After their meeting with Sirius, there was still the big party that their group, namely Corissa, had to attend. They had arrived rather early but the meeting must've taken more time than they thought as there was already a large number of people in the Constella Ballroom. Corissa's arrival drew cheers of both surprise and joy, the young princess still not used to such a luxurious welcome. She was ushered away from her friends to a small stage for her to give a brief welcoming speech that she had to come up with on the spot. But soon the festivities began in full with Corissa hurriedly returning to her friends before she could get hounded by suitors.
"The party really didn't start until you walked in." Helena grinned as she handed her a plate of food she had prepared for her.
"Thanks." Corissa said as she took the plate from her, "I hope my speech wasn't too bad."
"It was fine." Kaguya said, "Your nervousness really made a good first impression."
"Uuuu..." Corissa munched on a small kebab, "Please don't leave me alone during this party."
"You're not going to be alone." Helena chuckled, "You got Varis!"
"In addition to Varis!" Corissa protested, "I think everyone's staring at me already."
"Well your dress does fit you really well." Helena teased.
"This is my normal party dress!" Corissa yelped, "It's not that weird is it?!"
"Weird isn't how I'd put it."
"Excuse me."
"Oh no it's started." Helena grinned as Corissa almost choked on her food and turned around to meet a young handsome man dressed to the nines flashing her a smile bordering on sleazy.
"I'm Ethelbert William Bullinger." The man said, pompousness dripping from his very being, "I own a fantastic luxurious vineyard about three towns away from this city. I supplied the high quality wine being used for this party. Have you had a taste?"
"I um..." Corissa said, trying to pull herself together, "I have not yet. I'm sure your products will be a true highlight of our night."
"Of course, of course." Ethelbert nodded, "If I may be so bold, there is a certain special way of enjoying wine back where I come from, a special plate of cured hams and cheeses to go along with my wine. If you'd so like, I'd love to teach you about this special tradition of ours."
"Oh...umm..." Corissa looked around nervously.
"Come now, don't be shy. The sun will be upon us before long." Ethelbert reached a hand out to coax Corissa away.
"Who goes and bother someone when they're eating?" Helena suddenly cut in, "Let the girl have her fill before you go trying to wine and dine her! Or are you not a gentleman?"
Helena's interruption clearly cut deep into this wine maker's pride but he ultimately left with just a quiet scowl on his face.
"T-Thanks..." Corissa breathed a sigh of relief, "I don't know what might've happened if I went with him."
"You're usually more composed than this." Momo noted, "What's going on?"
"Well..." Corissa looked down nervously, "I guess I'm still a bit flustered from Sirius' proposal."
"His marriage proposal?" Melia said, "I thought you took that rather well at the time. Did you actually want to get married?"
"I mean, I certainly didn't want to get married to him right away." Corissa explained, "But it's not everyday you get proposed to you know!"
"Really?" Helena raised an eyebrow, "Even for you?"
"Yes!"
"Well Sirius is going to show up again later so you'll have to deal with that again." Momo grinned.
"Ooooohhh..." Corissa looked deflated.
"Hey, it'll be fine." Helena said, "We'll be sure to keep you company until you can pull yourself together."
"Thanks." Corissa gulped, "I don't think I've been to a party where so many eyes are on me."
"I think most eyes are on you no matter where you go." Kaguya smiled.
"No but this is different!" Corissa protested, "It like...everyone's watching me all the time!"
"I mean, I kind of get it." Melia said, "This party was expressly to star you so it's no surprise you'd feel self conscious. More than usual I mean."
"Exactly!" Corissa said quickly finishing off her kebab, "I can feel every hungry eyes staring at me."
"I mean, I figured that was every minute of your life."
"Helena!" Melia hissed as she jabbed her friend in the ribs with her elbow.
"I mean, I think that's because we're in front of the buffet table!" Helena corrected with a sly grin.
"I don't want to keep you all from enjoying yourselves either though..." Corissa said, "So if you want to go off and socialize then it's fine. Even if it leaves me alone..."
"Hey, keeping at least one of us with you isn't that hard." Helena said, "Don't worry about it."
"...Where's Roko by the way?" Corissa looked around curiously.
"Oh, he already left to do the other part of his job."
"Already?! But we just got here! We barely started eating!"
"Yeah, he had a quick bite and then left while you were still doing your speech." Melia added.
"I was kind of hoping he'd be still around for a little bit." Corissa said depressed.
"Hey, don't worry about it. I'm sure he's working hard."
