(Book 2) Neferpitou and the human Royal Guard

Chapter 8 ...

The man in the white suit extends his hand, that has four fingers like most of the other chimera ants, to me for a handshake, which I meet with my own hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you, though I must confess, I don't recognize your face. I was under the assumption that there were only three Royal Guards. Yet somehow, you don't look like the three I know. Is it possible the Queen birthed another Royal Guard after the King somehow? Or perhaps you were a secret from the rest of us..." he says.

That statement confused me, he spoke as if he already knew exactly who the other Royal Guards were. Does this guy know Pitou-chan and the others? Is he some sort of  chimera ant deserter? I think to myself. Putting these thoughts aside, I merely state "I wasn't born with the rank of Royal Guard, I am just an ant who climbed the ranks in East Gorteau."

"Really now? So that is where He ran off to?" he asks before letting go of my hand. "I apologize, I simply don't remember you from the nest at all. I would expect that one who is strong enough that they could elevate their position like that would not go under my radar. Fascinating. In that case, I don't suppose you recognize me either?"

I shake my head, then inquiring "And who would you be?"

"Ah, sorry friend, I forgot to introduce myself." he apologizes. "As you may know, or possibly not if you're out of the loop, the man in charge of this organization goes by the title of 'Father.' That man, is none other than yours truly. Come, let's move this conversation to my office." he requests.

I simply nod as he leads me to the elevator, which we take up to the top floor. Upon reaching the floor, the elevator doors open to reveal a room so lavish and gaudy, that it rivals the old palace of East Gorteau. The floor and walls were covered in black marble, crystalline chandeliers hung from the ceiling, a long crimson carpet leading to a polished dark mahogany desk with edges lined in gold, beside the desk on both sides are two pure gold statues of figures carrying a globe on their shoulders, the one on the left being what looks to be a Greek emperor, the one on the right a Roman soldier. The windows were all stained glass, accompanied by crimson red drapes held up by golden curtain rods, to support the massive room were six ornate pillars that matched the black marble of the floors and walls. Finally, behind the desk was an gold chair with indigo padding for cushions. However, something that was completely unexpected was the fact that someone was sitting in that garish chair. Someone who isn't Father.

This man has the same pale skin and green slit-eyes as Father, though this one has silver hair and stag antlers on his head, with shimmering blue feathered wings on his back. Unlike the rest of the mafia members I've see who wore formal suits, this man wore lavender silk robes. Despite all this, even he did not stand out more than the other three figures behind him. The first and most bizarre of the bunch is what appears to be a floating blood red jellyfish. The second is an orange frog-like being wearing the standard three piece suit the other mafia members wear, he is sporting a large grey beard on his face, and a single horn protruding from his skull. The third and final figure is a humanoid being that has an angler fish with shark fins for a head, the lure of the fish glowing an eerie green. Though once again, this one is wearing the same attire as other members of the mafia.

"Meet the TRUE King and his three Royal Guards." Father says as he places his hand on my shoulder, gesturing to the antlered figure.

"... What?" I ask despite knowing all too well what is going on here.

"You heard me, this is the true King of the chimera ants, the true successor to our mother. Unlike that pretender you serve now." He says, somewhat bitterly. "This king, however, is everything that the King was supposed to be. Though he was not born from our mother, instead being my own offspring, he is truly worthy of his title. If only She were alive to see him..."