SLEEPING GIANT
Menphemas stood ahead of Naalix at the calaboose entrance observing Kabibi, who was curled together with his etsac on a settee. It was endearing in its simplicity. The Fonantian researcher had shown him that his adoration for his etsac was, in fact, genuine.
“Precious, is it not?” Menphemas stated.
His charge appeared to be unimpressed as he stepped forward, which forced Menphemas to restrict his movement with his wadjar. Naalix glanced back. Menphemas knew that Naalix’s brand of rousing the Fonantian would only act as a detriment to their cause. He stuck his wadjar against the floor and allowed the light that emanated from both ends to illuminate the room.
One of the younger Fonantians was first to awaken. He was undeniably frightened by his surroundings.
“Ah. Yero!”
Kabibi, along with the rest of his etsac, awakened and huddled together as Menphemas glanced at Naalix. His way was less muddled.
“Apologies for the intrusion, Kabibi, but your role in the Paprijian Awakening is not yet complete.”
Kabibi expressed affection with his etsac before rising to his soleplates and approaching them.
“Yero!”
“Don’t go!”
His etsac cried out as their creator held them back. They were all a regrettable casualty of the conflict their ancestors had started—that Menphemas was determined to finish. Naalix led Kabibi out as his eyes remained focused on his consort. Her glare was powerful enough to melt the highest crests of Kethyrie. He smirked in response, before stepping back and sealing them inside.
They traveled from the calaboose through the Acropolis lacuna, returning to his projectile depot as Kabibi broke free of Naalix’s grasp and turned back to him.
“I’ve barely had any time with them. Your researchers are more than capable of making any modifications without my involvement.”
Naalix looked like he was about to separate Kabibi’s head for his body as Menphemas gestured for him to desist.
“Believe it or not, I have been more than fair with you, Fonantian. But my patience is wearing. You and your etsac are only still breathing due to my benevolence. You would be wise to remember that.”
Naalix handed him a control device as the Fonantian was still reluctant to accept. He knocked him aside as Kabibi had no choice but to take it.
“These projectiles need to reach their destinations faster than before. Make the adjustments now or you can observe your etsac suffer one by one. These are your options.”
Kabibi respired. Menphemas’ patience had diminished almost entirely. This defiant Fonantian had left him no choice but to wield the authority he held over his etsac. When the time came for him to destroy Fonantis, once and for all, Menphemas would derive great pleasure from making them all observe it.