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15 more minutes... The clock in the hall was precise, as was expected from any Kurogradian contraption. Despite his current injuries and recovery schedule, Kurosupai arrived early. After all, such a meeting should not be taken so lightly. His sister Kuroda was pushing his wheelchair, and his little daughter Ocypete was following behind, curiously looking around as all of them entered the main hall.
- Are you sure about this? - Kuroda asked - You know you can reschedule if you're not feeling well.
- I'm fine. I don't want to wait any longer.
- Stubborn as always, comrade. - a familiar voice commented from the right hallway.
- Mister ponytail! - the little one exclaimed upon seeing him.
- Greetings Kuron. - Kurosupai smiled - It's great to see you again after so long.
He offered his left hand for a handshake, and Kuron accepted.
- You know him? - Ocypete asked her dad.
- Yes, we are colleagues. Good friends too.
- Welcome to the People's fortress. - Kuron greeted the three and then addressed Kurosupai:
- Welcome home. Comrade Kuromaku will be glad to see you recovered.
- Well... Not completely. - Kuroda commented.
- It will do. - Kurosupai decided.
Kuron offered to take the wheelchair from Kuroda's hands and she let him.
- I will contact you once the meeting is over. Please stay in the vicinity of the fortress. - Kuron informed. After that, they parted ways, Kuron took Kurosupai deeper into the fortress, while Kuroda took Ocypete out.
- Wait! - Ocypete protested trying to follow her dad, but Kuroda held her hand tight - Why can't I go with dad!? Where is Mister Ponytail taking him!?
- It's okay, it's okay. - Kuroda tried to calm her down - He's leaving just for a little, an hour at most, but he'll be back.
-Where is he going? - Ocypete calmed down when she heard her dad would return.
- He has a meeting with the King.
As the conversation from the main hall grew distant, Kurosupai got a bit tense. He didn't like leaving Ocypete. He trusts Kuroda but wasn’t sure how well she can handle little Ocypete's energy. He straightened his collar. It was his first time in a while that he wore a proper Kurogradian outfit. Being in the hospital for days he didn't get a chance to wear much besides hospital pajamas. Kuroda bought him some nice clothes the other day for the meeting. She has been of great help. Especially that morning, when he had to put those clothes on. Kurosupai's back is still badly injured so standing and walking is a work in progress. Not to mention he's still not in good enough shape to withstand a surgery for the mechanical arm he was promised, so handling his buttons also required assistance. He nervously checked the sleeve of his severed arm to check if the sleeve was still in the right shape. Kuroda folded it nicely and fastened it with a pin, so it doesn't unfold.
Maybe they were right. Waiting to recover a bit more before the meeting would have been reasonable. But he really was stubborn. He didn't know if it was the long years in the Empire that changed him or if he was created like this, but he always felt like he had to persist and fight for his demands, even though there was no need for that anymore. Maybe he wanted the King to see him like this. Maybe he wanted to show how much he sacrificed. Such spiteful attitude so characteristic of an Empirian. If Kuroda didn't style his hair yesterday, maybe he would have still looked like one. He knew he shouldn't think like this, but he was nervous.
- You know, I saw you by the walls. - Kuron broke the silence.
- What?
- When the Empire delivered you to our walls. I was there.
- Oh. I see...
- Well, you were unconscious, so you don't remember it.
- Why are you telling me this?
- I just wanted you to know that I got your back. - Kuron.
- Thank you. - Kurosupai relaxed.
- Also... I was a bit surprised. She roughed you up badly.
Kurosupai kept quiet.
- I'm relieved you survived.
- So am I.
- Am I allowed to say I told you so?
- No.
- Okay… May I ask why?
- Have you met Ocypete? - Kurosupai asked his friend.
- Yes. I escorted her inside the country when the emergency services took you to the hospital.
- If there's anything I got from any of this, it was her. And that already makes it all worth it.
- She is a unique kid.
- And I love her just the way she is.
- I understand.
A silence ensued as they reached the big doors at the end of the hallway.
- If you don't regret anything, what did you want to talk to comrade Kuromaku about? I know you probably have a reason for scheduling it so early. - Kuron was curious. Kurosupai found it a bit unusual how Kuron just referred to the king by his name. But he is aware it's just his Empirian habits holding onto him.
- I didn't say that I don't regret anything. I only said that it was worth it.
- Allright. - Kuron accepted - Once you really get out of the hospital, do you want to have a meeting with me perchance?
- Meeting?
- Yes, at my place. You can bring your family too. I'd just like to catch up more.
