ABOVE: KIRIBATI STYLE LIMESTONE HOUSES

Malia

Malia barely slept that night. Not because she was sat all night on the world's worst chair. No, instead one eye was always open, watching the Prince breathe softly in his drunken sleep.

She definetely felt like a creep, especially when she awoke before him and just sat there. After about ten minutes of silent gazing, she decided to freshen up in the bathroom. When she finished, she found Finn sitting on the edge of the bed, watching Halo like he was a baby.

"Oh, good morrow," Finn said when he noticed her. "Damn, he still isn't up? That alcohol must have really taken him out."

"We should wake him up soon," Malia said. "He has to pay the inn. Sorry, I'm broke."

Finn chuckled to himself, then looked at her as if he knew something she didn't. Malia rose an eyebrow.

"Why are you so amused?" She questioned suspiciously.

"Where did you sleep last night?" Finn fired back smugly. Malia froze in her skin, feeling see-through. Was her crush on the Prince obvious? Surely not.

"I slept on that chair. What do you take me for?" She asked with a scowl.

"Relax, rebel. I was simply checking," Finn snorted, his eyes still mocking. "How come you are so defensive?"

"I don't have to answer your questions, bumhead. Halo has been good to me, so I will be good to him."

"Interesting choice of words."

Malia felt silly on the inside, but she would not elaborate. She barely understood herself. She couldn't tell if she was drawn to Halo because he was everything she valued in a person, or because he saved her life. She didn't want to think on it too deeply, especially with the state of affairs.

"I'm just joking, lass," Finn said. "I wouldn't wish for Halo to struggle with more romance in his life. He needs a support structure mostly, if anything."

"Speaking of support, thank you for coming with me yesterday," Malia found herself saying. Maybe she was just trying to change the subject, but it was something she had planned to say for a while.

"I know I didn't leave you much of a choice but to come with me, but seeing my mother has helped me a lot. I already feel stronger. I just needed to show her I didn't abandon her. I can't thank you enough for that."

Finn felt out of place hearing Malia be so sincere. He didn't really know much about anyone besides Halo, but he didn't expect her to have so much of a heart. Sure, he heard from Halo that she had agreed to save his life, but he simply thought she was getting even with Halo for the execution thing.

"It's no worries. Your mother seemed relieved to see you too," Finn smiled slightly. "Looks like you both needed it."

Malia nodded eagerly and sat down next to Finn on the bed. He had no idea.

"You probably don't know this, but we were at war for a long time. Our country against the other islands. Because we're such a small country, both our men and women had to fight. Both my parents enlisted when I was young, so I stayed at our dormitary for 'waiting children', who were children waiting for their parents and guardians to come back from the war. My father died out there. And my mother ended up in a wheelchair."

Malia frowned as she remembered those years she spent alone in that dormitary. No siblings, no support. It was the loneliest five years of her life.

"When my mother came back, she was a different person. I couldn't talk to her. She wouldn't talk about my father either. And when she did, she would blame him for enlisting, and for dying. She said he abandoned her because he chose to fight for our country and left her alone. She was angry she was alive and he wasn't. And when I started growing up, she treated me the same way."

Finn paid close attention, hanging on her every word. "I'm not smart. I can't read very well or memorize things, but I can fight well. When my mother saw me getting involved with the King and his affairs, she blamed me for trying to protect people. She always told me it would get me killed and that I was a bad daughter because I would leave her just like my father did. I just wanted her to feel safe. I just want to help people. But she's still can't get over the war, so she can't see why I do what I do."

"So thank you," she smiled sadly. "You did something so simple by coming with me, but for me it went a long way. I could help my mother feel better, even if it was just a little."

"I'm glad I could help you, rebel," Finn smiled. He wanted to pat her shoulder but that would be weird.

"I needed to wake up to good news. I'm glad to hear my favourite people bonding," Halo's voice made them jump in their seats and spin around quickly.

"You're awake!" Malia shouted. Halo winced and gestured for her to lower her volume. He was sitting up underneath the blankets, his hair and clothes looking like a mess.

