The Party (5)

  The next day.

  Fox woke up in Pheli's bedroom and began packing everything in some boxes and plastic bags. He grabbed everything, leaving only the mattress, but already called a larger truck to bring some of the furniture with him. Then, once he had everything in bags or boxes, he walked out and met some of Pheli's family members her age or a little younger and older.

  Unlike back then, they stared at Fox with interest, intrigue, and maybe wanting to know him more, but it wasn’t the time, today or right now. There was also a bit of pride. After all, this ‘like family’ member had reached and accomplished so much, and he came back here!

  Fox dragged everything with him, leaving the furniture to some buffed butlers and maids, before walking through the hallway. There was a shy, small young girl who was cutely encouraged by other shy ones out of their group, to give him a pale blue flower. It resembled ice on the first sight.

  Fox took it, placing it on his chest under his biking gear before continuing, nodding at the shy lass. He went out all the way to the main entrance, exiting it with the furniture following behind.

  Neoph was there, already wearing different clothing that still befitted his status as the leader of his seemingly fallen yet still most influential family in Lymoca. Fox walked to the entrance and left the things in a vehicle before returning to Neoph.

  “Farewell,” Fox dusted his hands off and said after some thought. Neoph looked deeply at Fox’s figure, unafraid of facing him… but hurting. He softly said, “Goodbye.”

  Fox nodded and turned, giving the father a deep, brief glance before walking back outside the gates. Neoph’s voice resounded at this time, as if desperation decided if to speak some words or not, “There’s a spot for you beside her, whether I’m alive or not when it happens.”

  “…” Fox stopped, falling utterly silent. He turned his head around, looking at Neoph again and nodding before boarding the co-driver’s seat. The vehicle’s engine gently sounded until it dissipated in the distance, with the furniture looked after by Neoph’s eyes until the truck’s tailgate also closed and then departed.

  . . .

  Days went on and on. More than a week passed, with the preparatives, advertisements and fervor, distributed and spread throughout the country.

  Fox wasn’t faulty to his word, at last. After he returned to his women’s embrace, he locked them in his basement, his bedroom and shower, and did the unthinkable to them. After countless sessions talking about life, aka making love without abandon, he brought them to Sargonde.

  He first brought them to the 9th Order there, the most gigantic in the country, before ordering some boxes as take away. Then, they visited the Ruvas’ house. Needless to say, while Lorena was aware the goddess Nala was with him, she could have never imagined ‘the other gal’ was Esmeralda Heartez, daughter of the 3 times President of Lymoca!

  What’s more, Bruno was dumbfounded. He suddenly felt like Lorena was being truthful to him before, in her teasing. She could decide to bounce like a rabbit to go hump onto Fox anytime, so he made a mental note to conquer this perfect woman every… damned… day.

  Unbeknownst to Lorena, her excitement and fan girling over Esmeralda and worship of Nala’s beauty and attitude made her man all too eager to become the husband. Meanwhile, her parents were all about Fox bringing the undeniable beauties into his home, always his home.

  Marisela grabbed both chicks’ hands, bringing them around for a tour around the mansion, with Victor staring at Fox, nodding every now and then. Fox could see and feel the pride and even distasteful envy from Victor.

  Of course, daddy Victor didn’t dare to think of having another woman, but rather, hated the fact his ‘son’ managed to have such a life. Furthermore, despite Nala’s neutrality towards Esmeralda, and towards the Ruva family, he could see her obey every Marisela’s wish to go with her and chat. On the other hand, Esmeralda was the perfect daughter-in-law, so attentive.

  For the first time in his dear awful life, Fox felt proud, showing off his women. He had some trepidation about both women meeting his old family from the get-go, since there were some corners they needed to fill to arrive at a point where they felt they would live together forever.

  It was a matter of the heart, and it was three of them, so it was nothing short of complicated, even with Esmeralda’s successful seduction and Nala’s unique ‘warming up’ to Esme.

  The day was spent there, with Marisela bringing Fox’s women to the garden outside to relax and talk… about Fox and how much of a good little wife would Lorena be with them. Nala didn’t even bother, with Esmeralda doing all the ‘I know you’re joking’ responses.

  At night, Fox went to bed with them, with Bruno required to go back to his home. Thus, Lorena was the one to dry in the desert alone this time. When Fox looked at his women on his old bed and his chest, and they stared at him like hungry but passive lionesses, he knew it was time.

  With a bion structure to put on the walls, roof, and floor, noise coming in and out was somewhat mitigated. And so, the games of eating until copious sweat, exhaustion, and desensitivity began.

