>>6142617But as Maza and Koruza talk, you feel the overwhelming urge to speak with your youngest. Having not addressed what happened with him for the past couple of weeks, busy as you were. So you reach out telepathically, directly to Koruza.
“Hey, Koruza. We need to talk.” you <span class="mu-i">think</span> to him, your son turning from Maza to you. Recognizing this, Maza immediately turns his attention from him to his sister as he continues. “I... I'm sorry kiddo.”
“What?” he asks, sounding shocked as he actually replies aloud. Everyone stops talking a moment, looking from you to him in confusion. But then they all go back to their conversations, Koruza continuing after regaining his composure telepathically. “Father, what are you talking about?”
“It is my fault. I was careless, wasn't paying enough attention. And because of my being lax, you were attacked here on MY planet.” you tell him, your son's eyes widening in shock. “My people did something unforgivable, and I'm sorry I didn't step in to stop it.”
“Father, you don't have to be sorry. Their actions are not your fault.” your son replies, his eyes meeting your own. Reminding you that your youngest half-demon son can be wiser than his years imply. “The ones who attacked me acted of their own free will. They made their choices and suffered the consequences, none of this is your fault.”
“Maybe not, but I still feel responsible.” you reply, then add on. “What about you though? How are you holding up?”
“Better.” he replies, sighing out as you see the sudden weight seemingly appear on his shoulders. “I'm doing better. Was tough at first, but this... This city can be a new start. A chance to try again, with people who won't just attack me for being different.”
“Yes, it will be. If anyone tries anything like that here, in our city, they'll pay.” you say aloud, only realizing this as you feel several pairs of eyes on you. “This place, this city, everyone will be free to be themselves. No roving gangs attacking someone for being different. And if they try, they'll answer to me.”
“HEAR HEAR!” a familiar voice shouts, you turning to see Nappa holding up a small keg in his hand, raising it in a salute. “To General Karn, and to this new city!
“TO KARN!” everyone else shouts, dozens and dozens of fists and drinks raised in response. Seems that your people are behind you fully. Which fills you with confidence and the determination to make this true, for those who follow you you must deliver results.
cont
