Dragonfire: Celestia

Chapter 20: Leadership

In the morning, Albedo and the others all gathered around in a circle. It was time to discuss what to do next. They had received orders from Yuze to continue their search without the help of Arumi. “Well, we know General Reeves is dead…maybe he left some sort of clue behind?” Albedo asked, “Does it matter?” Yulan asked, “What do you mean?” Albedo asked in response. Yulan scoffed. “Look at this place. It’s a joke. King Dagon, dead. The capital in ashes thanks to some possessed suit of armor. These people can’t take care of themselves. And don’t forget, Arumi had some play in the Snake Kingdom’s invasion to begin with! These damn Elves are as much of a problem as the Snake Kingdom themselves! I say we raze this land to ash.” Yulan said, “What…? But…the people here have nothing to do with our war!” Albedo exclaimed, “And? Have you forgotten the oath you swore? The Dragon Emperor wishes for the Snake Kingdom to be destroyed, no matter how many people die in the process…do you doubt him?” Yulan asked. Albedo was shocked. Everything around them faded to darkness, and the Dreamweaver stepped up behind Albedo. “He doubts your leadership.” He said, “He…he wants to kill all those people…” Albedo responded.

“Do you doubt the Dragon Emperor?” The Dreamweaver asked, “No…but…this just doesn’t feel right.” Albedo answered, “He wants the glory of leadership for himself. He always has. It is why he has never been, and will never be, a leader.” The Dreamweaver said, “He has always been like that…ever since we were little.” Albedo responded, “Indeed. And here he stands, attempting to drown your leadership in his own image. You were made the leader for a reason. Who is he to doubt that, regardless of the choices you make?” The Dreamweaver asked, “Y-You’re…you’re right.” Albedo answered. The mist faded, and Yuki looked at Albedo curiously. “Did you say something…?” She asked, “Huh?” Albedo asked, “it sounded like you said something just then…” Yuki answered, “Oh? No…I didn’t.” Albedo said. Yulan interjected. “Reeves is dead. Dagon is dead. We have no choice but to just…burn this damn Kingdom to the ground, taking the Snake Kingdom with it.” He said. Everyone was silent. In accordance to their oaths, their loyalties…they could do nothing but agree. But Kei wasn’t quite so keen on that. “Idiot.” She said, “Did you say something?” Yulan asked, “Yeah, I called you an idiot.” Kei answered, “How dare you?! I am a Council member! Address me accordingly, imbecile!” Yulan exclaimed, “Oh, I’m sorry. You’re an ‘ignoramus.’ Is that a fancy enough word for you?” Kei asked, “Are you doubting the Supreme Dragon Emperor’s ways?!” Yulan asked, “I’m sorry, I didn’t realize you were his personal ass kisser.” Kei said. Yuki held her hands out.

“Pl-Please don’t fight…” She said. Konari threw herself into the conversation. “You wouldn’t know what ass kissing was if I shoved my bum in your face and told you to ‘pucker up.’” She said. As per usual, Kei ignored her. Damian, on the other hand, burst out laughing at her remark! “That was a good one, bitchy-face.” He said, “Who invited YOU to this conversation, ass-hat?” Konari asked, “I invite myself.” Damian answered, “Well no shit. Cause no one else did!” Konari exclaimed! J decided to say something. “Well, I don’t see anyone who asked you to be a bitch the entire time, but you’re doing that anyway.” He said. Konari glared at him. “And what gives you any say?! Half the time I forget you’re even here!” She exclaimed! All of the sudden, everyone burst out in an argument! Aside from Rowan, Yuki, and Albedo, who stayed on the sidelines. “You haven’t even done anything this whole time, Konari!” Yulan exclaimed, “I’m sorry?! Why the fuck are you coming at me! I took YOUR side in the argument!” Konari responded, “Well, you are pretty unappealing to everyone, Konari.” Kei said, “Am I really hearing that from YOU, Melusine Kei?!” Konari asked, “You know saying someone’s full name doesn’t make you look cool, right?” Damian asked, “ENOUGH!” Albedo suddenly shouted!

Everyone went quiet. “I am the leader here. It is ME who will make the decisions, and no one else is going to make them for me! Yulan, I am the leader, and you will NOT make orders in my camp! Until Vaani is dead, you all bow to ME! We aren’t going to raze anything! We are going to search for Reeves’ team, and look for any clues as to Vaani’s whereabouts! If there are any objections, that is too bad. Because I was made leader by the Dragon Emperor himself! And unless any of you have a problem with that, you will listen to my orders without question!” Albedo exclaimed! Everyone was silent. “Why…why did I say it like that…I’m…I’m not that controlling…am I…?” She thought to herself. Her mind felt foggy, as though something was wrong. But she couldn’t quite place it. Suddenly, Kei spoke up. “Well, you heard her. Do we know anything about Reeves’ last location?” She asked. Konari glared at her, and smirked. “Always taking your girlfriend’s side over everyone elses. Did you choose her over your sister, too?” She asked. In a burst of sudden rage, Kei gripped Konari by the collar! She punched her in the nose, sending her to the ground with one swing!