Vagaries of Fate

Unwanted Ally

Chapter 23

Godo stood at the sight of the giant wing, but Clarissa was focused on Fuhito. He had given up on trying to hide the glint of interest at the sight of her extra appendage. He stood and took a step closer to her, but Genesis was suddenly between them. His voice was full of the fire he was known for. "You have no idea the hell we have been through. Do not presume to think this was wanted. She has survived more than any person should have to in order to keep this world from being destroyed. I will never allow a maniac like you near her."

Fuhito's look of interest did not go away, but caution was added as he stopped. It looked like he was about to say more, but Godo spoke again. "I can see now that what I have been told is the truth, and what I inferred is also correct. I will agree that we all need to work together for a brighter future, but I can see that much needs to be cleared first."

Clarissa was stuck between anger and anguish when she looked back at their host. His voice had been calm, and his eyes did not show the disgust that she had expected, but he also made no move to dismiss Fuhito. She could feel bile rising in the back of her throat when she thought about the possibilities. Something had to be done. A thought suddenly occurred to her that she was sure Genesis would not like, but it might be the only way to get out of this.

She turned to face Godo and ignored the other two men. She hoped he could read her sincerity as well as he said he could. "Your Majesty, given your lack of surprise at this development, I would venture to guess that Fuhito has some of Hojo's files. I also know that he has been working with Hollander, so I am sure you know the bulk of what was done to all the Firsts, myself included. However, there is much more to this story that will never be in those files."

She saw Fuhito move from the corner of her eye, and she heard Genesis move as well, but she continued to ignore them as she focused on the Emperor. "I know that much needs to be done between our countries before we can even begin to facilitate rebuilding. I have been the biggest advocate of truth and transparency when it comes to these negotiations, and I will continue to be. I will tell you everything that our board of directors knows and why the changes have been facilitated, but I have a request first."

She could see Fuhito to her right and could almost feel his interest. When she glanced at him, she could see that he was nearly salivating with the idea of learning more. She repressed a shudder and was grateful when Genesis moved to block her from the madman's view. She looked back to Godo at that point and found that he was still contemplating things.

When he finally looked up, there was something in his eyes that she couldn't quite name, but he gave her a nod before he turned to Fuhito. "Thank you for your input. We will continue our discussion later."

The man looked taken aback. His rage at the dismissal was clearly visible in his clenched jaw, but he managed a curt nod before he turned on his heel and walked out. Once he was gone, Godo turned back to Clarissa and Genesis. His eyes lingered for just a moment longer on her wing before he gestured toward the seats again. "I will presume that was going to be your request?"

Clarissa nodded before she sat again. She could still feel the tenseness in the air, and she hadn't put her wing away. She hoped it would serve as a physical reminder during their talk. "Yes, thank you."

She could feel Genesis scowling next to her and wasn't surprised when he spoke up. "This could be disastrous."

He was completely ignoring their host as his eyes were pinned on her. She craned her neck up to meet his eyes and shook her head. "I told our board that complete honesty was the only way we could rebuild. I wasn't planning for this, but given the circumstances, it is the best way."