You know, it's been a while since we last saw our favorite penguin hat-wearing assassin. I wonder what he's up to right now? Let's find out!
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Luke and his followers have arrived at The Empire, ready to face the wrath of The Emperor. As his men got out of their chariots, a wave of uneasiness sets in. They start their march to the castle, hoping and praying internally for the best. They all hoped that he would at least let them see their families before their untimely fate.
Townspeople who were just passing by stopped and stared. Some whispered among themselves, knowing the fate of these men. The poor fellows, they could hear, if only they weren't in debt to the royal tyrant. Perhaps then, they'd have a better chance at life.

That didn't help the mood at all, not one bit.

Luke growled angrily at them, glaring at the commoners who dared to stare for too long. Why couldn't they just mind their own damn business, it's very irritating. If he could, he would've swung his sword to scare away the crowd. Though, on the other hand, that might just bring in more unwanted attention and only anger The Emperor. So he decided to continue glaring, marching at a faster pace. His men stumbled to follow his lead, wanting to be out of the crowd of eyes and whispers.

As soon as they reach the castle, a guard informs Luke that The Emperor wishes to speak with him. With a sigh, the assassin tells the guard to watch his men as he steps inside.

The doors of the throne room creak loudly as the guards slowly opened them. There, up a couple stairs, sitting on his throne, The Emperor looked straight at him. His legs were crossed, and his eyes were cold. Luke shuddered slightly before walking in.
Back straight, chin up, eyes forward. He had to look like the presentable assassin The Emperor wants him to be.

"Hello, welcome back." The smooth voice of The Emperor greets him, though there was no warmth in his greeting.
He doesn't answer, instead the assassin's eyes dart to the left. Behind the royalty, leaning on the wall, stood a figure. She had her hood on, covering part of her face as she read the book she held. Despite the appearance, her eyes were looking straight at him.
Luke looks back at The Emperor, deciding to not pay her any mind for now. The royalty looks at both sides of his assassin, seeing no prisoners. How saddening.

"How did your mission go?" He asks the lavender-haired boy.
At first, Luke hesitated to tell him, but forced his mouth to speak. It's better to get this over with.
"The mission was... unsuccessful. They escaped, off-ing a few of my men, and knocked me out momentarily."
The room goes silent after he speaks.

Quiet, uncomfortable silence.

Then The Emperor starts to tsk, shaking his head.
"This won't do, Luke. This won't do at all." He gets off his throne, walking down to the assassin.

The hooded girl looks back down onto her book, having a guess as to what might happen next. In all honesty she should probably just leave the room, but Luke might need some assistance afterwards.
Luke's heart sped up as he attempts to steady his breathing. His whole body screamed and he wanted to leave on the spot, but doing so would only cause him more trouble.
Just get it over with just get it over with just get it over with just get it over with. His head spinned with anxious dizziness, but outside he didn't look the slightest bit fazed.
The Emperor stopped in front of Luke, staring at him dead in the eye. His stare never wavered as it got colder, if that was possible.

"Anything else you would like to tell me? Something to save you from your failures?" He said smoothly, his tone was terrifyingly calm.
The lavender-haired boy gulps nervously. "...No. The mage's magic was undeniably strong, and the two blonde traitors were ruthless with my men. The only one who seemed incapable of handling his own was their new companion."
"And who is that?"
"They called him Armen, similar to the chaotic power that destroyed many towns and cities in the outskirts of The Empire. His skills hardly compare though, only leaving small scratches on my right arm." Luke continues.

The Emperor seemed surprised when he heard the name. He probably knew the kid somehow, that wouldn't be anything new. Afterall, Grayson used to be his best commander and Mia used to be his top display elf.
The assassin remembers the fight. He remembers how Armen stumbled back as he slashed his sword forward. The terrified yelps and clumsy footing was somewhat amusing to the assassin. Though, it's thanks to that footing that Armen got those couple scratches on him. Despite that, Luke had the upper hand in that battle. If it weren't for that hybrid and his magic, he could've off-ed the young boy with ease.

"I..see." The Emperor says.
He seems lost in thought for a moment, contemplating something as he stood in front of his assassin. After a few seconds the royalty shakes his head snapping back into reality. He turns away from the lavender-haired boy and starrs to walk back to his throne. "You're dismissed. Follow Lalea back to your living quarters and get yourself cleaned."

Luke nods in response. He passes the throne, following the girl with hood on.
"You smell like you rolled in mud." She comments, pulling her hood down to reveal her long, curly blue hair.
"Shut up, Lalea." Luke grumbles, crossing his arms.
When the two are out of ear range, Lalea sighs.
"You were lucky, you know?"
"...I know."
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Back at the throne room, The Emperor tells the guards to let Luke's men return to their families until duty calls for them. They nod, leaving the now-empty room to carry out his command.
Atop his throne, The Emperor hums to himself, a sly grin growing on his face.

"Well, this is an interesting development."