"I have such bad breath. And a giant headache," he whined, his body swaying.

"I'm on it," Finn said and got up, leaving the room. Malia moved closer to him, putting her arms on his shoulders to make him sit still.

"You drank so much and you were talking all sorts of crazy," she told him, smelling the alcohol on him still. His cheeks had a deep natural blush, and his lips unintentionally pouted as he seemed to recall the events.

A pained expression spread over his face.

"So it was true, everything you said about Leilani and Vaea?" Malia asked, already knowing. She was still shocked. "You asked me to kill them-"

"Leilani has always loved Vaea," Halo bleakly said. "She told me it herself yesterday when I went to her. She let me know exactly how she felt about me. I never had a chance. She was always going to go back, one way or another."

Finn came back in that moment, carrying a tray of food with him. He set it down for Halo to eat but he barely looked at it, staring straight ahead.

"She acted. Through all our years of being together. She was seeing him throughout it all. And now she tells me she wishes to marry him. They both lied to my face callously. I don't know if I can forgive them."

Finn looked at Malia, as if silently asking if it was all true. She gave him an awkward nod.

As if they needed more drama on their hands.

"Now I know why she was so adamant in chasing me away," Halo laughed sadly. "That was her being sincere."

"So then why did he exile her entire family?" Finn asked. "If the two of them are in love?"

"They disapproved of him. They wanted her to marry me, so that's why she kept her act on for years. As soon as I left Kukoa, that was their chance to get married. Her family must have stood in the way of that."

Malia's face lit up in realization. "That's why Vaea got rid of so many officials. He knew many people would stand in the way of what he wanted even if he was already King. There is public opinion as well. He's scared they'll revolt."

There were better reasons to revolt, but Kukoans were strange people. They'd only truly cause an uproar if tradition was threatened. And half of the public did not know Vaea's true face, so they remained complacent even through his unfavourable rule.

"So if Leilani is on Vaea's side...won't she tell him everything that's happened?" Finn wondered. "About you helping Malia and the others?"

"You're going to be in trouble!" Malia gasped. "You need to come with us to the bunker as soon as you can."

Halo shook his head, frowning deeply. He feared that outcome, but his heavy heart still had faith in Leilani. Even if she wasn't who he thought she was.

"I still have so much to do. I can't leave Augus on his own. I need to be your eyes and ears."

"You could die!" Malia protested. Why was he so stubborn? "If Vaea finds out you betrayed him in any way, do you think he'll let it slide easily? You'll pay with your life, ask me, I know. I just got lucky you happened to walk in that day."

Finn agreed reluctantly. "You'll be on your own, Halo. We can't be there to help you from the bunker when its so far away."

"I have Augus," Halo insisted. "He wouldn't let anything happen to me. I know everything is confusing as of now, but I will figure things out."

Malia sighed angrily, looking to Finn for help. He shrugged. Useless, she thought. He was Halo's best friend, he should be more worked up at this obviously poor decision.

Halo threw the blankets off his body and got up and out of bed. He stumbled as he stood, and Malia jumped to keep him up steady.

He chuckled sadly as he looked down at her, his arm hanging leisurely across her shoulder. He pulled her in close for a hug, stunning her and leaving her frozen.

"You're so reliable, my dear friend. I feel happy to know you're worried about me. But I'll always be well, trust me. No matter how many hardships hit me, I will be fine." He told her.

Finn watched Malia's shocked expression carefully, laughing silently to himself. She was not used to affection, it was obvious.

"She just doesn't want to lose her only chance at a revolution," Finn joked. "You mistake her desperation for care, Halo."

"Never!" He ruffled her hair gently. "The rebel is nothing of that sort. Right?"

He let go and Malia still stood like a frozen chicken, processing all the feelings that hit her at once. Oh, this was bad.

She couldn't believe Leilani would choose Vaea over Halo.

