THE MISSING EMPEROR ~ The Elemental Seven Book I

CHAPTER X: BERSERK

"Okay, hold on. So, you're saying that the emperor disappeared. Like, vanished? Captured? Kidnapped?" Soujiro asked. This was the first time he met Hope, so he's definitely not used to the way little girl talked and behaved. "Yes, that seems to be the case." Cray confirmed. "And River, being the son of the emperor, will be crowned as the new ruler." Soujiro asked again. "That would be the most logical decision, since no one is seated on the throne as of the moment. They need a ruler. Military rule isn't one that LaMahaya practices ever since." Myoku said. While the four are discussing how they can get to LaMahaya, the ocean water rose behind them and morphed into a human form. Cray saw the clone forming that she shrieked and ran behind Myoku. "What on earth... I mean water!" Myoku said as she stood to shield Cray and Hope. "Hey! That's my line!" Soujiro said. He ran in front of Myoku on defense mode unsheathing his sword. "Everyone! Hold on a sec!" a voice came out of the water. Soujiro seemed to recognize the voice. "Another River-clone." Soujiro sheathed back his sword being familiar with the situation. "Myoku, it's the same as last time," the clone said. "Oh!" Cray realized the clone meant no harm. "Hey! I like poking those with sticks. It tends to go through them." Cray said with a grin, pointing to the clone and looking at Myoku. "Good to see you, too, Cray!" the clone said. Myoku smiled at the clone then looks at Cray. "Cray, wanna borrow my spear to use it?" Myoku offered Cray and they both grinned. "Cut it out, you two!" snapped Soujiro. "I'm sorry River. You were about to say something, right?" 

River's clone suddenly looked serious. "I came here to warn you," the clone said. "You are here?" Soujiro asks trying to confirm the situation so as not to confuse himself like last time. "Well... Technically not. But..." River started. "I get it. No need to explain." Soujiro cuts him off to avoid any complex, mind-boggling, migraine attacking explanation about hydraulic power. "Great. So, you guys received LeGrande's note?" River asked. "RIGHT HERE!" Hope jumped in showing the letter. "Good. Right now if you come to LaMahaya you should do so at your own risk." River said. "Risk? I thought it was a ball! With, you know, frilly dresses and such!" Cray asked frustrated.  "LaMahaya is on the verge of a civil war. If I became the appointed successor to the clan and country, there will be civil war. The other clan leaders do not trust me. They think I kidnapped Skye." River clone explained. "Skye, huh. That's your father, right?" Cray asked. "Yes, he is." River answered. "You're on a first name basis with him?" Cray said. "What a way to address your dad." River clone shrugged. "Well, that's how it is."

"This isn't good." Myoku was starting to feel that it will be too risky for her two other friends to go River's country. "Cray, Hope, everyone. Listen. If it is that risky, you might as well stay here. I shall go alone." Myoku said. "I don't care what I should face. I shall manage to handle it. But, I can't let anyone hurt any of you. River is my friend. I will protect him. And I'll do it on my own." she added. "Myoku, thank you! But the war isn't guaranteed yet. What needs to be done now is to find my father. And for that, I will need your help." River said. "It'd be best if I go alone, River. Let everyone stay here safe." Myoku argued. "Myoku, there isn't a better team in the world than all of us working together." River insisted. 'And what made you say that?" Myoku asked. "You and Cray will be our intel. Soujiro and I, power. Hope is for support. Emerald and LeGrande connections. The perfect team of seven to find my father." he explained. "Emerald and LeGrande." Soujiro thought. "Must be River's other friends."

"I can't afford anyone here to be in danger! I shall go alone! Soujiro can stay here and protect everyone!" Myoku insisted. "Will you please calm down, Myoku." Soujiro grabbed her. "NO!" Myoku snapped and glared her Ryuugan at Soujiro.

Soujiro was taken aback.

"I can't guarantee your protection. The other leaders will try to kill us all." River clone said in panic. "The city isn't safe. Kharzaan and Sandabado are the biggest threats. Ainsworth will work with us going there~"