Roko was reminded of the Oarbine mansion. Where he had been kicked out of the party and left to snoop around the mansion. Although this time, he hadn't been kicked out and there was no mysterious figure for him to follow around. If anything, HE was the mysterious figure now, peeking through doors into empty rooms for any sign of...well anything that could give him a lead on the last member of the Planetary Stars. If Roko was right, this member would be the one who had been throwing fireballs at them, a skillset that Roko felt he definitely needed to ascertain the limits of. Nobody at the party seemed to be a likely suspect, in fact none of the Planetary Stars they already knew of were in attendance. Perhaps they didn't live here but the last member certainly did. The fireballs were always flying off from around Min Al Az'al so the caster should be around here too right? If he couldn't find the caster themselves, surely he can find their room or at least a record of them right?
Stopping at another door and opening it up, Roko found himself in some sort of library. With no better leads, Roko stepped inside to look for those records he was hoping for. Sliding in between the shelves, he began running through the spines of the books there for anything that seemed promising. Selecting on that looked promising, he opened it up and began speed reading the best he could. Until he was interrupted.
"Hey."
Roko didn't even look up from his book.
"Hey!"
"What do you want?" Roko said, exasperated.
"Can you at least look at me?!"
Roko sighed and closed the book to look down at the small child that was glaring at him from a few paces away, "Party's a few doors down the hall, kid."
"I'm not here for the party. And I'm not a kid." said the kid.
"Right." Roko said, opening his book back up to return to his search.
"I'm looking for rebels."
"I didn't know it was 'Take your kids to work' day." Roko said flipping through his book.
"I'm not a kid!" the kid insisted, "And I know you're a rebel!"
Roko just flipped through the next few pages.
"You ARE a rebel...right?"
"And what does a kid want to do with rebels?"
"I want you to take me to your leader!"
"If this is an assassination attempt, it's a poor attempt."
"This isn't an assassination, it's a peace negotiation!"
"With a kid?"
"I'm not a kid!"
"Look, I don't have time to entertain a child right now, I've got work to do."
"I'm not leaving until you take me with you!" The kid crossed his arms.
"Don't you have any parents to watch over you?"
"This is FOR my parents!"
"Mmhm." Roko said absentmindedly, "Look, I'm kind of busy right now. So unless you have any information on the Planetary Stars then-"
"Why are you looking up my mom?"
Roko froze and turned to the small child again, "Sorry, your mom?"
"Yeah. She's a Planetary Star."
"...And her name is..."
"Aha." The child smiled smugly, "If you want to know then you'll have to take me to your leader!"
"..." Roko closed the book and quickly considered his options. This kid could be lying of course but Roko didn't think he was. He seemed too young to lie about something like that. Putting aside the kid's credentials, Roko wasn't quite sure if he even could sneak the kid out of the mansion in order to bring him to the Earthbounds' base. ...Then again, they did take over a gate. They could just use that. Leaving so early would certainly be noticed...but if what he was saying was true then this could be a chance of a lifetime. And if the kid really was so well connected then his wish for peace talks could very well be a reality.
"One question." Roko turned back to the kid, "Is your mom Kajou?"
"No."
"...Alright." Roko said, placing the book back on the shelf, "Let me call someone first."
"Okay?" The kid frowned as Roko turned his back on him and pulled out his phone. Dialing a certain person's number in, Roko waited for his call to finally connect.
"...Hello?"
"Hey, Kaguya? I've got a small situation here and I need you to answer me without any questions right now."
"Okay?"
"Can we sneak a small child out of Muldingirmus right now?"
What felt like a long silence followed before Kaguya answered, "Yeah sure, we can do that."
"YOU KIDNAPPED A KID?!"
"Azimuth, please calm down." Roko sighed as he ate his breakfast in his office the next day.
"Roko, we're REVOLUTIONARIES not KIDNAPPERS!"
"In his defense, the kid asked to come here." Kaguya smiled.
"That's not the point." Azimuth said, practically tearing her hair out in stress, "This kid was in Min al Azal right? He has to be connected to a really rich and really powerful person."
"He says his mom is a Planetary Star."
Azimuth put on a very convincing performance of her having a heart attack.
"I was wondering why Kaguya left early." Momo smiled, "Didn't know you were collecting kids now, Roko."
"Please don't put it like that." Roko said, covering his face with one of his hands.
"He looks like he's the same age as Aranea!" Corissa said happily as the kid was sitting down on the couch drinking some apple juice, "Maybe they can be friends!"
"Way to think on the positive side, Corissa." Helena chuckled, "But hey, I'm on Roko's side. Let's hear the kid out."
