Otherworld 3: Tala
Chapter 18 - Jaal's Plan
Jaal remained in her tent, allowing no one entry, until almost noon. And then she asked for one of the Tala brothers to come in and sent the other to bring Jurkis to her tent. Tala 2 went for Jurkis while the older brother went into the sorceress' tent.
After only a few minutes, Tala 2 returned and, after announcing himself and Jurkis, walked into the tent. As soon as he walked into the tent, a net covered him and was bound tightly around his body, preventing him from merging into someone else. He was thrown in a corner next to his brother who was also similarly bound. Standing in the center of the tent was Jaal and Bya, and next to her was Queen Vara and Houki and Chichiri with an unknown young man.
"What is the meaning of this?" Jurkis cried with alarm.
Chichiri moved forward and addressed the captain, "We are trying to prevent another war. Captain Jurkis, we have not completely recovered from the Three Worlds War and you want to put us into a civil war?"
"I will not bow to a false queen!" Jurkis replied, angrily.
"I understand that and I have no wish to rule a country that does not want me, but you do not speak for the entire country. Many are content with my rule and Suzaku is now more than one country. Suzaku is the Four Gods World made into one country and the people of Seiryuu, Byakko and Genbu will not be ruled by Hotohori's son." Vara said, subtly using her power to keep Jurkis calm.
"And I did not want this life for my son. I feared for his life." Houki added.
"But we have discussed the problem and offer a solution." Chichiri said. "Will you accept a dual throne with both Queen Vara and Emperor Boushin ruling?"
"I need to bring that proposal to the soldiers, but for my part, it is acceptable. I also did not want a war. But I feel bound to the Emperor -- my family has served under his rule for generations."
The young man stepped forward. "I am Boushin and I am agreeable to this. Discuss this proposal with your soldiers and then return to us. We will be waiting at the Palace in the capital city."
He bowed to the young man, and then, almost as an afterthought, bowed to Vara. Had he misjudged her? Vara was not greedy for power like he had been led to believe and she seemed more than happy to share the throne. Leaving the tent, Jurkis gathered his soldiers and sent messengers to each of the camps, outlining the proposal and giving his approval of it.
Inside the tent, Vara turned to Jaal, "I thank you, Lady Jaal, for your help with this matter. Now, we have the remaining duplicates and you have helped prevent a civil war. When you came to me with your plan, I offered you anything that I could give in return. Now, name your price and if it is in my power, you shall have it."
Jaal gave a little bow to the Queen, "I would like to live at the junction of Suzaku, Otherworld and the Demon World. I would like a tower built for me and I would like to live in peace."
"And you shall have it. I will send men to that place and they will build your tower. And again, I am deeply grateful. I hope that I can call you friend."
"You can." Jaal looked at the Tala brothers. "What are you going to do with them?"
"We will take them to my mother in Otherworld."
"May I take them for you? I would like to meet Bakura and see the Castle firsthand. I have only seen it in my mirrors and have only talked to the mage through the glass."
"Of course. Chichiri will go with you to make introductions." Then Vara, Boushin and Houki left the tent to make the trip to the Palace.
Inside the tent, Jaal was preparing her mirror to travel to Otherworld. Bya was wrapping the other mirror safely in its many layers of burlap. Chichiri was gathering up papers and other odds and ends.
"You tricked us!" growled one of the Tala's.
"I told you I was not my father's reflection but you did not listen. I have no desire to rule a country and I have no need for vengeance. I want only a peaceful life, dedicated to my studies."
"But how?"
"I found the mirrors many years ago and looked in on the lands. One day I saw Bakura and somehow he sensed me. We began to search each other out and a friendship grew out of our mutual respect for each other's powers. I was searching for Bya when you came to me with your plan. I knew that Otherworld was looking for you, but I needed to know if you had other allies. You told me everything, and I conveyed it to Bakura and then to Vara. We set a trap and you walked right into it."
"Where is the hive and the insects?"
"Since they thought me an ally, the insects allowed to pick up the hive. I threw it into the mirror and they followed after it. Then I sealed the mirror. Kurama and his carnivorous plants were waiting for them. I doubt if any of them are left alive now."
"What will become of us?" the other Tala asked, his eyes no longer proud, but full of fear.
"That is for the Princess of Otherworld to decide. I could care less."