I Am The Truth II

Chapter XXIII: A Bloodless Coup

"North Ardonian Broadcasting Corporation," One reporter began. "Was Abbigail's failed assassination merely a publicity stunt as many in the public seem to believe?"

"We will conduct a thorough and detailed investigation on the matter," Allister replied. "Till then, no definite conclusions can be made."

The crowd of reporters began to clamor again until Allister pointed at another.

"Radio Felden," The reporter began. "The ballots were originally scheduled to open in two days' time. Will that be changed in light of Ms. Finch's near-fatal injury?"

"That is something which is beyond my control," Allister responded after a moment. "Though I highly doubt it will, for Ms. Finch is still alive after all."

The clamor resumed till he pointed at another. However, he frowned.

"The Walls of Time," The reporter began, and the camera immediately panned to look at him. "Is it possible that perhaps the deliberate attempt on Abbigail's life was politically motivated by her opponents?"

The camera panned back to Allister. All was silent for a minute as everyone waited for his response.

"That... is a rather bold question you have," Allister began. "And my answer is that I certainly agree that whomever targeted her was indeed politically motivated, be it to eliminate her for the elections as some of the more radical-leaning politicians may think or-"

He eyed the reporter.

"To garner more support for her campaign."

He leaned into the microphone.

"Thank you all, and good day."

All watched as the runt slowly made his way down the familiar corridors of Tartarus, the city partially built under a mountain. He only looked straight ahead, focusing on nothing but the incoming interaction with the one person he hated.

"Malakai!" Borgen called loudly, standing before the other's front door.

The other runts followed Borgen into the wide corridor, standing at a distance to see for themselves. The former was still under the impression that they all hated him, but he could hardly care less now. 

Malakai emerged from his dwelling, bending down to pass through the doorway before standing up again. He looked down upon Borgen and grinned.

"I take it you have what I want?" Malakai demanded, standing where he was with his arms folded behind him.

"I do."

Borgen promptly stepped to the side, revealing Maxwell behind him. Malakai immediately flared up, but froze. 

"M. Z. Kura," Malakai began, quite surprised to the point that he was stuttering. "How did you-?"

Seeing the man that he thought to be a fugitive all this time come back in a full suit was the last thing Malakai expected, and the last thing he wanted either. He knew right away that Maxwell had struck it rich, so much so that he was thousands of times richer than any Magnorite here. The man had run away like a slave, but he had returned like a king.

To put it simply, Malakai was burning with fear and jealousy. He looked back at Borgen, sensing that the runt had not come here to report his assignment at all.

"Hello Malakai," Maxwell replied, brushing imaginary dust off his suit coat. "I'm here to pay my debt."

"I-"