  The next morning, he brought them to the farm, where he met Paloma and ?o?o, who showed off their children, while Esmeralda showed great understanding of them. Following her, Nala showed some interest, doing what she could to do like Esmeralda, and learn.

  Later on, they returned to Proteros, and to his heart’s dismay, Fox was occupied from noon to the next early morning, with tender and light caresses everywhere, at all times…

  … Fox continued interchanging his matters between family and business, already feeling like a failing family dad or mom without knowing it. He had the means to experiment with schedules, having either the helicopter or tunnels to do so, with Nala and Esmeralda more than glad to come with him. Up to 5 people could ride on his baby Myertha.

  His boutique and the restaurant chain were bustling and ongoing, nothing stopping, with the boutique’s all 11th floors working and making riches up and down. Fox couldn’t wait to see the reports at the end of the month, with Fabiola’s smiley faces every time he met her up.

  Furthermore, his 9th Order Restaurant chain seemed too good nowadays, with their reserve storage being used since the beginning of the 4th week, commencing a great era for it.

  Fox was going to thrill in the reports at the end of the month. This big business he had begun, finally about to achieve, which was just beginning. He would still be not as big as B&C Enterprise, and would have ways to get there, but he was faster than any of them.

  Naturally, this was due to the enormous, diverse help and funding Fox received, especially the 100 million from Valeria, whom Fox has received information is daily ordering from. Since Proteros’s 9th Order caught the Supreme Justice Minister’s eye, then it had to be the best!

  Business and family; Fox even met Luis sometimes, with Lesly, and was made to attend with Esmeralda, who invited Nala since the first date. Luis wanted to first see her daughter and Fox together, and confirm their relationship, although it wasn’t needed and it was just selfishness.

  Nala, on the other hand, was secretly gladdened. She wouldn’t want this to happen, when she doesn’t even have the chance to do the same. As for Lesly becoming Esmeralda’s mother in the possible future? Like that was ever a problem. If anything, Esmeralda even urged them to get her some siblings… And when she meant some, she meant many.

  The days went on and on, and so, the 28th of the month arrived; so did the festivities.

  … In the area around the presidential precinct. Early evening. Everything was dimmed, but beautiful and warm, with the presence of a few tens of thousands who wanted to be present for the President’s speech, which no one knew what it was about, or why.

  The surroundings were prepared, even within the presidential precinct, with the various inner precincts decorated and organized to become separate ‘ballrooms’ for people to enjoy the festivities. Security, food, and enjoyment were guaranteed, even if outside the main building.

  As this began, countless food stall vendors of the streets were hired to be here, giving them money to set up some decorations to attract more people, including their stock and additions. Although they were also plainly paid to come here. Furthermore, their earnings tonight would be all theirs, with nobody getting a hold of them, the government or any agency.

  How could the street vendors not come? With such win-only-win situation, they could even open a small restaurant or store after this one night. They brought their family members, including those they did not get along that well after some family drama. It was all for the sake of their futures, something family warmth could erode and make them solve and achieve.

  For now, it might be a few tens of thousands of Lys coming to the presidential precinct. But soon, it would be several tens of thousands, according to the news of people flow within the capital Luis received. The moon above reminded everyone of the success and beauty of Lymoca.

  With more than 100,000 people predicted to come by the late evening, the stage built atop the main building’s staircase was readied to become the center of attention for a while.

  Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

  Clamor, clamor. With Luis stepping out of the main building with a ravishing, elegant, and ‘mighty’ looking suit, secretly semi-empowered, the crowd around the precinct and within turned to him and the large screens.

  Luis could see most of the area outside the precinct was still a bit vacant, even with a few tens of thousands present and buying food and toys, masks, and smallish musical instruments. He walked to the glass microphone before the first step leading down and looked around.

  The people quieted down, looking at him or the screens, and waiting for him to speak. People walked out behind him, belonging to the political parties’ presidents and his cabinet members.

  “Welcome, thank you all for coming to this party to celebrate here, but enjoy throughout the country!” Luis started. Some cheers backed him up, not well heard because of their distance. Noticing this, Luis commented, “I’d like to have you all closer to me, but some behind me might feel a bit too shy. Please, forgive them!”

  Some mockery sounded, with more cheers and callouts. Luis smiled a bit, looking at the cameras a few times before continuing. “Today, tonight— I want to welcome 3 things. One is the success of Lymoca’s integration of Terka. Their acceptance and understanding for both our people to reunite!”

  CHEEEEEERS! CLAMOOOOR! The crowd reacted wildly at this, with those who were with family members or lovers, calmed and spectating, smiled and held each other gladly.