- Ok, I'll see.
The time has come. Although it’s a bit early, there's no point on waiting. Kuron knocked on the doors.
- Come in. - a monotone voice was barely heard from the inside. Must have been the thick doors that dimmed the sound.
Kuron opened the great doors. He pushed Kurosupai's wheelchair inside and closed the doors behind them. There was a faint clicking noise filling the room as the King, sitting by his desk, was still typing away at his computer. A reflection of the screen was visible on his glasses and covering his eyes.
- Comrade Kuromaku, Kurosupai has arrived for the meeting. - Kuron announced.
As soon as Kurosupai's name was uttered, Kuromaku raised his head from the computer, revealing his slightly surprised eyes. He quickly saved his files, closed the computer screen and set it aside on his big desk, simultaneously correcting his posture and sitting upright. Even while sitting it was obvious he was bigger than Kuron or Kurosupai. The king straightened his tie and greeted him:
- Welcome, comrade Kurosupai. Forgive me, I wasn't expecting you this early but nevertheless, I'm glad you made it.
Kuron pushed the wheelchair, so Kurosupai was now almost seated on the other side of the desk, across from the king. This made him a bit uneasy. He sheepishly raised his left hand for a handshake. The king noticed and extended his long left arm as well and shook Kurosupai's. It was warmer than Kurosupai expected. Probably because the King's hand is bigger than his, not to mention the one extra finger that was kind of hard to miss. In the meantime, Kuron repositioned to sit on the side of the big table.
- Thank you for seeing me today. - Kurosupai replied.
- Of course, how could I not? You did a great service to this country. The information you provided and discoveries you made were invaluable.
- I'm honoured.
- Well, let's start the meeting, shall we?
Kurosupai nodded:
- Summarry of written report 781. After my mission in the Empire was revealed by the local authorities, I was taken into custody and questioned about my mission. I did not reveal anything, despite the torture. After that I was sentenced to the arena and spent the night in the dungeon below it, using the opportunity to prepare for the battle, as well to send the SOS signal via the prosthetic tooth back to Kurograd.
Next day I faced off 3 rounds in the arena against warhogs, suffering several hard injuries. During that time, Kurograd had sent a message with a prisoner exchange offer to the Empire, based on the signal from earlier. The Empire receives the message and instead of pitting me against another warhog, sends an Executioner to the arena. Former general Atlanta, now demoted to an executioner due our marriage, was given an order to fake my death in front of the masses and get me out of there alive. - Kurosupai made a pause to swallow. Kuron quickly brings him and Kuromaku a glass of water and moves back to his position. Kurosupai drinks some water and continues.
- I was taken back to the dungeon where my injuries were temporarily taken care of. Afterwards, executioner came in to explain the situation, after which she took my arm as a proof of my death.
While telling this, Kurosupai lightly touched what remained of his right arm.
- Afterwards I waited in the dungeon until departure. My head started to feel dizzy. Then, my daughter was let into my cell. It was ordered that she should be sent with me because there is no place for someone like her in the Empire. Soon enough we were prepared for the ride and taken into an army truck. During the ride I tried to stay conscious by talking to my daughter, but due to blood loss and other related causes, I lost consciousness halfway here. I woke up few days later in the hospital in Kurograd. End of summary.
As Kurosupai ended his report, Kuron turned on a transcription device next to the table.
- Today with my last report concludes my mission of infiltration and espionage in the Spade Empire. I, Kurosupai, ask to be relieved of the duty as Kurograd's spy and be reassigned to another service once I recover. - Kurosupai concluded.
Kuromaku nodded: - As the rightful ruler of Kurograd, I, Kuromaku, relieve you of your service as a spy, in which you served loyally and bravely. Although it ended abruptly, your mission was successful because you brought immense knowledge and insight into the Empire. For your success and sacrifice, you will receive a medal of honor at the upcoming ceremony. Your next service will be one of your choice and additionally, you are given an option to retire early if you see it necessary at any point.
As Kuromaku finished, Kuron added:
- As a witness to this agreement, I, Kuron, testify that it was rightfully resolved.
As he said this, he turned off the transcription device, which ejected a tape and proceeded to print out 2 copies of what was recorded on a fancy paper with engraved stars in the corners. Additionally, three empty lines for signatures were printed in the right corner, as well as the date of the agreement. After that, 2 more papers were printed out, the standard papers for such agreement which also needed to be signed. As expected, signing proceeded. Although it was a bit slower due to Kurosupai having to sign everything with his left arm. Once that was settled, Kuron arranged the papers. He put one transcription and an agreement paper into an envelope and gave it to Kurosupai. The other two papers he placed in another envelope and put them on the side of the table. He also got the tape from the machine, put it in a small box prepared for it and placed it on top of the file.
