Vista and Sha were seated at opposite sides of a desk, it was quiet for a moment, as Sha thought up a way to summarize last night’s House Meeting:

  “It was a routine meeting, with the usual outcome.” Sha explained, Vista sat still with crossed arms.

  “Vin has been calling them more frequently, there must be something happening.” Vista responded, as Sha glanced down at his mask.

  “Vin insists on another large-scale invasion of the Bottom World, Davak stands in opposition to it.” He explained, as Vista closed his eyes.

  “And what of House Love, Sha?” Vista asked.

  “I have declared my support for Vin's war.

  So has House Trust, House Bel and House Rain.

  House Fate has remained neutral, Chime seems willing to sway in either direction, but Davak staunchly opposes any war proposals.

  Without the support of House Conquest, I believe House Fate will refuse to support the invasion, as Chime made it clear: House Conquest has the largest number of Warrior's of any House, and the greatest numbers of those experienced in battle.

  Any sort of invasion into the Bottom World without Davak, and House Conquest, will result in too many casualties for us to consider it.”

  Sha explained, as Vista took a long breath. “Is there a reason why Vin is pushing for a war right now specifically?”

  “His argument is simple: every couple centuries, we see an influx in Demon’s crawling out of the earth, this usually indicates they have multiplied and begun to band together in unification.

  If left alone, they will make their way to the surface--We will see the Mortals be raped, eaten and slaughtered.”

  Sha repeated Vin's argument, as Vista winced. “And what of my Father?” He asked. “What is his excuse not to support Vin?”

  “The same as always: He claims that a large-scale war would end up taking too many innocent lives.” Sha explained.

  “So, we should just ignore the safety of the Mortals? Or even our own people?” Vista hissed, as Sha shook his head.

  “Davak is too soft for House Conquest.”

  Sha suddenly declared, looking Vista in the eyes. “You carry his blood, I imagine you'd be able to challenge him for the throne.” He mused, as Vista shook his head.

  “Not as I am, certainly.” The boy sighed. “But, maybe once I've grown stronger.” He glanced out the window. “Meah, would likely be enraged if I did take the throne--But I suppose I can make peace with that.

  Is there nobody else who can challenge him now?”

  Vista asked, as Sha shook his head. “All who have tried, have failed.

  Even Bel and Tista attempted to take the throne of Conquest--Bel's eldest son, Howl is apparently the most capable known warrior outside of the House Leaders, but not even Howl could defeat your Father.

  Davak is strong, fast and intelligent, it's not like fighting most warriors from what I hear.

  Everyone sees his size and expects him to be slow, only to be outmatched in every way.

  When your grandfather took the throne from Lovitt, he named himself the Strongest of our people. If Garen was anything like Davak, I would say that was accurate.”

  Sha sighed, looking at Vista. “We are truly at an impasse here, honestly. We can't keep fighting on the surface every time the Demon’s cause terror among the mortals, we need to be proactive, or else--”

  “We'll lose more warriors like my Mother.”

  Vista interrupted, his eyes still glancing outside at the massive leaves of the tree named Astal. “I talked to father about taking the second ordeal, if nothing else: I thought perhaps once he sees how desperately I want to kill those who slayed my Mother, our Queen, he would allow this war to begin.

  I haven't convinced him yet, but I will make him listen to us.”

  Vista seemed certain, but Sha remained unconvinced. “Davak is a stubborn man.”

  “So am I.” Vista retorted.

  “Not as stubborn as your father.” He looked Vista in the eyes.

  “Yes, but neither of us are as stubborn as Meah. I can weaponize her against Father if need be.” Vista explained.

  “Is that how you finally convinced Davak to let you take on the Ordeal?” Sha was curious.

  “He doesn't say no to her, if I--”

  “This isn't as simple as asking your father to give you a sword, Vista.

  You must approach Davak as the King he is, and make it very clear, you agree with the idea of a complete war against the Bottom World.

  You can spend your life hunting the one Demon that might have killed your Mother, but how will you ever know?

  They are beyond judgment, Vista. Not one should remain.”

  Sha made his stance intensively clear. “You mean, a complete genocide?” Vista’s face winced in response.

  “It may sound extreme, but even Davak once suggested it himself.

  After his first wife was killed, he swore to eliminate the threat below the surface.

  Consider that: The Greatest Demon Slayer in our history, demands vengeance for the death of his first wife, but surrenders after the death of his second?

