Thread: Brave New World (Razgriz x darkangel76)

As Anselm rode down the elevator to see his former best and trusted friend, he couldn't help but wonder. Wonder if he really was doing the right thing he tried to learn from history's mistakes so that nothing would repeat itself. He knew he couldn't please everyone and that there would be some to fall through the cracks, but surely he wasn't doing so terrible that people actually thought of revolting? All these thoughts plagued his conscience as he looked at the drying handkerchief in his hand. Even if it was something terrible that was done to his wife, he had to show fairness. Otherwise, he might just slip beyond the edge Charles was talking about. It was never an easy thing being King, having to lay down rules and oversee that everything ran smoothly. One misstep and it could all fall down. That was why he needed to make sure he had all the facts he couldn't let personal influences affect his judgment, even if it happened towards someone he loved more than anything. Stepping off the elevator, he stated his business and was led through the rather empty prison if anything it was more like a jailhouse with only a few cells. Very rarely did the people here commit any serious crimes, just people getting drunk and being belligerent in public. Unfortunately, that was one trait that never seemed to really leave even after all these years, alcohol still made people do stupid things. But that was nothing in the grand scheme of things all it took was a night here to sober up and they would be right as rain the next day. Your Highness said a prison guard as the King approached, dressed in uniform and his dark hair hidden by a billed blue cap, the official seal - consisting of a bear rising on its hind legs and a bull ready to charge, the two beasts facing each other - resting as the shield's emblem. I'm here to see Mister Vincent replied the King after a curt nod, a keycard swiped, and fingerprints given, Anselm was able to go in and sit at a booth lined with protective glass. Given the relative lack of actual prisoners, all this seemed a little excessive Anselm might have been a soft King, but he listened to many that a prison was necessary for more heinous criminals, and with that came certain protections. Anselm, is all this really necessary? he then heard Charles ask from behind the glass, his eyes peering questioningly into the King's soul. Yes, it is. You betrayed me, Charles. Lied to me. the platinum-haired man stated firmly, to which Charles tried to defend himself, but the King would hear nothing of it. My friend...My Lord...I understand you're upset. But believe me when I say that I mean you no harm. It's nothing serious! You HAVE been an excellent leader the praise you hear is genuine! Charles continued anyway Anselm didn't bother with that and just asked, This weapon....Where is it? Charles seemed shocked, an obvious sign that the King took notice of and added, You say you wish to apologize to me. Tell me where this weapon is, and I will grant you leniency for your trial. You have done wrong, Charles, but at least with this...You can help make it right. At this, Charles gulped a little and said, My King...Please believe me, the weapon was never meant to be used against you. Not unless absolutely necessary. Anselm sighed, So what Helena said was true you let her father die for some trinket. Only because your Enforcers acted on my tip! Charles shot back heatedly, to which the King bellowed How could they not!? They were doing their duty! A duty which reminds people of the old ways! Of tyranny and control! Deception?! The Enforcers exist to make sure such tools do not fall into the wrong hands! That the people are protected! You know as well as I do that if the Parliament EVER finds me trying to abuse my power, I am to immediately be imprisoned! I have thought this through, Charles! Something you seem to be forgetting! I don't forget! There must always be a check! Something! Anything! Even the best safeguards written and enacted by government cannot protect the best of men from the corrupting seduction of power! Both men seemed flustered after this short exchange, their breaths short and their points equally valid. Their faces were each pressed against the glass as a result of their shouting match however, Charles then replied, My King...Anselm...Please, I ask you to believe me. I never wanted to see you hurt. I only wanted there to be a force on standby in case something happened. The Revolution wasn't intended for just you for all we know, you could be killed or captured and have someone less pure than you assume control. It's in case ANYONE tries to become more powerful, Anselm. In case one person or group obtains more power than they should have. Like you, I don't wish to see our world succumb to the ways of the Old World. Not now...Not ever. I'm truly sorry for what happened to your Queen's father. And I know she may never forgive me. At this Anselm seemed satisfied and too sat back down. Charles...I do believe you. But please, show me my trust is well-placed. Tell me where the weapon is. At this, the imprisoned man sighed and replied, I do not know where it is...But I can tell you where it was sold to. After our engineers worked on it, we sent it some no-name town on the other side of the planet. Far from the Capital...Haggardsville, if I recall. A very small settlement, the only one for miles. Almost nothing to its name aside from a small number of service shops and brothels.... And from there, while Charles would reveal no names, he gave the King plenty of other information to work with. If only to show sincerity in his part to mend their relationship. A few days later The news of a Resistance movement seemed to spread like wildfire through the town many were outraged that King Anselm was being plotted against, and that conspirators should be put to death. And in response to this, the King would hold a public conference. To put the people at ease, he decided that this would be best. Plus, it would reinforce the image that he was willing to receive feedback from the community. A grand stage was set for the royal family, lendid red and gold dcor and a guard to watch over their Lord. A large crowd was gathered around to hear their ruler speak, some carrying children upon their shoulders. Within moments, trumpets blazed and applause roared, the good King Anselm and his lovely wife striding out to meet their people. As he neared the podium, he held his hands to silence the crowd, their clapping and cheering falling quiet in a matter of seconds. With that, he began speaking with a smile curling the corners of his mouth, My good people...I thank you for coming today. I know many of you have work to attend to and loved ones to spend time with, so I will not blather on more than I need to. A medium-volume rumble of laughter passed through the crowd before stopping, allowing Anselm to continue, As some of you may have heard, there has been talk of revolution. Of overthrowing the crowd...I am here to put those to rest. Through investigation and cooperation, my advisors and I have determined there is no threat. No reason to suspect that any 'wild beasts' will come charging in here and causing a ruckus. No, it is more the rumblings of the Old World. How men were so...easily corrupted. How people tried to seize power through force and intimidation. And they fear that I may one day succumb to those vices. At this, the people began shouting, upset over such claims. People! People! Anselm shouted, and after they quieted down again he resumed, In their right, they are not wrong. As fair as you have made me out to be, I am still human. And like it or not, greed resides within us all. Being a King is not easy, but the mark of a good ruler is the ability to discern when he has become corrupt. It is that which says there should be a body to dictate the balance of power, there should be lines drawn in the sand.... However, the King would not get to finish, for soon a loud gunshot rang out and struck Anselm in the chest, throwing him onto his back. The scene was nearly instant chaos guards rushed forth and formed a perimeter. Call the medical team! Medical team, report to the main stage! GSW on the Lord! Double time! Where'd that come from!? Clear the civvies! Alpha Team, you're on crowd control! were some of the shouts one guard then pointed Rooftop! Ten-thirty! High! All eyes then fell on a single figure, holding what appeared to be a powerful rifle. Open fire! the Guard Captain commanded the assault rifles they carried soon erupted, spraying hot steel at the gunman who proceeded to run, disappearing from sight.