Kurosupai was officially no longer a spy. While Kuron was filing all the papers and searching for some other files that were prewritten and up for signing, Kuromaku corrected his glasses and offered Kurosupai:
- Now that the main thing is settled, do you wish to discuss anything else before we continue?
Kurosupai knew he would get this chance.
- If it's not a classified information, I am curious about the current nature of your and the Emperor's relationship.
The room was quiet for a bit.
- What will be said cannot leave this room. - King said and both Kurosupai and Kuron nodded in acceptance. After that, the King proceded:
- We... Used to be allies. Currently we are at neutral terms. As leaders of our countries, we prioritize our state's wellbeing above our personal relationship. Our methods and ambitions may cause our paths to cross, which I only wish to solve peacefully and with as least damage as possible, unlike him.
- Does the Empire pose a threat to Kurograd?
- To a certain extent, yes. But hopefully we manage to avoid potential conflict.
- Did my situation stir up any additional tension?
- No, Empire sends spies to Kurograd all the time. Because of this, they have no right to complain. Rest assures, I will settle any remaining issues related to this case that might have occurred. I promise.
- Could you ever be allies again?
Kuron looked at Kurosupai as he said this. Kurosupai's eyes seemed to be filled with some sort of sad hope.
- Hopefully one day. Time will tell. Until then we still have many issues to settle.
- I understand. Thank you for your answers.
- Out of all the people, you should have a right to hear them.
- May I inquire about one more thing? - Kurosupai added.
- You may.
- Is my daughter welcome in Kurograd?
- Of course.
- ... Thank you.
After that the meeting didn't last long. They just finished signing some paperwork Kuron brought regarding Kurosupai's place of residence and his healthcare plan. Soon enough Kurosupai had all the papers he needed, and he was ready to go.
Kuron grasped the handles on his wheelchair and prepared to leave. As Kurosupai closed his file envelope one last time, he looked around the King's room. The clock here was off and the country outside of the window was glitching. He knew that the King didn’t live in the same time the rest of them did.
- Well, I'll see you at the ceremony. Until then I send my regards and wish you a good and fast recovery. - Kuromaku said his goodbyes as he was once again opening the computer on the desk in front of him.
Kurosupai responded with his thanks and goodbyes as well, and he and Kuron left the room followed by the faint sound of the King's keyboard. Passing down the hallway, Kuron commented:
- You know, you could have asked me. I would have known the answers.
- I know. I just wanted to hear it from him.
- As you wish.
- Does the time difference ever confuse you?
- What?
- As the right hand of the King, you live by the same time as him, you too age slower than the rest yet you constantly run errands for him among the ordinary people every day.
- I kind of got used to it.
- Do you get lonely?
- Sometimes. Although there is an upside.
- What?
- To me, you weren’t gone for too long.
- Missed me that much? – Kurosupai teased.
- Well, you are my friend.
As they approached the main hall once more, Ocypete came running towards them: - Dad!!! - She would have jumped into his lap if Kuroda hadn't caught her in time.
- Ocy, what did we say about jumping? - Kuroda asked her.
- I thought you went outside? - Kurosupai asked.
- Well, we tried, but she didn't want to leave you behind. - Kuroda explained.
Little Ocypete carefully climbed into her dad's lap:
- Dad, what did the king say?
Kurosupai wasn't shure how to respond.
- They just did some paperwork and then the King congratulated your dad on the great job he did.
- Really!? - Ocypete was amazed.
- Well, something like that. - Kurosupai said and smiled.
- See you soon, comrades. - Kuron bid his farewell and continued down the hall towards his next errand.
- Bye, Mister Ponytail! - Ocypete yelled behind him.
- His name is Kuron, sweetie. - Kurosupai laughed.
- He too? How many Kuros are there?! - she asked, a bit annoyed.
- More than you think. - Kuroda concluded. She took the wheelchair and steered Kurosupai and his daughter in his lap out of the building.
As Kuroda and Ocypete bickered some more on their way home, Kurosupai observed the surroundings. The country was different than the one he remembers from his childhood. It was different from the one he saw from Kuromaku’s window. And it was different than the one Ocypete was born in.
However, it is the one where she is welcome to stay.
And that’s what makes it home.