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Moo's Revenge part 3
Before I begin, I just want to apologize for repeatedly misspelling Gali. My bad. Enjoy.
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Folken
"OUT OF THE QUESTION!!!!!!!!!!!" I roared, "I will never help Moo! I'd sooner jam my claws straight through my own throat!"
"Please, Folken!" Genki pleaded, "We need your help! We can't succeed without you!"
Genki and his allies had come before me and the pirate dragons, begging for our help. At first, I would have readily accepted any request from Genki considering our past interactions. But then he shocked us when he came forward with a request to help his greatest adversary! I could not believe the audacity! Needless to say, I flat out refused.
"I have nothing but respect for you, Genki," I said with as much calmness as I could muster, "but I have nothing but contempt for Moo. Were it someone else and not you who made this request, I would kill them on the spot without hesitation! If Moo wants our help, let him step forward and beg for it himself!" The others made various gestures and responses of agreement. I soon wished I hadn't said that.
Genki took one look at me then turned and left the room. Moments later, me and the dragons stopped and stared in shock. As per my request...Moo came forward. This is one of those situations where people like to bite/swallow their own tongue. Then he did something that almost made me swallow my tongue anyway. He kneeled before me.
"I request the aid of the pirate dragons in order to reclaim my armies and my empire."
And another bout of silence filled the room. I could tell that my comrades didn't even know what to think. I did. As much as I hated to admit it...Moo was being perfectly honest. He wanted, nay, needed our help. Of course, when one's mind is clouded with anger and hatred, it's hard to show compassion towards someone who needs your help.
"Why should we help you?" I snorted, "What have you ever done for us besides causing us pain and suffering? What have you done that could possibly make us want to help you? Why shouldn't we kill you right here right now!"
"For one thing, you can't," Moo said, his head still bowed and still on one knee, "and you know it. And for another thing, I know that you are bound by a code of honor. Those who are suffering for an injustice acted out against them deserve to be helped. The injustice carried out on me is one of the worst: betrayal."
Another murmer carried itself around the room. We suddenly hated ourselves for the oath we had sworn. I don't know who could blame us; that oath was the reason that we would take part in the restoration of the most evil being in Langea.
Lilim
I watched as Moo took audience with the pirate dragons. Before he went in, I told Moo of the oath taken by the pirate dragons. The one about helping those who have had an injustice carried out against them. It was Moo's best chance to get help. I held my breath as long as I could during Moo's appeal. I hated myself for having given aid to Durahan. I hated myself for wanting to hurt and kill Moo. And why not hate myself for it? After all...You have no choice but to hate yourself when you realize that you were in love with the one you wanted dead.
Yeah, that's right; I'm in love with Moo. It's a love that can never be, it's a love that will never be returned...but I don't care. As I stood next to Moo those few moments before Durahan attacked I made my own oath; I would stand by Moo and be his servant for as long as I may live till the very moment that I die. I didn't care if Durahan ever found us, I don't care what he would say, I don't care about Durahan at all anymore. Durahan could torture me, beat me, rape me, kill me...I'll never betray Moo...never again.
Moo walked out after bowing to Folken one last time. He came out and looked at me. "Thank you. You were right."
My heart skipped a beat. Moo had thanked me. I suddenly felt like a schoolgirl with a crush. It sounds stupid but that's how I felt. I blushed, smiled, and looked away. Then I looked back when I realized he wasn't done.
"Go in," he said, "They're going to talk to you and the others, one by one. When you talk to Folken, look him directly in the eye. Answer every single question with full honesty, even if you know that they won't like the answer. If they start to badger you, do not be afraid to fight back; if you sit there and take it, it will be a sign of weakness. Understand?" I nodded, "Good...and good luck." With that, he walked off to tell the others the same thing.
I took a deep breath and walked into the lion's den...or...the dragon's den in this situation. I looked around. The dragons were all glaring holes right through me. I was certain it took all of their willpower to keep from biting me clean in half. Their hatred wasn't for Moo himself but for anyone who beared the insignia of Moo; the fact that I had decided to permanently embroider the medallion onto my chest didn't help matters.
"State your name," Folken said in a voice that was thankfully more formal than hateful.
"Lilim, general of Moo," I said. I took a bow but I made sure to keep looking directly into Folken's eyes. They say if you lie while looking into a Dragon's eyes, you would go insane. That was a very good insentive to be honest.
"We heard talk that you were in league with Durahan," Folken said, "that you intended to overthrow Moo along with him. Is this true?"
"It is."
Folken took a moment to scratch his own neck, "Why do you stand before us today?"
"I..." I paused. I wondered exactly how much I should tell, "I defected. Durahan had gone insane in his quest for power. I...I felt that Moo would...would be a great leader of this world." I heard one of the dragons to my left snort. I was afraid but I continued, "I decided that I would stand by Moo for as long as I should live."
Folken paused. He stared at me for a moment, "There is more to the story."
I began to sweat a little. I couldn't look behind me to see if any of the others were listening. I was horrified. But I had no choice, "Yes...I...I have fallen in love...with Moo."
A murmur encircled the room. Some dragons didn't know what to make of this, others did. I heard one snicker. I clenched my fist but did nothing more.
"I see..." Folken said, placing his claws together, "Are you sure this was not a quest to be on the winning side?"
I bared my teeth for a moment but instantly regained my calm, "I would not be standing here if I were trying to be on the winning side."
