[OUTDATED] Petal Wonderland - The story of change

Chapter 18. Back to Town Ⅰ

[04/10/2017 6:22 AM]

Zalán, Gizmo, Valerie, Echidna, and Maraphima finally managed to find Mabbo, who technically wandered off. They got onto him and made their way to the castle.
Zalán nervously looked around. He didn't want to face Drakar, ESPECIALLY after being chased by him. But he had to brave up.
-Come on Zalán...Stop being such a wuss!! You fought in a war before why are you scared of some big guy...with a whole empire and soldiers and...ugh.
He thought to himself. However, Gizmo noticed the unease Zalán had on his face.
-Zalán, I know this is a tough situation. But I'm pretty sure you can talk to him.
-But...even you're all afraid of him!
-Mhm...Because we have to live in the same house as him and go through everyday problems. But for you, it's this one-time occasion. You can do it.
-Yep! We believe in you Zalán.
Maraphima patted him on the head and gave a reassuring smile.
Zalán felt a bit more confident now. He smiled and nodded as a thank you.

They arrived at the castle and there were guards immediately waiting for them.
-Oh great...
Echidna whispered to herself.
-HEY LOSERS MOVE OUT OF THE WAY! 
She shouted down to the guards. They landed and they cornered the big creature so they couldn't get off. Zalán took a deep breath.
-OK. Listen up you all! I came back to talk to your leader! I mean no harm, really!
The guards looked at each other and then back at Zalán. They made a little space for Zalán and Maraphima to get off.
-Take me to The Emperor. And let the rest leave.
The guards nodded and let Gizmo, Echidna, and Valerie leave.
-Good luck Zalán!
Valerie shouted and flew away with the rest.

The guards fixed their posture and stood in a more relaxed pose.
-Look, Kid. We know you are trying to save this place...but we doubt that will happen.
-We are at least trying. I know you guys don't have it good here, but neither do I! My home is ruined because of him!
Said Maraphima with a slight bit of confidence in her voice, which quickly faded away as she finished the sentence. The guards looked at each other and sighed. They stepped out of the way.

-We don't want trouble...But...He's in his office, Maraphima already knows where that is we assume. 
As one of the guards said that they all bowed. Zalán and Maraphima just stared with wide eyes.
-Thank you!!
Zalán quickly grabbed Maraphima's hand and jolted into the castle.
As Maraphima and Zalán got further and further away from the entrance, they slowed down their pace a little bit to catch their breath and look around.

-Can you imagine how far we've come? First, we're in that meadow, and right the next second, We're in the castle of the most powerful man known in history.
-Yeah...I wonder how I haven't died yet.
Maraphima took the lead and they made their way to the room where Drakar was.

Zalán cautiously walked up to the door and knocked. The door slowly opened and a tentacle reached out leaving both of them a slightly bit disturbed. They could see a pair of eyes peeking through the gap in the door. Maraphima immediately hid behind Zalán from fear.

-Sir Drakar! I came back to discuss this with you. Serious discussion.
The eyes disappeared, and the tentacle wrapped around the both of them, dragging them into the room and closing the door behind them. They couldn't react in time. When they got used to the dark, they could see Drakar properly. He looked very very tired and as if he has just seen a ghost. The tentacle loosened and they got put on the ground.

-So. You come into my empire, you gather the team of royales, steal something valuable from me, and you come back? Pathetic.
Darkness said under his breath. He turned around and sat down.
-I think you both caused enough trouble...You know I could just kill off both of you right now. But I won't. Yet. I want to hear why you're back.
Zalán and Maraphima looked at each other and got a shiver down their spines. Zalán cautiously approached Drakar and looked up into his eyes.
-I think your majesty should change the way you take measures towards The Empire. It is terribly damaging for everybody. Even for the left-off evryes scattered around the empire.
Drakar let out a small snort from laughter.
-You really think that I would change my mind, because of a WEAK and PESTILENT mortal? It's no use even trying.
-AT LEAST GIVE US A CHANCE! Why do you have the need to kill and expand your territory?! Don't you have enough?! Wasn't my empire enough?!
Maraphima blurted out from the pent-up anger she had from hearing Drakar's voice.
Darkness immediately gave Maraphima a death stare and stood up. He reached one of his tentacles for her and brought her up close.
Maraphima went into flight or fight mode and tried squirming out of his grasp, but to no avail.
Darkness only let out a small laugh, even though he wasn't happy. His grip only became tighter on Maraphima.
-Oh...you are just like your mother. So determined to find answers.
-Drakar...Please let's talk this through calmly. Maybe you should take a calmer and friendlier approach to things.
-Oh but why? Being a villain is so much fun! Being The hero is just cleaning up after the bad guy.