Alright! *twitches everytime her sister shows signs of pain*

*begins to call upon the faeries telepathically*

- Please, I am in dire need of your assistance. I humbly request your help for my dear sister. Come quickly. -

{Will Hito still participate or will he be only bringing the final judgement?}

*after meeting up with Chiarys and wandering for a good amount of time, FM, Nicolas and Chiarys finally find everyone else*

FM: *sees the Queen* Ah! My Queen and employer. I have been looking for you... Maybe I can help out in the making of battle plans? *motions over to Nicolas and Chiarys* Let's get set up. *the trio begins to assemble a table and a board. FM continues to speak as they do*

FM: Since I've had some time, as well as a personal camera present at crucial moments, I've assembled this list... *they finish the set up, revealing a message window open with descriptions and sub-par sketches of what looks like key Queendom members. little stickey notes on the table and chalkboard read, "For effect only" at that moment, Nicolas runs off in his militaristic manner to flirt with the new Crown Princess, with Chiarys close behind to make sure nothing happens*

FM: OK! So, here's what I've compiled so far...

Queendom troop: Though they can hold their own agains the demons, they're only human and can last for so long. The backbone of our forces.

Fairy troop: With powerful magic, they slaughter most demons with the flick of a wrist. We have a number of them on shield duty, as well as offensive long range support.

Major Armstrong, Royal Flexor: One of our strongest alchemists besides some of the Royal Court members. He is out on the battlefield, I believe, but his current location is unknown to me.

mei tenshi, Royal Healer: Our head healer, she can hold her own in battle, is capable of some offensive magic, I believe, and also owns a pet dragon. Supposedly related to one of the demon generals, Algazore. This could help or hurt us.

definingmind, King of Zeal: Can be a very formidable opponent, he also has control of the Zeal Airfleet, which I assume we have at our disposal. Air support would be nice, but we'll integrate that later...

Chiarys: Is very strong and can take out almost any demon with brute force alone. She is well versed with most forms of melee combat and has experience dealing with demons, though has no experience in the field of magic...

Nicolas: One of the top ranked fighters among the Earth and the colonies, he has precision and can use any weapon give to him efficiently. Helped to remove a planet of demons, but has no experience with magic either.

Xithion: Half-human, half-demon, he is learning to use "raw magic". His unstable form could be a liability. He somehow has the power to merge with other beings.

phoenix alchemist: Supposedly has ability to revive himself from the dead, he has control over many forms of fire magic.

FM: Another one of the top ranked fighters who also helped to remove a planet of demons. Can use any weapon, though has a preferred choice of blades. Has no magic ability, but "soul embodied" technique could be used in a moment of desperation to protect Queendom members or slaughter hundreds of enemy troops. Also has little alchemic power.

Do we have an updated status of the Chibi-dom and their involvement?
Are the Royal Exorcist(hagane no tokage) and General(xrninja) present, or have they gone on vacation/been relieved of their status?
I decided to not include Ailuro(Apprentice Queen, Crown Princess) and Bling(Queen of Zeal), because it seems that you want them out of harm's way and off the battlefield, and also yourself, for obvious reasons. But don't forget that your daughters are very capable on the battlefield, and have a good deal of alchemic power as well...

FM: *turns to Queen* Anyhow, these are some of the cards you hold. I also have some suggestions on battleplans that could work, but I'd like to hear some of your own suggestions first...

Edit: *hears Bling crying out* Actually, if you need to tend to family matters first, I ask that you deal with those first. You'll need to be focused if you're going to make crucial descisions... (thinks to himself, "where is that white-haired fool...?")

*manages to make a watery smile in spite of all the pain... feels a bit better, knowing that her sister and her husband are with her*

*gasps*

I seriously hope the mid-wife faeries come soon.. *cries a bit more*

Owww... maybe... *gasp* the... Royal Exorcist... knows... ahhhhhhhh! OWW! how... to... ahhhh... give... birth... *is so ashamed of her weakness*

*smiles a little to the love of his life. But hidden beneath that smile was so much pain. It hurt him to see Bling in so much pain, and not be able to do anything about it. He wanted to do something, anythign to help her pain be somehow lessened.
BUt for now he did all that he coudl by comforting her. Lightly placing a hand upon Bling's sweaty brow, he gently wiped away the presperation. Leaning in close, he airily kissed her forehead*

You're doing alright hon... You're doing fine... *he softly told his wife whislt lightly laying his head agaisnt hers*

*his eyes looked over to the lady Ailuro. A smiel came across his face* Thank you, Lady Ailuro, for being here with us... It means so much to us that you'll stick by us right now...

