Chapter Text
Ego planted his face in his hands. Even three weeks after what he’s done, he still couldn't believe what he’d agreed to. What he suggested!
It was a quick out Ego thought of to escape without a fight. He’s heard how strong the Precure are and didn’t want to take chances.
Whether he would’ve kept to the promise, Ego was unsure, but now he didn’t have a choice. He wasn’t sure how the binding spell worked, but he sure as hell didn’t want to find out by going against it.
Gouma’s been away, leading an attack on the guards east post. Gathering some hostages to trade some hostages Trump Kingdom had taken in, and it happens to be fairly fortified as well.
Hopefully he’s okay….
Ego stared at the letter he received from a messenger back at their kingdom.
The king was preparing a full assault on the main kingdom in a few months time. Planning to make an appearance himself. It’ll likely overwhelm the Trump Kingdom soldiers, and the rulers.
But there was the issue of the Precure…they’re incredibly powerful, he could feel the amount of power radiating from Cure Wisdom alone.
That was something he could try to gauge during their meeting.
Ego did say he had a few questions of his own, and he did. He had a few questions about humanity and also he was curious about her.
She said it was an act of humanity that made her save him. But was that it? Ego knows that if the roles were swapped he likely wouldn't have done the same for the enemy.
Was there something deeper compelling her to do it, or did Ego simply lack any of that as a Mercenare?
He’s always been taught that sentiments like love and empathy were weak and only those who prioritize themselves have a chance.
”We are gifted with a wretched heart. Others may see it as a curse, or a flaw, but we are not burdened with the worry of others. Self preservation is called such because it is the only route to survival.”
Ego’s grip tightened on his pen. When he’d been repeating that phrase as a child Gouma had smacked him over the head with a paperback book right before ruffling his hair.
No idea what that had been supposed to mean.
But that was beside the point. Luckily, since Gouma forced him to stay back due to still being injured, he could go to the meeting without being caught.
Aiko closed the journal and slipped it into her tote bag.
”I can’t believe you actually agreed to this.” Reina huffed.
”I know.” Aiko agreed.
”I mean- what if he attacks you?! You said ‘unarmed’ but he still has powers he can use to hurt you!” Reina pointed out.
“Exactly why you’re coming with me. Also…I worded it like that on purpose. I wanted to see if he’s truly as honorable as he claims he is.”
Reina huffed but didn’t say anything more.
Aiko gazed out the window. It was dark out, she should probably get going.
As Aiko stepped into the halls, she made sure not to be seen lest she be question ed where she was going at this time of night
However, clearly she wasn’t subtle enough.
“Lady Aiko.” Aiko stopped in her tracks at the sound of Victor, an elder head researcher. “Wherever are you going at this time of night?”
Aiko sighed internally before turning towards Victor.
“Elder Victor.” She greeted. “I’m just going out on a small expedition for my research-“
”Yes. I heard of your latest interest.” Victor remarked. “Perhaps if you wanted to learn about them so badly you could ask a soldier.”
”I already have-“
”Then there’s nothing more for you to do. Perhaps you should focus on more…pressing matters instead of wasting your talents on…such needless excursions.” Victor fixed his hair.
Aiko felt a small twinge of annoyance. It is best for one to know the enemy. That included their history and culture. He preached such things as her professor and yet he discouraged her now..?
“Thank you, Elder Victor. But I don’t understand why you discourage me. There’s no harm in investigating.” Aiko continued.
”I’m simply advising that you keep your odd interests outside of your professional work. It may have appeared as charming coming from a child, but you’re an adult. And the favoritism from the princess won’t protect you if you get into trouble.” His tone became harsher and Aiko gripped her tote bag harder.
How dare he? Did he seriously assume Aiko got this job due to her friendship with Shizuko? Aiko hadn’t even known Shizuko when she’d joined the top researchers!
But despite that…snapping at him would cause issues, so she took a deep breath and but her tongue.