  Did he not love Meraphi enough to hate the Demon’s for her?”

  Sha asked, as Vista closed his eyes, shaking his head. “He's scared.” The boy was certain.

  “Scared to fight? The man is invincible--”

  “I don't think that's it, I think he's afraid to leave Meah behind if he were to die.

  He knows her personality, if he is killed by the Demon’s, she will fight until her own death.”

  “But he's not worried about you fighting for vengeance for your mother?” Sha asked.

  “Of course he is! But Meah and I are different.

  She doesn't think things through, she just acts.

  Regardless, what would you have me do?

  It’s not as if I can force him to agree!”

  Vista asked, as Sha took a long breath. “What if Meah were to be attacked, then?” He asked, changing Vista’s expression.

  “Attacked? Absolutely not!?” Vista yelled.

  “I'm not suggesting she actually be attacked, but she's gonna go fight on the surface sooner or later, if the Demons were to hurt her, do you think your Father would react?” He asked, as Vista lowered his head.

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  “Maybe, but--”

  “Vista, make it clear: He can't protect Meah forever, unless the enemy is erased.

  If he won't fight for vengeance, or if he doesn't fight for you--Then make him fight for Meah.

  That's how you weaponize her against him, make him not afraid to die, but afraid of her being killed.

  He might claim he can keep her in Sol forever, but you know, and he knows: She has a warrior's spirit.

  Especially if you fight, she'll stand just behind you.

  All of Sol is in agreement, we cannot keep sending our men to die in those God-Forsaken tunnels, just to punish a handful of devils who have already shed innocent blood.

  I won't let my younger siblings live through an endless battle, only to lose loved ones.”

  Sha then took a long breath, to compose himself, before he glanced down again. “You should speak with Vin, let him tell you his piece.

  Perhaps the two of you can work together on a strategy of discussion with Davak--Your father won't listen to us, but perhaps, he'll listen to you, and Vin can help you articulate an argument far better than I.”

  Sha explained, as Vista nodded. “I don’t need help, I just need--” Vista was interrupted when Sha stood up, walking towards a window.

  “Vista, do you really think your father will ever listen?”

  He asked, while looking down at the city below. “I have a duty to my people, Davak, has a duty to our people.

  I cannot simply sit around while our enemy threatens the peace of the innocent.

  One war could end this battle forever.

  Vin proposed it one thousand years ago, but Garen, your grandfather, took the throne from Lovitt, and stood against him.

  All of Sol united, yet one man stood in their way--And thanks to that one man, we have lost countless of our people, and countless more mortals trying to live peacefully on the surface.

  And today, a thousand years later, even when your mother's life was stolen, Davak stubbornly stands against Vin.

  The people of Sol cannot wait another thousand years, Vista.

  How many daughters must Tista lose? How many sons must Bel send to battle?

  How many children, mothers, or fathers will be stolen, while Davak sits on his hands?”

  Sha asked, when Vista stood up and approached his friend. “You act as if I have control over the situation, what would you ask of me?” Vista asked, but was responded only by the sound of wind blowing against the hanging building.

  The two shared a moment, quietly standing next to one another, when Sha said: “You and I are not far off in age--Being the youngest House Leader in history, few actually expect much of me.

  When the majority of my people I’m meant to lead are hundreds of years older than me, I admit, it makes it difficult to understand why I was chosen for this position.

  Yet, my age also gives me a perspective different from people like your father.

  To him, even to Vin--Everything becomes a cycle. Our people live, they fight, they die--We eliminate a threat, and give ourselves a moment of peace, only for another threat to crawl out a century later, and bring more loss.

  Because they've grown numb to the loss, they don't remember the pain we feel.”

  He took a long breath, turning back towards the office. “Meraphi was different, however--When my predecessor was killed, and I was expected to lead my people before I had even passed the first Ordeal, at just nine--The other House Leaders expected me to just move on from my mentor's death and be ready to lead.

  They forgot what it was like to be a child, but Meraphi, she said to me in a crass manner, that I should tell everyone else to Fex Off and leave me alone until I was ready.

  My own parents are each almost a thousand years old, they have had so many children, they have forgotten what a child was.

  But Meraphi understood that me, and you, cannot so easily accept loss. To Davak, Meraphi was just a moment of his life, but to you, she was there all along.

