(Book 2) Neferpitou and the human Royal Guard

Chapter 12 End of a king?

Pitou and I are on our way to aid King Meruem against his battle against the mafia's chimera ant king. During this time, I use my bodily manipulation to form another hand that I had recently lost. It didn't feel quite right, as my body manipulation is nowhere near the proficiency of Youpi's. But having a slightly less optimal hand is still better than a stump, especially given my preferred fighting style. While we run, I can't help but notice Pitou's anxiety. I wish I could have said something to ease her mind, but I wasn't feeling much better to be honest. I don't doubt King Meruem's abilities, but when facing a foe of comparable power, it is hard for us not to fear for his safety, we still don't know what the mafia's king is capable of. We remain silent for the entire trek, fully expecting to see a battlefield that has been torn apart from the fight between two chimera ant kings. However, when we arrive, we see something truly unexpected, that being both kings standing side-by-side to greet us. Or more accurately, we see King Meruem, with his golden trident that he gained back in East Gorteau, standing next to Father who was dressed in the mafia king's clothes.

Pitou and I slide to a halt, and I can't help but ask "What's going on here?"

Father grins slyly. "Welcome. Don't worry, your king and I just had a little chat, he is unharmed."

"What did you do?" Pitou asks, both angrily and nervously.

Father chuckles to himself before responding with "Oh, nothing, I just used my Venomous Words to talk some sense into your king. I merely showed him the light of our ideals, put him on the proper path that he strayed from when he killed our mother. In other words..." he places a hand on Meruem's shoulder "I made him realize his true destiny, to serve under the leadership of my son, King Vasilias."

"Vasilias? Is that..." I start

Father nods. "The true successor to our late mother, who Meruem callously  killed." Father said that last part with a scowl and bitter resentment in his voice.

King Meruem winces at this statement, as a look of guilt crosses his face.

Father then regains his composure and says while smiling his sickening snake-like smirk "But my son and I are merciful to our own kind, and just as we gave Meruem here a second chance, I am willing to extend the same honor to the two of you as well. So, what do you say?" He then extends a hand out to us.

Both Pitou and I opt not to respond to this, letting our silence do all the talking as a response.

Our lack of a vocal answer causes father to chuckle as he lowers his hand before saying "What a pity. Oh well, the two of you aren't worth using my Venomous Words on right now." His smirk grows wider as he tells us "But I wonder how the other ants will respond. Assuming any of them survived. A shame that you won't live long enough to find out. Meruem, execute them."

As Father issues a command to King Meruem, Pitou raises her wrist blade and points it toward Father, then extending the blade in an attempt to kill him right then and there. Unfortunately, King Meruem steps in the way and blocks the attack with his trident, ordering Pitou "Stand down."

"There is no reasoning with them, Meruem. Kill them." Father says as he walks away.

I draw my sword in an attempt to strike Father down as well, though I to am stopped by the King, who lashes his tail at me, making me crash into the ground.

Father simply laughs as I lay face down in the dirt, and he makes his exit.

He is already gone by the time I get up. "Damnit! What the hell is going on here?!" I ask myself before looking over to Pitou, who has a pained expression on her face as the King stares her down.