”Thank you for your advice, Elder Victor. Good night.”
Aiko turned away, heels clinking as she quickened her pace.
”Who does that jerk think he is?” Reina huffed. “You should tell Shizuko.”
”Why should I bother her with such a trivial matter?” Aiko questioned. “Besides, I’m used to it.”
Aiko had gotten a small carriage to take her to Moonglave. If this would go late into the night, she could always get a hotel.
Walking through town, she wanted to make herself as invisible as possible, lest Mayumi see her. She made herself way over to the cliff side.
It was difficult to scale to a point where Aiko debated transforming to climb it, but that would only draw more attention. The hard way it is, she supposed.
Finally, Aiko got a good foothold and managed to climb the cliffside, luckily it wasn’t that big, and found the cave entrance.
Aiko turned on the small portable bioluminescent lamp, a device she helped make for a school project, and scanned the cavern.
Her eyes finally landed on the general, sitting on a rock with a clementine in his hands. Aiko approached in time to see him take a bite out of it like an apple.
”What…are you doing?” Aiko asked. General Ego’s bat wings jerked up and he turned his head.
”Eating.” He answered casually. “Good evening, Lady Aiko.”
“Good evening…. Did you steal that from the town?” She pointed at the fruit in his hand.
”You took awhile. You never specified what time of night you wished to meet.” General Ego lifted it to take another bite as he continued talking. “This tastes better than that red fruit. I’m not fond of the skin, though.”
Aiko massaged the bridge of her nose.
“You don’t eat it like that. You peel it.” She made a peeling gesture with her hand.
General Ego looked at the clementine in his hand, as though examining it.
”What a needless process for something that’s supposed to quickly sustain.” He muttered.
Okay then…. Aiko reached into her bag and pulled out a journal and pen.
“Guess I know what question I’m starting with.” She clicked her pen. Aiko had written all of her questions down in a multi-page list. They may be here for awhile.
”So, you seem unfamiliar with the produce we grow. I’ve heard that your kingdoms climate differs from others greatly. Why is that? Is it the influx of dark energy in the atmosphere that makes common produce unable to grow? Or do you simply not get the same nutrients that we get from it? What produce do you grow? What does it taste like? What nutrients does it provide?”
At her onslaught of questions, General Ego stared at her for a moment before massaging the bridge of his nose.
“Okay…I guess we’re jumping right into it.” General Ego muttered, sitting down. He began peeling the clementine skin. “Yes, you guessed it right. Your produce can’t prosper in our territory because of the dark energy in the atmosphere.
What we do grow is mainly Nirra, it’s a fruit that can allow for our energy to restore quicker. Eating too much of it is dangerous though. Too much dark energy can consume you. I’m willing to bet that a human couldn’t even take a bite of it before being consumed.” General Ego seemed to think to himself for a moment.
”I wonder…since I heard you Precure can dispel dark energy…if you were to eat it what effects would it have?”
That is a good question. Maybe Aiko could see if she could get her hands on one and-
“Are you suggesting she put her life at stake for some simple test?! I knew it! You are going to kill her!” Reina shrieked, popping her head out from the bag. General Ego glanced her.
”Did you have to bring her?” He asked Aiko. Aiko shrugged.
”It wouldn’t have been wise to come here without assurance for my safety.”
“I’m not upset about that…I just would’ve preferred you brought…a quieter assurance.” Aiko couldn’t help but feel a twinge of amusement as Reina made an offended noise.
”Anyways… I’m not suggesting you to eat it. It was a mere thought. For the taste…it doesn’t taste like much. A bit bitter, and it’s kind of chewy.”
Aiko jotted down everything he said.
“So where are these things supplied from? Do you have farmers or are they somewhere hidden since they’re used more as an asset than food.”
General Ego chuckled, popping a slice of fruit into his mouth.
”I’m not answering that one. Nice try though.”
