The Imperator was grossly displeased by the developments elsewhere in Dainippon.
He was alone in his office. Sombra and Ventus were overseeing the security of Imperial Madagascar against the Assassins. The two had bonded quite well the last year or so.
The Imperator knew these assassinations were far too much for a simple cadre of rebels to accomplish. They were obviously foreigners, and he knew it was the Asassin Order doing it.
But the Assassins had a nuclear weapons program. And until Mobius had its own arsenal of death bringers, it could not afford to escalate anything. The many peons falling were just an acceptable loss. Even if a Prelate's death was something worrisome. Fortunately, guards regularly were caught in a perpetual cycle of espionage, keeping the royal family secure.
Shadow thought on how to react... standard condolences for someone he didn't care about, yadda yadda, but how could he weaken the Order? The humans were an oppressed population, and despite their many legal rights, socially they were pretty much out of luck. Just as Shadow had intended. Such was the fate of such a violent, warlike race.
Shadow's dark muzzle suddenly became more hopeful as his eyes lit up. He had an idea, it was brilliant!
Grabbing himself a paper out of his desk, he began to scribble ideas as they entered his mind. What an unfortunate assassination, so horrid... at the same time, that the nation had lost such an openly racist member of its government wasn't exactly lamentable. Lower poll taxes, more funds for orphanages, etc. etc.
The People were easily bought. They had the memories of goldfish, and were easily satisfied. These humans would be convinced the Imperator was their friend right until the moment he ran them through with a Chaos Lance.
----
A pair of binoculars lowered, two figures clad in white and red robes observing the military formations in the distance. Formations of Imperial and Assassin soldiers, each standing opposite the other, ready to kill at a moment's notice.
Many figures in similar robes were scattered around in case any foreign intelligence got wise to the two's location.
"We claimed this land first... it's rightfully ours, the bastards." Sombra growled from within the confines of his robes, sharp fangs visible from his muzzle. His father's remarkable ability to feel anger, hate and spite showed brilliantly.
Ventus' chocolate eyes looked confused at his brother, "Sombra...?" He was noticeably shorter, which just made his meek character seem all the more pronounced.
"Hmm?" Sombra's ruby eyes naturally shifted towards his adoptive kin.
"Do you really think... this Island is worth the chance of conflict?" Ventus was a pacifistic soul, taking after his father just as much as Sombra had his. The idea of war over an island so far away from home terrified him.
"We've already withdrawn our claims to so many parts of the world, Ventus. Any further withdrawals would strip us of our honor and be a sign of weakness. Free Commieland thinks it can push us around just because of their economic power - we won't yield so easily to a bunch of men who leave feathers around as a sign of intimidation. Blood and iron are how we will show the meaning of intimidation!"
Sombra had inherited his father's verbosity too, apparently. Ventus retreated into his robes... he hated seeing Sombra so full of nationalism.. so full of anger and hate. Was there not a way the Empire and mankind could coexist? Ventus never understood Shadow - why could he not treat humans on a case by case basis? Why were they beyond salvation?
One of Sombra's powerful paws landed on Ventus' shoulder, the wolf grinning confidently. "Worry not! We have powerful allies. Father has merely asked we make sure the communities loyal to us in this territory remain secure while we prosecute the War in China. We can make our next move once our forces there are free."
"Are you indicating that we'd go to..."
"Possibly. When Father poured large chunks of the Imperial economy into this overseas expansion program, I don't think he intended to just let other states lay claim to the same areas and go, 'Oh I'm sorry, I was here first but you can have it instead. Did I mention the Empire is a bunch of wimps?'" Sombra making a mocking face in that last part, evoking a laugh from his emerald-furred brother.
"I guess you're right... I just wish we could all get along is all..."
Sombra grabbed Ventus and held him tight against his side, as if he might get snatched away by a pickpocket. "A noble idea, Ven. However, we sometimes find words alone will not reach others. And when that happens, we must be willing to fight for what is rightfully ours!" He reached into his side, pulling out that distinctive sword that bore the Red Claw emblem in its shape. Ventus had wished those last few syllables were excluded... sigh.
"..."
"But hey. No matter what happens, we'll always have eachother, right?" Sombra had sheathed his blade again, smiling at his brother. Ventus couldn't help but smile back... no matter what Shadow believed, he knew Sombra was a good person despite his rough edges. He was the Crown Prince...
..He was his brother, who he loved so dearly.