Malia was not sure why that thought popped into her head, but it amplified her disgust towards Leilani. There had to be something wrong with her to willingly choose him. She had to have an agenda. How could she ever leave Halo for a man like Vaea?

She was so lucky. Lucky to be loved by a man like him. Malia had never had that before. It never bothered her, but now she was livid Leilani would throw that away.

"Don't you dare show your sad," she suddenly told him, a dark expression on her face. Halo and Finn's faces dropped at the instant change.

"Huh?" They both said in unison.

"Don't show him how he beat you. Don't give him that pleasure of seeing you hurt. That's what he wants. He wants to see you sad while he's happy. It makes him feel like he won."

Halo frowned. He was not the best at hiding his emotions, and Malia sounded so convicted. She sounded more angry than him. He didn't know how he would face Vaea after this.

"She's right," Finn agreed. "That's exactly what he wants. You should show indifference. Make him think you don't give a fib."

Halo chuckled humorlessly. "That will certainly be unconvincing to Vaea. He has been able to see through me since we were children. And considering how I've been pursuing Leilani for all the time I've been back, he'll know I'm heartbroken."

Malia sighed and shook her head. Halo was too much of an open book for his own good.

"You know what you need? Revenge," she said with a smirk. "Not just on him. But on the both of them."

Finn raised his hand to interrupt, having to put a stop before Malia got excited. "We can talk about revenge later. Lets not forget the real important thing here. We need you to relay info to Augus about Captain Jared."

Malia gasped, shocked that she herself had forgotten. "Oh shit! Captain Jared's a part of the Docks!" She said to Halo.

"Excuse me?!"

"Its true. When I opened my eyes and tried to escape that warehouse, he was the one that locked me up again," Finn said. "People were taken away the day I was brought in. I heard they were being taken to some place called the Forbidden City."

Halo was in disbelief. Again, right under Augus' nose. He was going to be furious. His second in command was involved with slavery.

"Just him?" Halo asked in shock.

"No. Him and a police officer. The Police may be involved as well," Malia answered.

Halo gripped his hair, shaking his head. This problem ran deeper than he thought. How many branches of defense had Vaea spread this horrific practice to? How did Augus not know about it?

"I reckon we need to pay Captain Jared a visit," Malia cracked her knuckles. "Finn and I will go back to the bunker. But you need to bring Gus to us so we can figure out a plan."

Halo started rushing. He ate as fast as he could and made the bed. He needed to get to the palace. There was no telling how many more people were being taken.

***

"Sir, new equipment has arrived at the gate!" One of the younger Guards came to call Augus. He got up from his desk and immediately hurried to the walls of the palace.

So many imports had come in lately. Augus was constantly busy having to inspect them. Especially since they were directly sent to the palace. He hadn't gotten a chance to accompany Halo anywhere. He heard the Prince had stayed out all night. Dangerous, knowing Halo and how he occupied himself.

There were crates at the gates, none of them too big. Augus beckoned his men to follow him to approach them. He was handed a crowbar and carefully cranked one open. There was a seal on top of it, with a full moon stamped on it.

"This is from the Moon Rangers! Take them to the barracks!" Augus ordered.

"What is Moon Ranger technology, Sir?" Alan appeared next to him and picked up a crate. Augus had forgotten that Alan was new.

"The Moon Rangers are an elite overseas defence society, Sir Alan. They help nations absolve conflict where they can. Their technology is otherworldly, inspired by ages old magic of some sorts," he explained with a smile. "Come, let us show the King his goods have arrived."

They carried all the crates to the barracks, and soon the King joined them to inspect the technology himself.

Vaea held the strange contraption up in the air as he stared at it, scrutinizing. It could fit in his whole hand. Augus wondered what it was-and what would Vaea use it for.

"Amazing. These are new edition Ranger earpieces. It will allow for the most effective communication for the Guard and Police. Make sure you distribute it with vigilance, Marshall Na," Vaea said. "Everyone should have one."

Augus nodded, feeling uneasy. Knowing now what Vaea was doing behind the nation's back, Augus wondered if the technology would be used as a tool of war.

