natural they'd cross paths."

Saturn had an "aha" moment and exclaimed, "Ooo so it's like they went to the same school.”

Lazuli chimed in, "Actually, I played a part in extracting his soul and releasing him. The Angels usually handle souls, but he was quite the nuisance, so they sent me rip out his will and pacify him.”

After this revelation, an awkward silence hung in the air. They continued on their path, navigating through a labyrinth of identical corridors and rooms. If it weren't for Aren, they'd be lost in there forever.

He opened a large and sturdy door that even with evident force struggled to budge but eventually moved, revealing a spacious hall-like room with a single flight of stairs leading to another set of doors. He opened it just to unveil another set of identical stairs and doors. He continued on. Behind yet another familiar sight.

Saturn, barely hanging in there, groaned, "My little feet are about to go on strike. These stairs are never-ending!"

Aren assured them, "Don't worry; we're almost there," as he pushed open yet another door to reveal a seemingly infinite set of stairs. Saturn, at this point, couldn't help but flop down dramatically and declare, "I can't handle these stairs anymore! My dramatic entrance is my resignation!"

Aren chuckled at Saturn's dramatic flair and said, "Come on, Saturn, we're almost there. Just a few more steps."

Saturn let out an exaggerated sigh, but with a boost of determination, she pushed herself up and continued up the seemingly endless staircase. Finally, at the top, there stood a shining elevator, a beacon of hope for their tired feet.

Saturn, feeling victorious, hopped into the elevator and pressed the button for their destination with a triumphant grin. "To the top, my friends! And hopefully, no more stairs."

The elevator doors closed, and they began ascending.

"Now we go straight to the King's Hall," Aren explained.

"King's hall? Bwahaha!" Saturn burst out laughing at the name of the place. A joke that only she seemed to understand as everyone stared in confusion.

"Saturn? What's so funny about King's Hall?" Plutonia asked with slight concern in her tone.

As Saturn slowly managed to contain her laughter and straighten out, wiping her eyes of the tears, she spoke, "I mean, a processor who's supposedly the grand evil in this story has the main room simply called the King's Hall like come on."

Everyone continued staring in complete misunderstanding. Interrupted by a sudden flashing light, Aren suddenly collapsed to the ground.

"I mean I know my humor ain't the best nor are my jokes, but they're not so bad that people die!" Saturn spoke, glaring at Aren's lifeless body lying on the ground. She nudged him with her foot, and he suddenly started to simply evaporate into blue glowing dust that ascended up through the elevator.

"Seems like Rudolf is expecting us," Lazuli said in a low tone. "He summoned him back."

The elevator slowed down until it finally came to a stop. The doors slowly parted open, and a blinding golden light shone right through the gap, and an entire orchestra began to play. They walked out, and the light ceased, revealing the grand hall with soldiers and an orchestra playing out a ceremonial song.

The grand hall was a spectacle of opulence and extravagance, bathed in the golden glow of the chandeliers above. The orchestra's music filled the air with grandeur as the group proceeded, making their way towards Rudolf Heartblaze, he sat in his grand chair, watching the group approach with an air of confidence and regal arrogance. The orchestra continued to play their ceremonial tune, setting the stage for the dramatic encounter.

As they drew nearer to Rudolf, Plutonia couldn't help but feel a shiver run down her spine. The imposing presence of the man, his dark armor contrasting with the grandeur of the hall, made her uneasy. She glanced at her sister, Saturn, who seemed undaunted and determined to face this adversary head-on.

Lumi, the ever-calculating leader, was keenly observing Rudolf, searching for any signs or vulnerabilities. Lazuli, the Elder being, was an enigma, her emotions and intentions hidden behind a mask of curiosity.

Rudolf clicked his fingers and immediately silence befell the hall. Everyone in site scurried away until all that remained was Himself and the group. In the sudden hush, the only sound that echoed through the cavernous King's Hall was the rough, deliberate breathing of Rudolf Heartblaze.

He finally spoke, his voice echoing through the hall. "Welcome, dear guests, to my humble abode. I see you've overcome quite the obstacles to reach me." His tone was calm and composed, as if he were the host of a grand gathering.

Lumi, never one to mince words, retorted, "Humble, you say? King's Hall, grandeur, and all this orchestra? You certainly have a unique sense of humility, Rudolf."

Rudolf chuckled. "Ah, I see you have a sharp wit, Lumi Ilandice of Lklandkeeling. It's quite refreshing. But let's get down to business. What brings you to the heart of Polanoire, my little intruders?"

Lumi stepped forward, her expression serious. "We're here to seek answers, Rudolf. What are your intentions, why is your jewelry in my nation, and why in my storage where crates where stolen and why did you unleash chaos upon your own nation?"

Rudolf's smile widened, revealing a set of pristine white teeth. "Ah, the chaos you speak of is merely a means to an end. You see, I have a vision, a plan that transcends the boundaries of this world. And to achieve it, sacrifices must be made."

Plutonia couldn't contain her curiosity any longer. "Sacrifices? What kind of plan would require such devastation?"

Rudolf's gaze shifted to Plutonia, and for a moment, his eyes seemed to hold a hint of remorse. "It's a long and complicated tale, my dear. But I assure you, it's a plan that will change everything. The world as you know it will be remade, and I will be its ruler."

Lazuli finally spoke, her voice carrying an air of ancient wisdom. "Rudolf, you are weak because of the multiple treaties. You are isolated. You do weird experiments to turn humans into Daemons and made a pact with the Lord. Correct?”

Rudolf's smile turned enigmatic. "You are knowledgable, Elder being. Yes, the Lord of the Undead has granted me incredible power and knowledge. With it, I shall reshape this world and become its supreme ruler."