  Luis’s suit became prominent now, and only now. It was pitch black, with tiny gray sparkles in between, belonging to tiny stones made into paper with Courusel machinery, this time the size of computers and printers. It looked almost without hems and corners, and simply striking.

  “The second— the understanding between Lymoca’s political parties, and our desire to further enrich the knowledge and smoothness of our methodologies! There shall be no corruption masked as a means! And no theft from the rich to the poor!” Luis raised his right fist.

  CHEEEEEEERSS!! The crowd roared in unison, converging to the notion and exhibiting their hatred of such repugnant matters. Luis nodded at them, firm and proactive.

  “Third—,” Luis paused, looking at everyone, seeing their eyes. They all waited, wanting to hear what was the last thing, still listening to him. He went on, “The reform to the judicial branch!”

  CHEEEEERS! It wasn’t much, incomparable to 5 million people marching together, but it was the sharpest, most vibrant, vigorous call from the crowd so far, which the cameras showed from time to time with moving angles. A rare sight across the world.

  “There will be many things that will change after the congress approves of this— because not doing so is failing all of you and the needs of Lymoca!” Luis went guttural in the last few words, bringing forth sonorous cheers in fervor.

  “Like it has been with the legislative and executive branch, the judicial branch will now be elected by the people!” Luis paused, letting the cheers resonate; travel into the audio of every available camera here. “This is a revolutionary concept. The first in the world, and it is in our Lymoca!”

  Cheers went on, but they didn’t stop Luis this time. He carried on, with a feverish, relentless wisdom. “A decentralized, community-driven platform for people’s decision-making block chain-based system.”

  “Any of you will be able to vote and even propose on policies presented, ensuring the hearing and counting of everyone equally! All of this to make it impossible for the people from external forces to influence in any of Lymoca’s matters and the opposition ever again!!” Luis sounded even a bit angry this time.

  Cheers crazily went off, conveying they felt just like him. Just like many others. Luis added, “No external funding will ever stand a chance in our country.”

  His words calmed their chests, helping them remember to gulp, waiting for more. The President continued, “The Honorary Token will be introduced— a new mechanism.”

  “To earn Honorary Tokens, anyone can receive one through decision-making processes in their or a community, volunteering for projects, and reporting instances of corruption.”

  “This opens a new mechanism. With it, the transparency untouchable policy, where everything must be reconfirmed, and the distribution triple-verified. This welcomes the Wisdom Score, which measures the collective results and integrity of the communities, like some factors.”

  “Such are participation rate, voting accuracy, and overall civic engagement. This can increase, further developing their livelihood and holding their leaders accountable, any. This will become even more important for civilian-regulation.”

  “When an individual has commendable high Wisdom Score, with the presented studies and heart, one can rise into the political world, also held accountable by his peers in the citizenry.” Luis paused to catch his breath before continuing. Lesly slid a bottle of water into his hand from below.

  “A new agency will be built, the Oversight Committee, comprised of high Wisdom Score people with the respective fields of expertise. They will have tasks to investigate with the Supreme Court Justice in matters of reviewing allegations of wrongdoing, investigate claims of unfair targeting, and counseling people’s doubts and how to avoid escalation.”

  “Among many others,” Luis looked upturned at the cameras before stopping to drink some water. Having become a bit thirsty. Lesly thinly smiled from behind, satisfied and sweetly pleased.

  Luis culminated, keeping the surroundings quiet, “Within this Oversight Committee is the Truth Verification System, where every accusation towards a politician is vetted and verified through the blockchain system and all other physical means required.”

  “This reform to the judicial branch and the integration of these innovations to our constitution come and go together, and are further backed by the Supreme Justice Minister!” Luis stated, widening the people’s eyes. Did she change? And hell right she did, stepping out of the main building to stand beside Luis’s cabinet. Luis’s arm extended to her, gesturing.

  The opposition leaders turned to her, tragically asking her why she ‘betrayed’ them in silence. Valeria Valyer ignored them, looking immensely beautiful, gracious, and now positively in the people’s eyes. She wore a darkened brown cape dress, accentuating her limbs and redhead.

  She wasn’t as nervous and trembling after Fox, who watched from behind, simply put his hand on her left shoulder and nodded at her with an innocent blink from his eyes. But feeling the people’s change of attitude towards her… it made wonders to her apprehension. They were looking at her, asking her if she really supports them now. But time will tell the tale best.