Communication. What if he was using it to communicate with his slave trade?

This was putting him in an even stronger position. Augus's mind was running on overdrive as he handed members of the Guard their pieces in packets.

Vaea lingered in his office, right on his shoulder. It made him abnormally uncomfortable. He was almost sad. Augus had high hopes for Vaea as a child. He hoped that he would achieve all his dreams. He could have never foreseen that he would end up like this.

"You're quiet, Augus," Vaea pointed out, tilting his head thoughtfully. "How is your wife and daughter?"

"Shia and Riso are doing well. Riso forgot to write to me this week," he answered, trying to force a smile. "Last I heard she was starting at a fighting house."

"A fighting house mmm?" Vaea hummed with a smile. "Is she thinking of joining the Guard like her father?"

"I would hope not. She has expressed interest in being a civil servant, so I am not quite certain."

"Why do you hope not?"

"Riso loves to sleep, your Majesty. The hours would make her very grumpy."

Vaea laughed. The sight made Augus feel worse. It sounded sincere. Like he was the boy he always knew.

"Well, that's lovely. But I have to know, Augus. Have you heard from Halo recently?"

Augus shook his head and frowned. His blood thinned a little at the mention of Halo. "I have not seen him since your match in the throne room, your Majesty. Shall I go look for him?"

Vaea shook his head. "No no, I am simply wondering. He hasn't come home since he went to Leilani."

"Oh...."

"I don't like that he travels by himself. Even if most people can't recognize him as the Prince, surely they will soon enough. I am worried for his safety, so I would like you to appoint Guards to accompany him whenever he leaves the palace."

Oh.

He wanted to keep an eye on Halo. Vaea was well aware that Halo could fend for himself. He had been overseas for three years and came back in one piece.

"I will do so, your Majesty."

Vaea smiled, slyly this time. "Marvelous. Come with me, I have people to welcome."

Vaea walked to the door of his office, stopping when Augus was not trailing behind him. "I thought I told you to come with me?" He rose an eyebrow.

"Of course, your Majesty. I will catch up, I have to sort these earpieces out for a second."

Vaea rolled his eyes and strolled on, leaving the door wide open. Augus watched carefully that he was out of view before taking six earpieces out of the crate and putting it in his drawer, locking it there.

The royal carriage outside the palace door left Augus asking questions internally. Vaea was not clear about who his guests were. Augus didn't know if it were officials from other countries or their own nobles.

He stood at his post, raising his rapier in greeting with all the other Guards. Then, to his disbelief, stepped out three of the Hira family children.

Leilani Hira was first. She was dressed formally, in a long flowing peach dress. Her blonde hair was neatly combed into a bun, she was adorned in jewels. Vaea went up and took her hand, kissing it gently. What the Heck.

Misty Hira followed behind her. Less formal. She had a farm blouse on with brown pants, looking like she had just come from gardening. Yunoa Hira came last, in his sleek civil servant's uniform. It had been exactly two years since he had been out of service. Ever since the Hira family expulsion out of Kukoa.

What in the world was going on.

Vaea turned around and faced all the guards. "The Hira family will be moving into the palace as we approach festive season," he said with a smile. "There will be a ball."

Augus wanted to ask what the meaning of this was. He didn't know what he would tell Halo.

"What's going on?"

He shouted the question as he came from behind the carriage. Halo appeared as a mess. Not just his clothes, he was stumbling. His face was crestfallen as he saw Leilani next to Vaea, her arm gently resting in his.

"Prince Halo!" Vaea said with misplaced glee. "I have been looking for you. Where have you been?"

Halo stepped up onto the palace stairs slowly, his eyes glossing over as he grit his teeth. "What is the meaning of this, your Majesty?"

"I do not mean to spoil the surprise, Prince Halo. But Lady Hira will be my wife in two weeks."

Another step. He missed.

Halo slipped and tumbled down the stairs, hitting his head at the end of the concrete. Augus immediately lowered his rapier and ran to his side.