Saturn, never one to back down, stepped closer to Rudolf. "So, what's your plan now? Are you going to eliminate us or explain your grand design in more detail?"

Rudolf leaned back in his golden chair, looking amused. "I'm in a generous mood today. I'll give you the chance to understand my vision. Then, you can make a choice: join me or meet your end."

The tension in the King's Hall was palpable as the group prepared to listen to Rudolf's grand plan, a plan that would change the fate of the world.

With a sweep of his hand, Rudolf gestured to the colossal stained glass window behind him. It depicted a world in turmoil, with spiraling flames and shadowy figures. "This, my friends, is a vision of our current world—a world in disarray, plagued by chaos, conflict, and suffering."

Rudolf's voice, though calm, held an almost hypnotic quality, drawing the group's attention toward the grand tableau. "The Lord of the Undead, my ally, offered me a path to salvation, a means to bring about a new era of prosperity and peace. I've made a pact to harness the power of the spirits to achieve this."

As the group continued to listen, a sense of foreboding gnawed at them. The beauty of the stained glass imagery contrasted starkly with Rudolf's ominous words.

Saturn, unable to contain her curiosity, spoke up, "But why the chaos, then? Why not peace from the start?"

Rudolf turned his gaze back to the group, his eyes gleaming with conviction. "It is through chaos that we find renewal. The old world must crumble before the new one can rise. Sacrifices are inevitable, but the end result will justify the means."

Plutonia, torn between her fear and curiosity, questioned, "Is there no other way, Rudolf? Must it come to this?"

Rudolf's voice softened, and for a brief moment, his eyes seemed to waver. "In this world, choices are often between the lesser of two evils. I have seen the suffering of our people, and I've made my choice. Now, you must make yours."

Lazuli, the Elder being, contemplated their situation. "This path you're on, Rudolf, it is not without its consequences. There is always a price for such power and ambition."

Rudolf's eyes held a tinge of melancholy. "Indeed, there will be a price, but I am willing to pay it for the sake of a brighter future."

The tension in the King's Hall persisted as the group faced a profound decision. They needed to choose between joining Rudolf's vision of a new world or opposing it, aware of the consequences of either choice.

"Hey Rudolfy hehe, could you give us a moment to think?" asked Saturn.

Rudolf turned to her and nodded in acceptance but not without adding in a couple words.

"Saturn, How does it feel to be the second Processor of Plansanturia to step foot on Polanoire soil?"

"Uuhh good?" She replied not sure of what the correct answer to such a question would be.

The group huddled together a few steps away from Rudolf's imposing throne. Tension hung in the air as they contemplated the weighty decision before them.

Saturn leaned in, her eyes darting between her companions. "What do you all think? We have a chance here to negotiate."

Lumi nodded in agreement. "I think we should talk to him. There's no need for more violence. And we definitely need to avoid another Galactic war at any cost."

Plutonia, her voice trembling slightly, added, "I'm with Lumi on this. Let's find out what he wants."

Lazuli, as the most knowledgeable of the group regarding spirits, chimed in, "Rudolf's blood bond with Aren might give us some leverage."

They turned back to Rudolf, who watched them closely, a smirk playing on his lips.

"So-" Lumi began but Rudolf interrupted her with a wave of his hand. "One at a time, my dear visitors. Let's have your opinions and proposals individually."

The group shared nervous glances, realizing they hadn't discussed a unified strategy. They were guided out of the main hall, and Plutonia, still trembling, watched as her companions left.

As the doors to the small room closed behind her, Plutonia took a deep breath and tried to steady her trembling. She knew she had to make a good impression and contribute something meaningful.

"Um, Mr. Heartblaze," she began, her voice quivering but determined. "I think it's not too late for us to find a peaceful solution to all of this. We don't want any more destruction, and I believe we can find a way to coexist. Is there something specific you desire from us or Plansanturia?" She glanced around nervously, seeking some sign of approval or rejection in Rudolf's eyes.

Rudolf leaned back in his golden throne, stroking his beard as he regarded Plutonia. His deep voice rumbled through the hall. "You're quite different from your sister, Plutonia. She’s like Uran in ways no one even realizes and you. Well you are just a candidate. Ill think about your speech and next we will have Lumi." He gestured for Plutonia to step aside.

Lumi entered the grand hall with a confident stride.

"Lumi Illandice your turn. Oh wait I forgot to ask. Plutonia do you join me or no?"

"I." She couldn't get out her words from nervousness. She looked at Lumi for any sort of guidance and she simply winked. Plutonia still not sure of what to respond with started looking around stuttering more.

"Actually, you are a candidate so It is up to the processor of your nation to decide. Sadly I'll have to wait. Anyway Lumi, speak."

She undeterred by the situation, stepped forward to address Rudolf. She cleared her throat, steadying herself.

"As a representative of the of the Pentagon 5 and leader of Lklandkeeling I stand before you to implore that you reconsider your actions and lean away from a possible galactic war."

"That's it?" He responded, unsatisfied with Lumi's short and unoriginal statement. He gave out a excessive sigh and asked the same question as before. Does she join. Her response rapid and direct. No.

"Too bad. Step aside and bring in my favorite, Saturn." He waved Lumi to shuffle next to Plutonia and Saturn entered the room. Lumi whispered to Plutonia and immediately her nerves calmed as Saturn approached closer to stand before Rudolf. Just before her swift turn, she smiled at the two.

"Saturn of Plansanturia, a long and rich history exists between our two nations. To think that after all those years the Processor of such nation will stand before me with the chance to make history. So Saturn please begin."

She cleared her throat and puffed out her chest.

"My name is Saturn. And today we make history!"