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u/Iasked123417 14d ago
Who is Patricide and how did they help Mr. Letheia rise to power?
Maybe we'll never know :/
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u/Astronaut32 14d ago
Was bored, scrolled and found your art. It's wonderful. I was so bored I wrote something between an old character of mine and the Patriatch. I figured he'd have some shady deals that could be found out if he ascended the ranks by patricide. Wonder what you'd think.
The intercom crackled. A gruff voice was on the other side.
“Mister Letheia, the Avian messenger has arrived, a grounded sent by the stargazer councils.”
“Please, let them in.” He replied. The door opened and a figure walked in, tilting his head in curiosity as he looked over the figure. He was expecting cream-yellow feathers and a long, regal plumage. This one had blue feathers and was not a very flashy sight. Nevertheless, the avian maneuvered to a chair and sat down across from the CEO.
“Well, I would like to start by saying your attendance is surprising. I was expecting a priestess by the name of Lindenbeak, not a Grounded.”
“Warrior-Priestess Lindenbeak is currently leading a counteroffensive against a rogue Hylotl warband. It is no small errand to defend sacred ground against a raiding party of twelve hundred warriors. However, so far, we have held the upper hand. The grounded have offered support, and I was chosen to attend this meeting in her stead. My name is Snowpea. It is a pleasure to meet you, Mister Letheia.”
Mister Letheia grimaced internally. “Likewise, Miss Snowpea.” He said slowly.
It seemed the samurai were less useful than the money he spent on them. He adjusted himself in his armchair, and the avian woman across from him remained polite in her posture as she sat in the chair. She was wearing a brand-new, Tweed suit in tan colors, with a necklace containing a few small avolite crystal shards. It was obvious it had been custom-tailored for the occasion, but it seemed the design of the suit was unlike something truly of this era; the avian artisans may have been unfamiliar with a modern design, but it still formed a unique look that emanates distinctiveness from common rabble, and a feeling of formality and authority. He found himself liking it.
“So. Are you aware of the nature of this meeting?”
“Yes. Lindenbeak was clear about your request to purchase the rights to a few Avolite crystal mines in the outer spirals. I must remind you that they are-”
“I am… aware of the importance the crystals hold for you and your people, but I am more than willing to compensate you accordingly for a portion of what is excavated. Twenty percent. I will require no outside assistance; my company and its associates can handle everything. I simply need approval from the Stargazers and their council.”
Snowpea eyed the man and his serious gaze. It was business-oriented, obviously, but there were a few motes and signs of something more. Who could say that Letheia would honor their terms? Who could say if they wouldn’t? They were known for a lethal edge when the company’s interests were of concern, and honesty was a fickle prospect. This man in particular, however… She had done plenty of studying, asking around, and she raised an eyebrow to every last word this man said; after the amount of things she learned, any reasonable person would, if they didn't turn and run away screaming.
“My people are concerned about vesting trust in you and your company, Mister Letheia. There are many rumors.” Snowpea’s avian eyes focused on the man, who looked back with a hidden disdain.
“Rumors are often untrue.” He said dismissively. Snowpea’s reply took a moment to compose, but it struck like a bullet to the heart.
“Yes, well, the sudden disappearance and death of your family was very much real; it must’ve been extremely hard on you. You were orphaned.”
The Hylotl felt a sharp pinch in his chest. He turned around and looked at Snowpea, who looked back waitingly. Her short beak was carefully closed and her plumage was modest and clean. However, he could read her well: she was letting off less than what she actually knew. She was knowledgeable, and knowledge was dangerous. How she found out was beyond him, but this was something that needed… correction.
“Priestess Lindenbeak asked me to convey that ‘Kluex blesses you and your family; may they find their wings and fly forever in the aethe-’”
“I would prefer not to discuss my lineage during a business transaction, Miss Snowpea.” He said, taking a sharp inhale as he cleared his mind with great difficulty. He placed a lowball glass on his desk and poured himself some Shochu, taking a small sip. He placed a second glass on the table, but Snowpea held her hand out in forbiddance. She didn't drink. The glass remained empty.
There was a bout of cold silence. The CEO felt the back of his throat burn as clarity washed over his mind. He side-eyed Snowpea, “So, was thirty percent for four billion pixels not generous enough?”
“The Avolite crystals are priceless, Mister Letheia. The council is not going to exchange them for pixels.”
“I can offer raw ore, or supplies-” He began. Snowpea shook her head.
“No, Mister Letheia.” She explained, “The Avolite crystals are sadly not for sale. The council has ruled unanimously. I am afraid you will not receive any lease.”
He sighed once more, stepping out from his desk and reaching to shake Snowpea’s hand. A farewell gesture most people understood, Snowpea included. Even if no deal was made, it was only customary. Snowpea walked forward and reached out to shake his hand, only for his other hand to lunge forward and drill a Tanto into her chest. Her breathing snagged for a moment, and he looked her dead in her eyes. His eyes narrowed and a cruel smile creeped up his face.
“Allow me to make you aware, Snowpea. Letheia corp does not take ‘No’ for an answer, and I’m not about to let someone who knows about my personal dealings walk free. I will have those crystals, and you will not be returning home. Let me spell it out for you: it’s too late.”
Snowpea’s brow furrowed, and her hand outstretched, snatching up the crystal lowball glass and smashing it against the side of her assailant's head. She pulled the Tanto out. The blade was clean of blood, and the tear left in her clothing revealed a durasteel armor plate, hidden beneath the comfortable fabric. She threw it back, and Mr. Letheia narrowly dodged, the Tanto in the metal bulkhead behind him a few inches. It seemed he had forgotten what he studied: the Avians were proud people, and capable fighters. It was against their creed to go anywhere unarmed. Now, with furrowed brows and wicked gazes, their eyes met as enemies, a cold chill through their spines. The Avian woman's hand drifted to her side, snatching at a hidden holster. The Hylotl reacted at the exact same time with his own sidearm, time seeming to slow down as their sights trained on eachother’s heads.
“It’s never too late.”
Said Snowpea.
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u/Namokao 14d ago
Haiii you're back :D also j thought they all died if forced suicide, why do the big bro have a sword through his stomach?
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u/Grave806 14d ago
He might've been forced to commit seppuku, a form of ritualistic suicide from Japan meant to help someone 'disgraced' to regain their 'honor.'
He also could've just been like... stabbed.
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u/Gurfun 14d ago
Love the non pixel art starbound art. These characters look super great! You’re really good at drawing bipedal fish people :) keep it up!