*more cold sweat breaks out, and her cries become almost uncontrollable...*

Ohhh ye gods above... owwwwwwwwww! *cries more*

Sister, can we please call the priestess! *moans in agony*

*clutches the Prince's hand feverishly*

*starts to weep in pain*

Please... someone call the priestess... ;_;

*gets another tele-message*

Oh my... and the priestess is gone, too! *cries*

[Who knows? Maybe he's made up his mind already with what we already have so far and is silently plotting away in some armchair. ]

Due to time constraints, I will only address key comments.


Not much hope in that department, unfortunately, as we were heavily outnumbered to begin with. The Fairies have quite an advantage because of their magic and flight abilities. If we can spare any from shield duty to place them on the battlefield, then do so.


It could help, but let's hope that the supposed relation might be untrue, or that the demons do not know about said relation. They could very well attack with more vigor if they knew that someone remotely related to them was on our side.


Our aerial units are actually doing fine, as the opposition has more earth-bound creatures than ones that are airborne. As well, I have a ground team and transport vessel providing them with ammunition, so for the time being, there is no need to worry about them.


Have her lead some of the ground troops then. If they can spare the time, have her devise a strategic move or two so the troops can fight with skills learned from an expert. If Nicolas is such a good shot, then send him to one of the towers and have him attack from there with projectiles.


Maybe he could merge with everything then kill himself? It would make things quicker.


Take your pick of whatever is left in the royal armory and use them to your liking.


I have not forgotten, and yes, I do want them out of harm's way. With the Princess' condition the way it currently is, she can be of no use to anyone on the battlefield. She is two lives in one, and losing her would make things even more tragic.

*cries*

Sis... please! Ahhh... run to the pharmacy down the hall... grab the potion that says "Speedy Childbirth"... *lets out a scream from utter pain*

Please! We have no Healer or Priestess for the faeries to take orders from... *weeps*

The baby's coming, and I need that potion... now...!!!

No-one here knows how to be a midwife, I'll just have to take my chances with that potion!

*weeps*

At least my child will be born safely... and at least I saw my husband one lsat time... please... get the potion...

*makes an effort to speak again* If... I don't get... that potion now... I'm gonna die anyway! And the child dies too! At least if I die with the potion, the baby will live!

Don't worry, sister! I'll get the potion for you! You can't die! You just can't!

*runs to the potion room* Hmm.. *reads all the labels* There it is. *grabs the precious potion and runs back to Bling*

Sister, I have brought a potion for you. This one will work a lot better than the previously mentioned potion. It will give you no side-effects whatsoever. Perfectly safe and will guarantee your, and the baby's, survival.

*reads the label... and sees two potions... and two sisters...*

Awha-...? I'm so dizzy... *slurred speech* Why... does it say... "for animals... only"...

*is revived to consciousness by a sharp stab of pain*

OH... OWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW! >_<

<== feels a wave of dizziness overcome her

{If that's true, that'd be real cheap. But I suppose it'd be entertaining for most everyone to see us try, if that's the case}

FM: *salutes* Understood. I'll carry out orders as soon as I find my friends... *closes the message window and trashes the table and chalkboard, then walks out. moments later, he find Chiarys and Nicolas wandering the halls* So what happened?

Chiarys: Romeo here could find his Juliet. Or rather, he was shut out. *laughs*

FM: For the 21st time so far... *he smirks* Anyway, we've been given orders. Nicolas, you've been requested to take a position on one of the towers and snipe the enemy. *he takes a step closer* You'll have time later for women. We need to get our job done first. *turns to his sister* Chiarus, come with me.

