Marks of the New Era

Chapter 7.2

As soon as the realization hit them they immediately started moving the guards towards Genzo, they had to think of a plan quickly.

Fortunately, the reports assured that the guards from Yami hadn't gone too far, which meant that, if they focused on moving, they could get before to Genzo.

After a week of traveling they were now in the borders between Genzo and Yami and the camp was actually stablished in Cheve.

"Do you think we'll have to make a direct confrontation?" Safiya asked, the twins were focused on making a strategy while the others organized the armies.

"I think it's going to depend on the number of soldiers" Tai replied "However, knowing Garon, he will definitely try an ambush"

"Then let's ambush first, Hiroshi and Takevu's armies should be able to take out a fair amount of soldiers"

"Then our army can attack the rest"

"Exactly, although my main concern is Garon, you're going to fight against him, aren't you brother?"

"*sigh* I am, I really wish things didn't have to come to this point but this is the only thing that will stop the war"

Everything was prepared, the armies, the strategy, they were all ready to fight and end this awful war.

One, declared and war, one, declared and war, those words kept repeating over and over as Tai walked through the camp, close to Cheve there was a small river that was known for its crystalline water, it was considered one of the most beautiful places in Genzo.

He couldn't help but glare slightly at his own reflection, more specifically, at his scar.

He remembered when the doctor told him the mark on his face would be permanent, he didn't dislike the scar itself, Takevu said he looked very cool with it and although at first he wasn't convinced, he accepted that it did got along with the rest of his appearance.

What he didn't like was the event behind it.

As he said before, the scar was to him a reminder of the Cheve Slaughter, one that he was forced to see every time his face reflected and one that people constantly reminded him of, they never did it with a bad intention, after all, only the royal family knew about its story, but it didn't stop him from directly linking it with the massacre.

"And here I thought you had gone missing again" He glanced behind him and saw those golden eyes that were a replica of his.

"It would be dumb of me to do that" He smirked "Specially when the people depend on me to end this"

"I'm only messing with you Tai; I know you will never run away from your duty as king"

"You know me too well then Safiya, it's surprising how strong our bond is, it was able to survive 15 years apart after all"

"...you're nervous for tomorrow aren't you?"

"I am, I suppose the thing that worries me the most is actually the after"

"You mean after the war?"

"Yeah, don't get me wrong, Garon will be one of the toughest opponents in my life, but after beating him, things will be far from over" He continued.

"I guess what worries me is the small though in my head saying that the council won't let us become rulers, we'll become of age soon after all"

"*sigh* I'm sorry, I didn't mean to say that you're unworthy of the throne, I don't know anyone who is more deserving of ruling Genzo than you"

"Thank you sister, but, I still can't help but thinking that the council will try to vote against me, they frown more upon a facial scar than the attitude of a ruler"

"That's so wrong, they judge the appearance rather than the personality, no wonder they have been failing during the last years"

"Honestly, I always had the feeling that the council had been abusing the power they have over the royals, luckily the ruler has the last word"

"But if the queen doesn't wake up, they'll have to let you be crowned right?"

"That's what worries me, she had been attacked on multiple occasions and by what Haru told me, the last one left her in coma, in those cases, the council has a stronger influence"

"Brother listen, you're the best member of the succession line, having a scar on your face won't change that, the council would be really dumb to deny you what's yours by birth"

"..."

"Besides, you and I are the only heirs that can take the throne since the other three don't have the age to rule, and me being a mercenary doesn't put me in the best political position, you know I would rather command the army"

"You're right, they're letting their fears for the late kings cloud their judgement, when I'm king, I'll have a talk with them"

"To be honest their fear, while having a reason, it's illogical, they are holding onto something that happened centuries ago, and besides, the only thing you have in common with that tyrant is the scar"

"Unfortunately, it's very common that fear stops people from being more open-minded towards others, it happens to everyone, including us"

"I have been thinking about that and I believe that if we were able to change people mindset about Yami, then we should also be able to change their ideas about what a royal should be"

Safiya stared at her reflection in the lake and continued.

"During some missions as a mercenary, I heard a lot of people complaining about the royal family, they always said how easy our lives are, how all we do is sit surrounded by luxuries but they also said how a royal should be this and that, honestly, the image they had seemed more like one of a slave rather than a ruler"

"*sigh* If only they knew the responsibility we carry on our shoulders, maybe this is the right moment to show them that a great ruler doesn't have to follow all expectations"

"There is your big brain, just like always"

"*chuckles* Thanks Safiya"

They kept talking for a while, both more determined than ever to not only end the war, but also to break off the stereotypes and expectations that had followed them since birth.