"For starters, what's your name?" Melia asked.
"Mmm." The kid put down his apple juice, "I'm Nagaraja Nakshatra."
"Huh." Helena blinked, "Can we call you Naga?"
"That's fine." Naga stood up and wiped his mouth with his napkin before he turned to look at Roko, "And my mom is Ashlesha Nakshatra, a Planetary Star."
"Hmmm..." Kaguya mused, "So now we know the names of all the Planetary Stars. Kajou, Kadal, Zhong, Goemul and Ashlesha."
"Finally." Momo grinned, "Now we can really start the war!"
"Which is what I'm here to prevent!" Naga cut in loudly, "Now who's your leader?!"
Everyone turned to look at Roko.
"YOU?!" Naga cried, surprised, "You didn't say you were the leader last night!"
"That's because it's actually Azimuth."
"Oh no, don't you go trying to pawn this responsibility off on me!" Azimuth scowled, "You are the acting commander so YOU talk to him!"
"I guess I'll have to." Roko sighed.
"Well..." Naga frowned, "I guess this makes things simpler since you already know. I'm here to negotiate for the rebellion to dissolve!"
"And what's your proposal to make this happen?" Roko asked.
"Name your terms!" Naga said, proudly crossing his arms, "I'll make it happen!"
Roko raised an eyebrow and glanced at Azimuth. Azimuth shrugged.
"At the very least we'll need Sirius to be removed from his position." Roko sighed, "Without him in the way, we can start the process dissolving the barriers between the two classes."
"So you just want Minchir gone?" Naga nodded, "I can do that!"
"No well..." Roko said, "...I was talking more about social barriers."
"Oh...where are those?"
Roko let out a long and tired sigh.
"Hey so quick question." Helena cut in with a smile, "You're saying you can get rid of the wall? How?"
"Simple. If all you need is the wall gone then I can just order that to happen when I take charge."
"You're going to replace Sirius?" Azimuth scoffed, "How's that going to happen?"
"Because that is destined to happen!" Naga said proudly.
"Well his mom is a Planetary Star." Melia thought aloud, "If anybody had the right to leadership after Sirius is gone it would be one of them or related to one of them."
"What about us?" Azimuth frowned.
"You want to be leader, Azimuth?" Helena smirked.
"No...but it COULD be one of us!"
"Who's going be in charge then?" Momo asked curiously, "Cause it clearly can't be one of us."
"...Argo probably?"
"Well Medeia would be a good secretary." Corissa giggled.
"So in the end, you need us to beat Sirius so you can be put in charge anyway." Roko sighed, "Why are you even trying this hard anyway?"
"Because..." Naga said almost shyly, "I want you to spare my dad."
"And who's your dad?" Kaguya asked.
"Sirius."
A loud thump could be heard as Azimuth fell to the ground, mouth frothing in shock and fear.
"Alright, everyone take five while we work on resuscitating Azimuth." Roko sighed.
"Sorry. Sorry." Azimuth said after taking her fifth cup of coffee in order to calm down, "So...you're saying we kidnapped Sirius' son."
"Pretty much." Helena shrugged.
Azimuth's hands began shaking.
"Azimuth, calm down." Melia said.
"I am calm." Azimuth said calmly.
"Okay then...maybe put down that coffee..."
"I'm fine." Azimuth insisted as she took another sip of her coffee.
"So to get things straight." Kaguya chuckled, "We kidnapped the son of our ultimate nemesis, Sirius, and one of the Planetary Stars, Ashlesha Nakshatra. Anything we're missing?"
"Wait, if Sirius is married then doesn't it make really bad that he tried to marry Corissa?" Helena grinned.
"Who's that?" Naga frowned.
Everyone turned to look at Corissa who just smiled awkwardly. Naga stared at her for a moment before responding, "You know, I wouldn't mind having her as a mom."
"Okay, kid." Roko sighed, "Why don't you actually explain yourself for once?"
"Well..." Naga looked down sadly, "...Ever since I was born, my mom told me I was destined to take over for my dad. That...one day he'll be gone and this city will be mine and I must rule. I asked what was going to happen to my dad but she never really answered me. And when I ask my dad he says he's not going to be going anywhere. I don't...really know what's going on. My mom rarely talks with my dad since she says she's busy all the time. And when they ARE together they don't...really seem to be that friendly with each other. I don't know what's happening but...if the rebellion's going to kill my dad then I want to stop them! Even if that means I won't ever become king!"
"Admirable." Momo nodded, "But how does that help your situation?"