Nicolas & Chiarys: Understood. *they part their separate ways*

*As Chiarys and FM enter the Royal Armory, they look through the left-over weapons*

Chiarys: Brother, look! *she pulls out a shiney broadsword which looked as though it weighed a ton*

FM: But you already have a giant long katana... *sweatdrop*

Chiarys: But it compliments my katana and the style I use with it. See? *she swings both swords gracefully and with ease, as though they were just normal length swords*

FM: Well, if that's what you want... *he comes across an old chest* What's this? *he opens it to find a large mass of assorted coiled whips. he rummages through, then picks out a plain leather whip. he ties it to his side, thinking it may serve him later* OK. Chiarys! *she turns to him* Let's go get ourselves a mob. *they run out to the courtyard to find any useful and powerful soldiers*

-----------------------------------
*Nicolas find a decent position on top of a tower near the east. he opens up his box of infinite storage and pulls out a rifle with explosive rounds. he sets up on a ledge and begins sniping.*

*he lets a round off and takes one down* One... *another shot* Two...

*cringes some at hearing her in such pain. As he held her hand, or rather, more like her squeezing his; the P/K.O.Z. prayed a quick prayer under his breath.*

*leaning in close, he softly speaks to his wife* Bling, honey, you are not going to die on me... You're going to be alright... You're strong enough to make it through this. Please... You're going to be alright...

*mei and Kyor land in the courtyard, only to be startled by a sudden wave of hyper-tension activity different from the usual demons-are-banging-at-our-gates sort. This kind feels like...childbirth?*

Holy cow...

*Utilizing her secret store of magic, mei transports herself just outside Princess Bling's bedroom door. Rushing inside, mei exlaims*

Not that one! *hurriedly takes the vial from Ailuro, chastising herself for not relabeling the vials sooner* I'm sorry I'm late, but...well, just lean back, Princess, and try your best to relax. I'll cast a spell to alleviate the pain, but you'll be knocked unconscious for a few hours. During this time, I'll check to see what's wrong, as it's much too soon for the baby to be born and these pains are rather excruciating, I presume? Don't worry, it'll be okay. Now, relax...*hands begin to glow yellow as the spell is cast*

(Several hours later, after the inspection)

Strange. There's nothing wrong with the baby. Your child is actually quite healthy, Princess. It could be just the mix of alchemic and Zeal lineage--I don't know what kind of magic, if any, runs in the Prince's blood, so I can't be sure. But I don't think you have anything to worry about. I have a potion that will ease the pain a bit--I'll send them over once I get them bottled and readied. Get some rest now, and don't worry about parental units being an issue--you won't die on my watch!

*Once assured that the Pinrcess has drifted to a restful sleep, mei returns to her room/lab/pharmacy to prepare the potion. It is a fairly simple concoction, so mei is found bottling and topping the vials half an hour later. She carefully sticks green adhesive labels on the bottles and carefully stores them in a wooden box labelled "Bling's Pain-Killers." She was about to send for an attendant to help carry the box (a rather hefty box, considering how frequent Bling's pain-attacks were) when a soldier runs in with a message--*

Soldier: Please--hurry! [insert name of random soldier here]'s gone berserk--he was attacking his companions like they were the enemy! You must come help!

mei: What? Shouldn't you call the exorcist?

Soldier: We couldn't find her anywhere! We've tied [insert berserker soldier's name here] down--

mei: --but there's still the casualties. Of course. The barracks, right? I''m going right away.But I need you to take the box of potions--the ones labeled in green--take those to Princess Bling's chambers, and be careful not to disturb her.

Soldier: Y-yes, of course...the green bottles in the box?

mei: Yes! Now go!

