Episode 9: The Tower of The Republic

The gates open and Enishi, Ven, Nyx and Kia all walk through them. Once inside the gate, Ven is surprised to see that there is life! There are normal, everyday looking people strolling around, merchants selling delicious baked treats, arts, crafts and trinkets. A training ring where Ven could see Water Madokais scrimmaging & fire Madokais meditating and others practicing hand to hand combat. Children running around and playing in the streets, ignorant to the terrors of the real world. As they walk through, the group catch the eyes of the citizens. Some nodding at Enishi, Nyx and Kia and some even bowing, showing their respect for the trio. But once they look upon Ven, their eyes grow wide with fear. More and more people stop what they are doing to stare at Ven, whispering amongst themselves and pointing at him.

“Are they staring at me?” Ven asks.

“Tenari.” Nyx comments.

“No other Tenaris are here?”

“They’re not really around like that anymore. Remember,” Nyx responds.

Ven doesn’t say anything and tries to ignore the stares that he is receiving and continues to follow Enishi, Nyx and Kia. They follow a path that leads them to the front entrance of the tower.

“I have to let you know something before we go inside,” Enishi says and stops walking. He turns towards Ven. “Do not say anything to the people that you are about to meet. Nothing. Let us handle everything.”

Ven raises his eyebrows.

“Are you ready?” Enishi asks.

Ven replies, "Yes."

"Good."

Enishi opens the door to the entrance of the Tower and Ven gulps in anticipation as to what he is about to get into. Inside, is a large hall lit with candles that look as if they belong in a museum, illuminating the Tower. There is a large, winding staircase to the left that leads up to God knows where, and straight ahead is a large door, that reminds Ven of the doors of the Notre Dame Cathedral.

*This place needs a SERIOUS makeover. Damn!*  Ven says to himself.

The group head straight for the unsightly door and halt.

Enishi looks at Nyx and Kia, and they all nod. 

"Do not say a word Ve,." Enishi says. He then pounds on the door and steps back. 

It opens slowly, making a loud groaning sound.

“Here we go,” mumbles Nyx.

They walk through the door.

Inside, is a room that is set up like a meeting hall, lit with candles. There are three chairs, occupied by three people. Two are dressed in white, elegant robes, and one in an all black one. Their faces look as if they have either seen many things or they are just THAT old.

“Enishi.” The one dressed in a black robe, a bald gentleman with a nasty scar down his cheek says dryly.

“Ezreal,” Enishi replies sternly.

“Is this him?”

“It is.”

“Hello Master Ezreal.” Nyx and Kia say in unison. They bow except for Enishi, who glares at him with his arms folded.

The older gentleman, Master Ezreal, nods in their direction. He then looks at Ven and gives him a brooding stare. Ven looks directly at him and says nothing.

“Enishi,” Ezreal says without breaking eye contact with Ven. “May we speak in private?”

“Sure?” Enishi responds while raising his brows.

“Leave us.” Ezreal commands and waves off Nyx, Kia and Ven.

The other two people occupying the other seats get up and leave the room without saying a word, walking past everyone and not making eye contact. Nyx, Kia and Ven follow behind them. Ezreal doesn’t take his eyes off of Ven until he leaves the room.

“So,” Ezreal says while clearing his throat. “That is him? The Tenari?”

“Indeed,” Enishi replies.

Ezreal gets out of his chair and walks towards Enishi and stands next to him and puts his hands into the pockets of his robe. He is much shorter than Enishi and is a bit pudgy, and he gives off sinister energy. “I expect you to do what is necessary,” he says as he faces him. “He is a valuable asset to us.” Enishi looks Ezreal in the eye.

“I won’t let you down,” he replies.

“Good. Let’s not have a repeat of the past.”

Enishi scoffs at Ezreal and then storms out of the room, baring his teeth.

 *Tower Hall*

Nyx, Kia and Ven are standing outside the door waiting for Enishi to emerge.

“That was fast. How did it go?” Kia asks Enishi as soon as he walks out of the door.

“As expected,” Enishi replies. He looks at Ven. “Let me show you to your room.”

"We'll wait right here," Nyx says.

Enishi takes Ven up the winding staircase, three floors to be exact, to the sleeping chambers. They say nothing as they walk up the never ending stairs. Once they reach to the third floor, there is a long hall with many doors. Rooms, Ven assumes. He follows Enishi to the third room on the left and opens it. Inside, Ven is surprised to find that the room isn't as terribly decorated as the rest of the Tower. The room is decorated with lavender drapes (not exactly Ven's style but it beats the gothic theme of the Tower), a queen sized bed with silk sheets, a solid wood dresser with a mirror, a window with a view that overlooks the surrounding forest, a closet to hang his clothes, a door that Ven assumed that led to his own private bathroom, and a cute red rose to give the room some personality. 

“Kia insisted that you have this room. It's better decorated than the rest and yes, she is the one who decorated. There should be fresh clothes in the dresser for you. Put them on and come outside,” Enishi says pointing to the drawer. “Your training begins now.”