"I...I don't know..." Naga said anxiously, "But...I'm sure my parents love each other! They just...need some time!"
…
"Kid, your parents hate each other."
"Azimuth!" Momo grinned.
"I'm just telling it like it is." Azimuth said as she sipped her coffee.
"Sounds like a classic inheritance plot." Melia nodded, "The mother married someone in power in order to create an heir and then plots to replace their spouse with their child so she can take control of their empire. Your mother's probably going around to the other board members to secure their support as well."
"O-Oh..." Naga looked down.
"Melia!" Helena scolding her about as seriously as Momo.
"Poor boy. There there." Corissa said, leaning over the back of the sofa to pet Naga.
"Well, at least you're a good kid." Azimuth admitted, "I can't imagine what I'd be doing in your situation."
"Well for the time being, you can stay here until we decide what to do with you." Roko sighed, "Or at least until I get what information I can about Ashlesha out of you."
"Bring it on, I'm not afraid." Naga said, trying to look brave.
"Are we just a nursery now?" Azimuth rolled her eyes.
"Did you forget how many kids there were when I first got here?" Roko scoffed, "This place was already a nursery."
"I resent that remark." Azimuth said, though the truth did make her a bit sullen.
"There are other kids here?" Naga frowned, "I thought this was a rebellion."
"Oh yes, we should introduce you to Aranea!" Corissa cried happily.
"Who?"
"Roko sir!" Medeia's voice could be heard from afar as the child opened the door to the office with Aranea and Pluteum in tow, "Can we bring Aranea to the underground base today?"
"Sure." Roko answered.
"Hm?" Medeia's eyes narrowed as she spotted Naga and came over, "Who's this?"
"This is Naga!" Corissa grinned, "He about the same age as you! Why don't you all become friends?"
"Hmmmmm..." Medeia eyed the young man suspiciously, "What can you do?"
"What do you mean what can I do?" Naga frowned, "You haven't even introduced yourself!"
"Fine." Medeia smirked, "I'm Medeia."
"I'm Pluteum." Pluteum added.
Aranea jolted as eyes turned to her and quickly scrunched into a defensive curl.
"This is Aranea." Medeia introduced Aranea for her.
"THIS is Aranea?!" Naga cried, surprised.
"Hey, no picking on her!" Medeia said, pinching Naga on the cheek.
"I just met her! And what do you think you are you doing to me?!" Naga cried as he began pinching Medeia's cheek in response.
"Hey, calm down..." Pluteum called rather lethargically as Aranea quickly stood up, worried.
"That's it!" Medeia said as they finally let go of each other, "I don't think we can be friends!"
"Hah?! Who'd want to be your friend?! If anything, I'll let YOU be my friend!"
"Haaaaahhhh?! I bet you wouldn't be able to hand out more lunches than we can!"
"Wait, is that what we're doing today?" Pluteum frowned.
"There's three of you! Of course I can't!"
"So you admit it!"
"I bet I can hand out more lunches than YOU though!"
"Oh yeah?! Then if you hand out more lunches than us you can come with us to find the cat next!"
"And if you hand out more than me then I'll let you be my friend!"
"Oho, you think I'll let you be friends with us that easily?! You'll have to do much more than that!"
"And why should I? I'm the man who will rule this city one day!" Naga said smugly.
"So what, you're going to join the rebellion and beat Sirius for the ownership of Mulapin one day?"
"Uhhh..." Naga's pride was replaced with shock and concern when the prospect of his dad's death came up.
"You remind me of Malus." Medeia scoffed, "Dad always told me not to hang out with that man. So if you want to hang with us, you'll have to pass my trials!"
"Trials?!"
"First trial! Getting to our underground base! It's you against the three of us! Let's go!"
"H-Hey! I don't even know where this base is!"
Naga followed Medeia as she dragged her other two friends away, Pluteum showing no reaction to the situation and Aranea holding out her hand for another rescue that never came.
...
"I'm glad the kids are getting along." Azimuth nodded.
"I'm so happy that Aranea got a new friend!" Corissa clapped happily.
"Actually I think Aranea wants LESS friends." Momo grinned.
"I'm not letting her become another Roko!" Corissa crossed her arms with a huff, "Aida is Roko-like enough already!"
"What do you mean she's 'Roko-like'?" Roko frowned.
"I mean you both are socially awkward." Kaguya nodded.
"To be fair, you can't really blame Aida." Helena said, "She lost her entire village and had to sustain on eating monsters for god knows how long all alone."
"Yeah, what's your excuse, Roko?" Azimuth sneered.
"All of you." Roko growled.