*mei has left, and the soldier remains looking around for the box. He finds an ornately carved box on the nearest shelf, looks inside, remembers that he's color-blind, and decides that this was probably the one that the healer meant. He takes the box to Princess Bling's chambers and leaves it in the hands of the guards at her door.*

{first, random out of Queendom rant. *leaves Pocky for DM, Bling, Quistis, mei and Ailuro for enjoyment outside of the Queendom.
@mei: People who tend to be color blind tend to have red or green color blindness. Blue colorblindness is a bit rare. But we'll say your soldier there has it. How did I know that? Did a project on colorblindness in science at school. [/rant]}

...178 ...179 ...180 *Nicolas continues his little shooting spree, when he feels the tower shake a bit. he looks over the edge and sees some demons scaling the side of the tower*

Nicolas: So it seems I've finally drawn attention... *he takes the rifle off it's stand and removes the demons with a head shot, each. he then reaches back in his box of infinite storage and pulls out more ammunition and several small robots shaped like construction hats. he places the robots on the side of the tower and continues to pick off demons. while he does, more demons come up the side of the tower. the robots detect the demons and open fire with their machine guns and remove of the demons*

*meanwhile, FM and Chiarys continue to pick up spare soldiers for their entrance into the battefield*

FM: Seems like we've cleaned out the courtyard of spare soldiers... Let's head out to the barracks.

Chiarys: But aren't these guys enough...? *she looks at the mixed group of fairies and men they've picked up*

FM: Yes, but we don't want to be caught unprepared. We are fighting demons, after all... *they both walk off to the barracks. on their arrival, they notice the crazy, blood-drenched soldier tied up.*

FM: *he turns to one of the frightened soldiers standing near-by* What happened to this guy?

Soldier: He went beserk some time ago and killed a few of our own. Something's wrong with him... Just look at 'em... *he begins to shudder*

Lieutenant: We've called for the Royal Healer. She should be here anytime soon...

FM: Is that so... Chiarys, go look for spare soldiers. I'm going to wait for the Healer.

Chiarys: Ok, but... Anything specific?

FM: Ah, right... If you think they'll get distracted on the battlefield, don't bring them. If just talking to them makes them distracted... Leave. And also, try to hold back and don't take out too many of them that irritate you.

Chiarys: OK! *she goes off with their group of spares. moments later, a man goes flying and lands at FM's feet*

FM: Well that didn't take long...

[@FM: Ah, thanks for the bit of info. I knew there were cetain colors affected by colorblindness, but couldn't remember which. I've changed the labels from blue to green, though, just so it makes more sense. Not that everything about the Queendom makes sense, anyway...or even most things...]

*mei arrives at the barracks, instantly drawn to the large group of soldiers gathered in the training area. She hears the crazed shouts of one man--the berserker, probably. The soldiers direct her to the casualties--there area few with slashed limbs, and two with broken ribs...and several dead, but it was alerady too late for them. Others with lesser wounds have already begun tending them. mei quickly reforms the bone structures of the two with broken ribs and reconnects the nerves and tendons of the limb wounds. A soldier leads her to where the berserker is tied, a bloodied man covered with cuts and bruises, but screaming as if posessed...*

*She nods a distracted greeting to FM who stands nearby, for all the while spent at the barracks this day, mei has felt the familiar touch of Alazgore's demonic power...*

{@mei: You're welcome. *gives Pocky*}

FM: Ah, mei, you're here... *gets up off his seat* I've got a question about this guy here... Is there anyway we could use this guy? He seems to have completely lost it, but still... Oh, and while I have your attention... *pulls out box of infinite storage and pulls out a bunch of charms with kanji on them* Since the Court Exorcist isn't here, I thought I'd ask you if you knew how these things work. My friend gave them to me before I left home, but I mixed them up and can't tell them apart.

*a few of the charms wave in the direction of the beserker, as if there were a wind blowing. but, the fact is, the air was still. there wasn't a wind blowing*

*the Princess wakes up from a very sound sleep... to find in her arms... TWINS!!!*

o0o! Awwww... a baby boy and... a baby girl! !!!

*thinks some*

Have they been named??? ???

