8.3 Revelation

As the day of election arrives, you can only hope that the man has stuck to his word. When you reach at the designated meeting space you're rather annoyed when you cannot locate him. Granted, quite the sizable crowd has gathered, making it impossible to see all that have arrived. Trying to dismiss your apprehension, you glance over at your opponents with some interest. The man closest to you appears to be the young incendiary that has taken the city by storm. You're slightly ashamed to admit you can tell why he holds his appeal. A mess of light curls hang around his tanned, youthful face. Though his face is creased by several lines of stress, you get the feeling life has not completely beaten him down yet. His piercing green eyes look over towards you, sparkling with intent. You feel it almost a shame that you will likely take the throne over him. Provided that Damasus' hold up his end of the bargain.

Turning your attention to the final challenger, you feel your calm demeanor waiver. The man's eyes are already fixed on you, presumably having been there for some time. Even from this distance, their dark, cold appearance leaves you uneasy. His large form is fitted in garments that appeared to be inspired by the current military uniform. His hair is also closely cropped in a similar fashion to your guards, leading you to believe he plans on appealing to them. Looking away, you try ignoring the odd sense of dread his gaze brings. Thankfully, the event soon commences, quickly diverting your attention away. It appears as if Kyros will be first to speak, drawing your eyes back to his more approachable figure. Though you try focusing on his words, you find your mind still distracted by thought. In what seems like a matter of moments he has finished and Nereus has taken his place. Frowning, you watch the imposing man cautiously.

You're tangentially aware of Kyros form after he moves to stand beside you. However, you're far too engrossed in the other man's words. His deep, authoritative voice is oddly captivating despite his otherwise intimidating form. Your frown deepens as you quickly realize he is your true opponent. Though Kyros may hold the popular vote, his words were no match for Nereus' emboldened speech. Your own nerves begin growing as you realize you are to follow him. It seems as if both men have already heavily focused on the two subjects you had planned for your own speech. Without praise of the military or contempt for past leadership, you find yourself unsure of what to address. To your dismay, you notice Nereus has finished speaking and is descending the platform. Swallowing nervously, you avoid his gaze while stepping past him. Shakily, you begin ascending the stairs that lead to the stage.

The sky has grown dark as large clouds form overhead, signaling the storm to come. Your throat feels dry as you slowly approach the large crowd gathered below. A sudden bolt of lightning pierces the sky, seeming to startle all save yourself. In a delayed reaction, you slowly look up to catch sight of the phenomenon disappearing. A sudden thought comes to your mind after witnessing the sight and you quickly turn your attention back to the crowd. You realize there is one topic neither of your opponents thought to touch upon. One that just may be more important than all the rest depending how you proceed. Instead of smiling at the group, you let them see the deep frown that has marred your face. You can see a wave of confusion spread throughout them, as well as your adversaries. Somberly, you address the crowd with just the hint of worry in your voice.

"My people, I thank you for your attendance during this trying time." You begin stoically, while pulling your stola closer around you. "The **** of our Emperor has brought about confusion and disarray. Though perhaps, through no fault but our own."

The crowd has grown silent as they listen to your words with an air of perplexity and interest. You can sense your opponents eyes on the back of your form as you continue to address the group.

"Far be it to me to speak for the gods. Yet, I sense their anger and disapproval." You lament in fake passion, hoping to stir some emotion from them. "It is not some unfortunate mishap that our Emperor was taken from us. No, it was a carefully crafted plan orchestrated by higher powers."

"You lie, wench!"

All eyes, including your own, turn to look at the source of the sudden out cry. You're quite confused to see Nereus' face has grown flushed with apparent anger. Lunging forward, he begins ascending the steps towards you. Your eyes widen in surprise as you take a step back only to find yourself at the edge of the platform.

"I had nothing to do with his ****." Nereus seethes viciously while roughly grabbing hold of your arm. "I will not have you slander my name in order to gain the throne."

You glance over at your guard only to find them moving to keep the crowd at bay. The sound of the people around you grows muffled as you realize your situation. Struggling against the man's strong grasp, you're unable to pull away.

"Unhand me!" You cry in pain, growing increasingly concerned by the wild look in the man's eyes.

"If I cannot win the election, neither will you." He hisses while pulling out a small dagger.

Before you can react, another bolt of lightning cracks through the sky, startling both you and the man. Using the momentary distraction, you're just barely able to slip out his restraint. Nereus' expression grows irate as he swiftly lunges towards you again. Gasping, you narrowly dodge out his way as his blade slices through the air, connecting briefly with your cheek. Your face grows hot as warm blood begins trickling down the side of your face.

"Stop!" You shout in frustration, your voice nearly drowned out by the booming clap of thunder that follows. "I have had enough of this! Of the backstabbing and conniving and... and blasphemy. I did not think you killed my husband, I thought it was the will of the gods."

Nereus pauses, his wild eyes flashing in continued rage and a mix of confusion. His chest rises and falls deeply as he takes in shallow breaths. You can feel blood continue trickling down your cheek, though you no longer feel pain from the wound. Turning to face the crowd, you address them once more.

"This, this is what I wished to address." You state in genuine passion as you look over your citizens. "Do you truly wish to return to this? Angry little boys who cannot conceive of anything beyond shows of their masculinity?"

"Who are you to speak on such things?" Nereus demands loudly, clenching his dagger tightly. "You are nothing more than a lousy bedside companion."

"Who am I?" You retort, swiftly turning to face the man with a look of resentment. "I am Kora, Empress of this land and you will bow before me."

The man lets out a haughty scoff before lunging towards you again. Emotionless, you slowly raise your hands to the sky above you. A strange sense of calm has overtaken your body since your last words. The feeling remains when a sudden thunderbolt strikes the ground around you. A pleasant warmth spreads through you as the bright light obscures your vision. Your vaguely aware of the distant sound of screams and gasps of terror. In a flash the moment is over and your vision returns. The pungent odor of burnt material quickly fills your lungs. Frowning, you look around to see flames creeping up alongside you. Unconcerned, you slowly step through them, unaware of their failure to damage your skin or even clothes. The clouds suddenly part, allowing harsh rays of sunlight to shine down around you. Blinking against the harsh light, you slowly step forward and see the crowd of faces below you, each one seeming more shocked than the rest.