Folken laughed, "Ah, this is indeed true. Silly me." He paused, "Are you so certain that Moo would be a benevolent leader? That he would not turn into some tyrannical dictator? How do you know Moo isn't some scum-sucking, pathetic, dark-hearted son of a bitch that would drive this world into the depths of destruction, death, and misery with before turning on you and ripping you clean in half?"
"Enough!" I snapped. I remember what Moo said; don't show weakness. I had to stand up for Moo. I would not let some lowly bandit insult the Monster I loved, "I know Moo better than you ever will! Moo is a far greater Monster than any of you will ever be! I know he may seem like a cold-hearted Monster who has nothing more on his mind but selfish purposes to rule the world but that's a filthy fucking lie! Moo has nothing but Langea's welfare in his mind! And I despise you for even daring to assume otherwise!"
There was a long silence. I feared that I may have signed my own death warrant. Finally, Folken began to laugh. It wasn't an evil or sick laugh, but a hearty one.
"I do believe she has passed, my brothers," he said. He looked at me again, "You have proven your worth and have advanced Moo one step towards our help. Now go. Send in the Monster Gali."
I bowed again, relieved. I left the room, halted just outside the room, and fell to my hands and knees. I could not believe what just happened but I was so thankful it was over. I looked up and saw Moo standing there. There was no way to tell whether or not he heard my confession. I just stood back up, bowed, and went to find Gali.
Gali
Lilim looked as though she was ill when she informed me that it was me that they wished to see next. I nodded. I assumed it would be much easier for me as they could not see my face. This was quite thankful but I still had to deal with them nonetheless. I remembered Moo's words. Look into Folken's eyes, do not lie, answer whether they'll like my answer or not, do not take abuse. Simple enough. I nodded to Lilim and floated into the room. I stood in the room and bowed to Folken, keeping my face aimed at his.
"State your name," Folken said.
"Gali, formerly of the Big Bad Four, general of Moo," I stated. So far, so good.
Folken snorted, "I heard you had been killed by the Mocchi."
I would have winced, "I was. However, my lost disk was recovered by Joker. He returned to my master's floating castle and Moo brought me back. My alliegance had already been sworn to Moo but now Moo was not only my master but my friend as well."
Folken nodded lightly, "Interesting. Your alliegance seems pure."
"It is," I said. I knew he was brewing something. I could only stand there and wonder what it could possibly be.
"I don't trust you," Folken said. I suddenly had a very bad feeling, "I'm well aware of the deception you pulled on Genki and his friends at your palace. You are indeed good at pulling a fast one."
"I pride myself on it," I said. I wished I hadn't said it in such a tone. I sounded far too smug for even my own tastes.
Folken smirked, "I wonder...who's to say you won't embark on your own quest for power." I didn't like where this was going, "Who's to say...you won't use your skills in treachery to be the second to betray Moo. How do we know your face isn't polished with the wax of deceit and malice, cloaked and bodyless one!"
"That will be all!" I cried. The manifestation of my Strike attack manifested behind me and pointed an accusing finger at Folken. I needed arms for this, "Your babble sickens me, dragon!" My 'arm' gestured to myself, "I would not stand before this council were I a traitor! My very cloak is sewn with the strands of loyalty, strength, honor, and even justice! Moo stands for all of these and more! I owe him my life! Many times has he saved me! I would not so easily abandon one whose friendship has kept me alive for so long!" The manifestation faded as my voice regained its composure, "In short...take your accusations...and shove them as far up your ass as your arm can reach."
There was a very long silence. Had I a foot and if my mouth could move, the two would meet. Finally, Folken laughed.
"I like you, Gali," he said after having a good, hearty laugh, "You're far more amusing than Lilim. Congratulations. I shall not do with my accusations as you would have me do but I will do away with them nonetheless. Now go rejoin your comrades and send in the lizard, Naga."
I paused. I decided I really hated that dragon. Nevertheless, I bowed and left. I now completely understood why Lilim was as she was. I was fortunate that I could not show my weaknesses. I went off to tell/warn Naga then make another manifestation to hug Lilim with. She needed it just as much as I did.
Genki
One by one, Moo's generals were called in, interrogated, and sent out in a mess. As far as I could tell, they'd all passed. The only Monster who didn't come out shaking was Captain Weed. He was incredibly confident before he went in and had a big grin on his face when he came out. I had to admire him for his guts. Since he was the last general, that meant it was time for the final decision. A Dragon stepped out and instructed us all to join them. In the words of the legendary Kurt Vonnegut...So it goes.
Folken
As much as I hate to admit it, I do enjoy "torturing" my allies. After everyone was gathered, I let them hang in suspense for just a little while. I could only imagine how they all felt. Genki, with his clear eyes, standing before us with a determined look on his face. Suezo, looking none too pleased with this whole turn of events as demonstrated by his sour expression. Holly had her eyes closed and I believe she was mumbling a prayer. I truly did feel sorry for the girl. The stress for her must be overwhelming. Of course, Moo, Gali, and Joker had no expression so it was nearly impossible to tell how they felt. Lilim sat atop Moo's shoulder, biting her lip in anxiety. Naga stood with his arms folded, looking quite irked. Captain Weed stood next to Moo, proud and confident. I knew that no matter what we would say, he'd fight to the death to defend Moo. Hare had no nails to bite but he would certainly have been chewing his fingers raw. Golem held no expression, ready to accept whichever decision as an inevitability. Mocchi clung to Genki's back, fearful and yet hopeful that there would be peace. Tiger's teeth were bared, as if waiting for us to say we would not accept Moo so he could tear Moo's throat out. He would be severely disappointed.
"We will fight for you."
To Be Continued...
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