  So, being young as we are, we do not have the luxury of waiting for the pain to stop burning--We have to take action.”

  He took a long breath. “If we cannot convince Davak through words, then there must be a pain he has yet to feel, that would sting as deeply as the pain you feel.

  He felt the pain of his first wife's death, and reacted with anger.

  He lost his parents when he was young--And now he has only you and Meah.”

  Sha thought aloud, when Vista clasped his hands. “If you are suggesting that Meah be killed--”

  “Of course not.” Sha turned back to the window. “But, if we set up a situation where it appears her life is in danger--” Sha paused as he watched Vista’s expression shift.

  “I'm sorry, I shouldn't even consider such an idea.”

  The young leader stepped forward as he spoke, lifting up his mask. “Forget I said a thing, Vista.” The young leader sighed, when his friend closed his eyes, after listening to Sha's words.

  “Even if we were to plot such a thing, Meah would never go along with it.”

  Vista finally spoke out. “Even for her own mother's vengeance?” Sha turned to face the young prince.

  “Whatever you had in mind, I cannot go along with it. I do not wish to hurt Father, I simply want him to listen to us.

  Given enough time, he will listen to me, I will wear him down, just as I did when I finally convinced him to allow me to take on the First Ordeal.

  In the meantime, I now have the ability to travel between the Houses, my Father can no longer prevent me from having discussions with you, Vin, Chime, V or Bel.

  I will take this opportunity to understand their points of view, and use your perspectives to help with my arguments.

  If that does not work, I will insist he allows me to lead the willing people of House Conquest into battle, therefore if he is too afraid to battle, he can cower away while I stand on the frontline."

  Vista explained his strategy. “But if not all of Sol is unified, we run the risk of causing a civil war.

  The people must see their leaders all working for one goal--Should some of House Conquest follow you, and some follow Davak, the people may fight within themselves.

  I have no doubt you could lead House Conquest, but you must do so as a House Head.

  The people of Sol have made the mistake of fighting a war within themselves once before, those that remember Soxoine would not allow it to happen a second time.”

  “Soxoine betrayed Sol and attempted to take control over all Houses.

  Her followers were traitors of Sol just the same as she.

  My proposal would not be to take charge of House Conquest, but to lead our army on behalf of Father.

  Even if there are disputes between Father and myself privately, to the public, we would be acting as one.”

  “Yet, can you truly say that Davak would ever agree?” Sha asked.

  “Stubborn as he is, I know my Father will do the right thing--Just give him a bit more time.” Vista assured, when Sha took a long breath.

  “Then I will leave you to it.” He placed his mask on his face again, adjusting it so that it would fit correctly, before saying:

  “I will be spending the next few days with my family, would you care to join me?”

  Sha asked, turning back to Vista who was looking down below. “No, not right now. Tista and her daughter are staying at the Palace of Combat. I am expected to eat dinner with them.” The boy answered, when Sha crossed his arms.

  “Tista, eh?” He put his hand against the bottom of his chin. “That giant is intimidating--She doesn't open up about herself at all to the other House Leaders.

  Personally, I cannot imagine sitting at a table with her.”

  He thought aloud, when Vista nodded. “She seemed quite talkative with Meah.” He mused.

  “From what I know of her, she has taken in many young orphaned girls as her daughters.

  She takes them in, raises them to be strong Warriors, and then lets them fight alongside her.

  Yet, all but her youngest of daughters have died in battle, most against Soxoine--So, I personally believe she takes in orphaned children to fill a void in her heart, which grows larger with each child she loses.”

  Sha explained when Vista closed his eyes. “You think she wants to take Meah under her wing?”

  “The daughter of Meraphi and Davak, and the youngest to complete the first Ordeal.

  There isn't a single Warrior in Sol that wouldn't take an interest in her.

  But in Tista's case, she is willing to use anyone to avenge her fallen children, and Meah might just be a tool to that end.

  I imagine Tista, Vin, Bel and even V are all having similar thoughts:

  If we can't have Davak fight with us, we should use his children to fight in his place.”

  He thought aloud, turning down to Vista. “It won't work.” Vista responded, turning away from Sha. “You fight to protect your family; I will fight to protect mine.”

  “I see.”

  Sha stepped towards the door. “Hold onto that conviction then, because it will be tested.

  Especially if Meah sides with Davak, and you're the only one trying to fight for your mother's legacy.”

  With those words, the conversation between friends would come to a close.