Fireflight

Chapter Twenty Four

From a nearby ridge the army of the Silver Legion amassed. Waves of their soldiers were already pouring towards the city and the soldiers holding it. From the highest point of the ridge Chancellor Bryansk looked down on the battlefield along with the army's officers. 

"Gentlemen, we have them on the run." he said, tossing a set of binoculars to the nearest one. 

His message was rewarded with applause and the chancellor smiled to himself. He was another successful battle, and one step closer to winning the war. He turned to a military aid and spoke. 

"Once the battlefield is clear take me to the palace." 

The aid nodded and saluted before leaving to retrieve a form of transportation. Byransk wouldn't have to wait long, and in less than an hour he stood before the grand doors of the Goetia palace. He pushed the doors open and strode into the great hall where he decided to wait for the prince and princess. 

Nearby the crew of I.M.P sat together, relaxing after week of siege. As they talked amongst themselves the chancellor met with Stolas and Stella. The three of them left the great hall to walk the halls as they talked. 

"So what's next?" Moxxie asked. 

"Don't worry about it now. Just relax." Brenden mumbled. The imp was sitting low on the couch, his eyes closed as Loona rubbed his head. 

"Do you want me to do that for you?" Millie asked him. 

"Yes." he answered, snuggling up against her. 

Blitzo curled his lip in disgust at the two couples. "Why don't I get that?" he asked. 

"Cuz your boyfriend's too busy for you." Loona replied dryly. 

Blitzo rolled his eyes and sat down next to Loona. "That's fine. I could use a little undisturbed rest." 

Hours dragged on peacefully for the crew of I.M.P as they rested, drifting off into a pleasant slumber. After the stress of the last week all five of them were more than happy to detox. They were woken up by the head butler six hours later and told that dinner was ready if they wanted it. The crew mumbled their thanks and took their time waking up. They came to the table a few minutes later, joining the royal family and the Chancellor. 

"It's good to see you all safe." Stolas said to the new arrivals. 

"Thanks." Blitzo muttered wearily. 

Conversation began to flow freely over the table, with the Chancellor speaking to Stolas and Stella and Millie, Moxxie and Blitzo talking amongst themselves. Brenden as usual said nothing, and instead listened intently while appearing to be focused on only his food. Right next to him Loona and Octavia spoke silently so that the two of them couldn't be heard.  

"I didn't see your parents much during the siege." Loona said. "Where were they?" 

"If they weren't giving orders and running things, they were together in their room." Octavia answered. 

"Why?" Loona asked. 

"I'm not sure." her friend said. "But I think that they may have been smoothing out their relationship." 

"What makes you sure?" 

"Nothing." Octavia shrugged. "It's just a hunch. When you live around two people that hate each other you can tell when the mood around them changes." 

Dinner continued smoothly, with everyone getting to bed early that night. Before they cleared the table, the chancellor pulled the I.M.P crew aside. 

"I want to warn you that in two days time we will be sending you to the front to attack the enemy stronghold. If all goes well it'll be your last job of the war." 

Blitzo nodded. "I understand. We'll be ready." 

"Good. You'll be briefed on the mission later." Byransk told them. 

With that, the massive cybernetic beast squeezed his way out of the kitchen's doors, leaving the five mercenaries alone. 

"One last mission." Blitzo said to himself. "How's that sound for everyone?" 

"Let's do it." Millie said. 

"Fuck yeah!" Loona nodded.