Outsiders

CHAPTER 21 - Success of Both Paths

Xeno transports Pom back to the lair. They cross a wide corridor and stand in front of a huge gate. Beyond it was Orisis's throne room. "Stay here" Xeno turns to Pom and orders her to stay in front of the gate as he goes inside. She stays still outside when she hears someone calling for her, "Psst Pom, hey Pom."

Pom turns back and sees Tyger and Ike hiding behind a pillar with their heads peeking out. "Did you do it?" Ike asks from a distance. Pom makes a hand gesture telling them to go back as she says in a hushed voice, "I'll explain later, you two just go back before Xeno comes in..!" Suddenly, the giant door opens and Tyger and Ike rush back into hiding. "Come in." Xeno stands in front of the gate and invites her inside.

She walks into the throne room to find Orisis standing in front of his throne, waiting for her. She takes a few more steps and kneels, "I have a full report, my lord." Orisis steps down from the staircase and stands directly in front of Pom, "Go ahead." She proceeds to give her report to him, "The boy that holds the power was located in a town you were ordered to be destroyed in the area you predicted. It looked like he has gotten good with the power and was able to kill the giant you placed there. He was accompanied by the perfect hybrid that escaped, a boy who can control water, and a girl with a ponytail."

Pom decided to not mention her interaction with Mach but was worried that Xeno would say something, but he stayed silent. Orisis stays silent for a moment, as if he was thinking, then speaks, "So he has found company. Your report will prove useful, now go back and wait for your next job." Pom gets up "Yes sir." And runs back to her room. Orisis asks, "Did she leave any details out, Xeno?" Xeno has a blank look on his face, he stays quiet for a bit then answers, "No father, what she said is what I witnessed." Orisis looks at him. "Follow me, I wish to talk to you, father to son."

They leave the throne room from a door to the right and walk into a room filled with maps and navigation tools. Xeno takes a stand next to his father as he speaks to him, "I've marked the places we've suspected that boy to be. Soon, I'll send the hybrids after him." Xeno asks, "Don't you want me to capture him myself." Orisis answers "No, the girl said that he had control of the power, if he truly has complete control over it, it'll be too dangerous, you understand?" Xeno nods, "Yes father. But I'm sure I can capture him in no time." Orisis gets a little irritated. "I said no son, I can't afford to lose you." Xeno thought he should be content that his father cared about him, but for some reason, he couldn't shake the feeling of suspicion and irritation that gleaned over him. "Sorry father, I'll leave it to them."

Xeno heads out of the room with a feeling of irritation and anger from his father's words. Not knowing why though, was it because he thought his father thinks he was too weak? Or because his father has some things he isn't telling him? He starts to wonder as Isadora passes by him. She smirks "What's wrong prince? Daddy scolded you again?" Xeno shuts her up, "Be quiet you damn witch. It's none of your business." They seem to have a tough relationship with each other.

"Anyways you hag, I have something for you to do" Isadora has an unpleasant look on her face, "And what could you possibly want, child?" Xeno ignores her attempt to agitate him "I want you to summon our four henchmen soon, I don't trust those animal freaks on capturing that boy." Isadora tries to agitate him even more "Oh are you sure? Daddy might get upset again." Xeno draws out his sword and points it at Isadora "Don't test me, witch, do as I say, what my father says has nothing to do with what I want." Isadora looks down at him with a face of disgust, "Tch, fine." A portal appears behind her, "I hope you know what you are doing little prince." She walks into the portal and leaves the view.

Meanwhile, Pom runs back to the room and slams shut the door behind her. The other hybrids were patiently waiting for her. She is weak to her knees, Ike and Tyger run-up to her. "Did you do it?" Tyger asks eagerly, Ike says, "Please don't tell me you messed up." Pom looks up and smiles with tears on her face.