  “Who has been backed by the Supreme Court Ministers, and the judicial branch in the search for a Lymoca that is free of its past altercations and failures.” Luis concluded after Vanessa gained enough merit and view count. He stared at the crowd and smiled, smirking strongly from the left corner of his mouth right after.

  “Now, we won’t bother you with more politicking. Tonight, Lymoca celebrates! Lys, we and the new, as one— will honor our ancestors and future!!” - “CHEEEERS!!”

  The party had begun, with soundless but breathtaking, colorful, bright, and expansive fireworks painting the skies, reflecting on the faces of the Lys below, who were too hungry to save money.

  “Hey, Marta. I’m glad to see you here. I was just thinking of eating a dozen banderillas all night! Heh heh heh…” - “See this, son? This little soda, alcohol, and salt and lemon made me commit the horrible mistake of accidentally impregnating your mo-” - “Shut it!” - “Hehehe…” - “Oh, I thought you had gone out of business and were in Lydyago, what happened?” - “I had this call the other day and decided to come here, I’m so glad I did, cabrón!”

  People walked, bought, sold, and coexisted. With those with beer everywhere in their spots were sought after only as night began, and those with children moved back to their homes, hotels, or wherever they resided. Certainly, the couples still had a lot to go through, not going to stop now.

  … In the presidential precinct, Fox got ready to go to the main hall, where hundreds of people, all rich and influential, were mingling and chatting to their heart’s content. He wore his new suit, with Colmillo nodding at him in the changing room’s open space with a glass wall covering everything happening on the other side.

  It was black, of course, but only as its primary color. Behind the black, and the fake tie, which Colmillo was ‘forced’ to accept after Miros was put on the table, and how to conquer him faster, was a steel-like, plated gray color. It was a nice contrast, which made Fox all more captivating with his light brown skin color.

  Fox didn’t ask for it, but the black eagle from Preut’s old state symbol, and the silver eagle from Lymoca were represented well. The distinction between more black and less silver was of no value. The suit had 2 sharp corners at the front of his collar, covering some of his neck. Its buttons were pitch-black, hidden within the suit, but still noticeable, shining from any lighting.

  “That is it. Prepared and set for your night job, go Fox.” Colmillo satisfactorily nodded and spoke with her robotic tone, still with her mask on. Fox blinked and walked to the exit, stopping before Colmillo, who looked at him with an invisible question mark above her head and a slight tilt of her head.

  “Miros said he’ll pick up someone named Zees, it should be the girl he’s been thinking on.” Fox said. Colmillo was semi-paralyzed, her head going through saddening things, when Fox sounded his voice again. “He said he promised her bringing her to any grand banquet he was invited, so he said it was his compromise. Although I cannot confirm, it’s you who trust him, right?”

  “…” Colmillo lowered her head, lifted it again, and stared fixedly at Fox after a nod. She walked out, confidence slowly building up as she took her mask off, becoming as small as a thin, shaving blade. With her mask hidden within her sleeve, Fox watched her leave with her tomboyish suit, silently cursing Miros to die a virgin.

  Fox walked out after a bit, looking at himself in the mirror. It was nice, but… if he had blood and his suit was wounded, it would be many times better. He smirked, not caring about his bloodlust, and trekked the halls. When he was just around a corner to meet Luis’s party group, he stopped and looked at the door ajar to his side.

  Teon was smooched and engaged in many more with a pretty blond boy. They separated, with Teon all smug and smiling walking to the door, while Nauer was left slightly breathless. Fox nodded. Indeed, Teon had picked up his habit of forming up real good stamina.

  Teon widened her eyes, shocked to see Fox there, but Fox didn’t bother explaining himself, looking down at Teon with a casual expression, while Teon was all mentally awed then and there.

  “Come meet the Ruvas with me next time. Don’t worry, they don’t have a son that isn’t me to marry off to you. In fact, you’d help me get rid of certain little talks.” Fox closed in, flicked Teon’s chin from below to up with his index fingertip, and bluntly showed Teon a smile before dashing away.

  She was left speechless, her cold sweat halting altogether, before peeking her head out before Nauer did, too. “He didn’t say anything bad, so he doesn’t care, right?”

  “Wanna ask him your self? My oh so ballsy man?” Teon looked up, with Nauer facing down, still peeking outside the door. “I just don’t want to hurt you. It’s fun and… ahem, intoxicating but…”

  Teon rolled her eyes, bringing him out holding both hands and ignoring how much of a scare she had just gotten. She looked up at him and said with serious, coruscating retinas. “I just want you to squeeze when doing this, rocket me when doing that, and… and… and…”

  Nauer walked along her, hearing her out, gulping down and envisioning a brand-new world.

  …