[Thank you for the Pocky! ]

*mei takes the charms from FM*

Oh, good...these charms will help channel the energy nicely. *mei swiftly places one on the berserker's forehead, which immoblizes the man, though his eyes dart around frantically.*

Now, untie him and hold him in a sitting position. * mei places another charm on his back, and the last on his chest. With a slight hesitation, mei begins to chant softly an incantation to drive out demonic spirits, similar to what she performed for Xithion. The charms begin to glow. The man begins to stir. With growing intensity, the kanji on the charms flash and brighten like blue-white fire. The man begins to groan, and his groans give way to hoarse screams of agony. It is a frightful sight and several soldiers cringe or avert their faces, but the healer is unaffected. The demon magic must be driven out.*

*At last, the kanji flare a final time and the markings seem to slither from the charms onto the man's skin like snaking tatoos. Seconds later, the markings return to the charms, but the kanji is differnt, indicating a sealed spirit. mei sighs a breath of relief, and move to retrieve the charms, but--*

*The berserker's eyes suddenly flash open, his pupils dilated and crazed but burning with such intensity that the entire area seems frozen by the force. A vicious grin appears on his face, stretching across his face as if cut open by a sword.*

I hope you had not forgotten, mei...

Alazgore--*mei utters* It is too soon--you said you would give me seven days.

I grow impatient. You now have one day. Oh, and I hope you weren't planning on reusing this garbage. It's an unsavory husk, anyway.

NO! *mei screams, but it was too late. The burning eyes disappeared in a flash, to be replaced by genuine confusion, fear, then terror. The man screamed a last time, and his organs exploded from within. Everyone within the vicinity was covered in hot, crimson blood.*

*looks at her cute, chubby little babies...*

My gosh, they're shuuu cute!!! =^^=

Hmmm... *thinks a minute, then kisses the lil boy*

I'll name you 'Joren'... and... *kisses her lil girl*... my little Princess is 'Sakura'... ^0^...

I can't wait till your father sees you both!!! ^______________^

*while searching for more potential troops, Chiarys enters the mess hall. as she does so, she is stopped by a giant of a man. a fat giant. he stares down with folded arms and says*

Fat man: What do you want here?

Chiarys: I'm looking for soldiers who got left behind or stayed behind to help my brother and I in battle. Let me through, please.

Fat man: Civilians aren't allowed in here. You must be part of the Queendom military.

Chiarys: I have permission from the Queen...

Fat man: You must have some proof of what you speak of...

Chiarys: *she becomes a little irritated and interrupts* Listen. There's a war going on if you haven't noticed, and in a couple of days, this place could be gone. I need to get through.

Fat man: Well... *he looks her over* I could make an exception for you...

Chiarys: *already picking up on what this guy is planning, she begin to boil. but she does her best to seem calm* What is it.

Fat man: *he bends over, un-folds his arms and begins in a whisper* One night. You and me. My place... *before he can finish, Chiarys grabs his shirt, single-handedly picks him up off the floor and slams him into the ground. she gets a view of the inside of the mess hall. it is filled with strong men, wide-eyed and shocked. Chiarys puts her foot up on the fat man and begins to speak*

Chiarys: You men are a disgrace. You should be fighting out there, and yet here you are, eating your lives away. I'm going to ask very nicely that you come with me to the battlefield. Should you refuse, you'll get the same treatment as him. *she stomps on fatso. most of them seem frightened, but a few stand up in defiance...*

*meanwhile, FM drops his arms from shielding his face from the blood spray of the possesed man. he walks over to mei, who wore a grave expression.*

FM: Excuse me, but may I ask what and who was that? If there's something going on, maybe my sister, myself, or some of the others could be of some help? Oh, by the way... *he reaches his bloodied hand in his box of infinite storage and pulls out a towel* Need a towel? *suddenly, he feels a thud, hears a few men scream, and another soldier lands near-by. he spazzes out after realizing he's in a pool of blood* O_O (I'll have to check on my sister soon, FM thinks to himself)

*the Princess places her palms together, and bows her head... a radiating white light emerges from her, and settles to her children...*

That should be good enough to... take care of you both... till... I...

*slumps on the bed...*

till... your father... comes...

*passes out from fatigue*

*the sphere of light hovering about the royal cribs shatter, and from it emerge two Silver Faeries... who immediately pick up the infants and give them bottles of milk...*


~

[On the balcony of Princess Bling's room stood a tall, dark figure, clothed all in black with a hood over its features. The stranger simply looms there, unbeknownst to the Faeries... and the figure unsheathes a long sword...]

*in her sleep, the Princess starts to stir... and then speak, as if she is addressing her husband, the Prince*

"Sweetheart... my love... where... are you???"