“I don’t know what you mean.” Aiko feigned ignorance. She had a feeling it wouldn't be that easy. “What about your culture. You’ve mentioned your species isn’t one for celebrations but do you have any traditions?”
“Did you write a whole list?” General Ego cocked his head.
”Yes. Now please answer.”
“We have a few…. Parting ceremonies for those who died. The ones who lead the ceremonies cut the wings off the back of the corpses head before throwing it to our king. It ensures their strengths and talents can be used in the next generation, but the wings being clipped are so their souls make it to the next plain.”
That…was genuinely fascinating! Aiko’s eyes began to light up as she moved closer.
“So, what you mean is that you have some type of reincarnation cycle? Or is it more of a reuse of dark energy? Is this some kind of religious based celebration? If so, is the reason you put it at your kings feet because he’s a god like figure? Also, what significance do the wings have? What is their purpose? Are they for balance when you fly? They act a bit like the ears and tails of animals.”
Only when Aiko was finished her barrage of questions did she notice that General Ego was practically pressed up against the wall in attempt to create distance between the two, Aiko’s face inches from his.
His expression gave nothing away but his bat wings were tucked in and she could see a faint bit of pink creeping up his neck.
Strange…why was he-?
”Our king is our god.” General Ego informed. “We are created from his dark energy and our bodies return to it when we die. And the bat wings are used for a few things. Translators of other languages, balance, etc.” He reached out and gently pushed her away.
“But…what do you humans do for your dead. I did say I had some questions of my own….”
“Well…we often just bury them. Sometimes cremate them and keep them in urns or some even spread them in special places.” Aiko explained. General Ego seemed to think deeply about that.
”I see…a sentimental reminder for…families….” His gaze was distant as he mused to himself. Aiko stared at him, deciding to change the topic a bit.
”How do…family’s work for Mercenares. You said you’re all made from dark energy. Do you not have any family? Or are you all family in that sense?” That snapped the general out of his daze.
”Oh…. Well…as I said previously, the dead’s bodies are turned back into dark energy by our king…. The amount of dark energy varies from Mercenare based on how strong they are at their death. Normally, only one can be created from that corpses dark energy….
But during times when two or more are created from the same Mercenares dark energy, they are technically siblings. It doesn’t have to happen at the same time. In fact…it could be a few years before the other half is created….
I guess that causes a bit of a superiority complex in the older one.” General Ego muttered the last part to himself.
”What..?” Aiko pressed. General Ego straightened his posture.
”What? Oh nothing….” He turned towards the moon lowering in the sky. “It’s getting late. I should head back. So should you.” He stood up.
Huh?!
“Wait!” Aiko grasped his wrist suddenly, causing him to tense. “You said you’d answer all my questions!” She thrusted the journal in his face.
”I only got a few down!”
The generals eyes scanned the journal.
”You can’t possibly expect to get an answer to all of those in one night.” He said, crossing his arms.
”Fine then! We can meet again!” That seemed to take him aback.
”What…?”
”You said you had questions yourself. And I clearly have more. So why not. This one went well.”
“Well yes but- this wasn’t- this was supposed to be-“ he sputtered but Aiko didn’t listen as she packed her things.
”Okay. See you in three weeks. Hopefully not on the battlefield.”
“Wait- huh?! Also- whether or not you do isn’t really up to me-“
“Bye!” Aiko bid farewell before hopping out of the caverns entrance.
“What???” Reina asked when outside. “We’re seeing him again?! But we didn’t even get anything useful out of it!”
”Exactly. Which is why I want to continue until we do.” Aiko explained. “And it doesn't hurt that I learn more about another culture.”
”Are you going to at least tell the others..?”
That was a good question…. But..Aiko wasn’t sure if she could. She’s down reckless things for the sake of her curiosity but this could be seen as outright dangerous. She could see at least Shizuko demanding her to stop for Aiko’s own safety….
Just another meeting. That’s all.