[The stranger freezes its motions for a split second; The Faeries, holding the infants, turn to face the Princess...]

"Where are you... why... have you... betrayed... my mother's... Queendom...?"

[The black figure remains motionless and listens to the Princess' delirium... the Faeries glance at each other in surprise and shock...]

"My dear husband... how could... you... betray... my homeland...? My nation...? My... trust...? Where are you...? Please... come back to me... don't leave... and don't... follow... the Daemons..."

[With a sudden tense movement, the darkly-clad figure re-sheathes its sword... moves closer to the glass-paned doors... and then disappears. The Faeries start whispering to each other...]

Fiore: His majesty...? The Prince...? A traitor!?!? *disbelief*

Viola: *shakes head* Impossible... it must be something in the potion that's making her highness delirious... *thinks for a minute* It cannot be...

Fiore: What are we to do about this...?

Viola:... I don't know...

[The Princess suddenly speaks again...]

"My love! I'm begging you! Please... don't... join... them..."

*voice trails off...*

Fiore: *takes a deep breath* The Queen must know of this...

As the princess falls quiet and her slumber deepens, there is a soft scratching sound near the foot of her bed. A small red salamander scuttles up one of the bed posts and pauses a moment, observing the sleeping princess briefly before flicking its tongue and jumping down onto the bedpread. Splaying all four legs and all of its tiny toes, the salamander radiates a soft red glow, and an envelope appears beneath it, addressed to a one 'Princess Bling'.

The salamander glances back at the princess, nods its head, then vanishes as quietly as it appeared, the sealed envelope resting at the girl's feet. Upon awakening, the princess would find within it a letter from someone the Queendom hadn't seen or heard from in months...

QUOTE

My Dear Princess Bling,

Congratulations!  It has come to this one's attention that you are to be a mother!  It is with deep regret that this one remains parted from the queendom for this blessed event.  Kindly forgive this one's sudden disappearance.  This one was unable to contact you with explanation until this time...

Hearing of the war that has befallen the queendom, this one has sent some dragons to the fornt lines to help your warriors.  They're a tad frightful-looking, but this one assures you they will bring no harm to those loyal to the queendom.  This one hopes their firepower--as it were--may help bring a faster end to the conflict.  They are excellent in aerial combat as well as ground attacks, so this one hopes they will do some good for your forces.

It seems this one's clan had been disbanded; most of this one's race has now been destroyed by the same demons who fight against you.  This one's presence was needed back home.  That was why this one had to leave so suddenly, and without warning.  However, this one was too late to prevent the decimation.  The queendom took this one in without question, so with the queendom lies this one's loyalty now.

This one journeys your way at this moment, and prays she will find you all safe upon her return.  Until such time as we can speak in person, this one sends well wishes for you, your new little ones, and everyone in the queendom.

Sincerely, Tokage

PS: This one has also sent two smaller dragons to help guard the front gates of the palace.  Please do not be afraid of them, they are close personal friends and would surely never harm you.  This one should make it back to the palace within two days' time...

Oh....what a nice story @_@

{@tokage: Best hurry. Hito decides the end in 5 days...}

*as Nicolas is sniping, he notices some dragons fly in and torch the demon frontlines. he stares for a moment, then takes aim. suddenly, another dragon pops up in front of him and speaks*

Dragon: Please do no attack! We are your allies...

Nicolas: You're allied to my ally. Which is basically the same. But. *he lets off a round. it flies past the dragon's head and connects with a demon that was about to take him out* Go do your job.

*the dragon, though slightly irritated, flies off into the battlefield*

Nicolas: Dragons, eh? Hahahaha.... We'll I'll be damned. Just like Euro boy with his wings... *he takes anther shot* 778... 779... 780... (things are getting boring up here...) 781...

i figured. i'm not really going to be two days. it just sounds more dramatic that way. XD

*wiping off the berserker's blood from her arms--mei had given up on her robes, which are being torched at the moment--mei hears the staff talking about tokage's return, and sighs a breath of relief*

Oh, good. We need all the help we can get.

Now, about that other matter...

[What?!!? 5 days!?!?!]

*the Princess momentarily awakes... and then sees the red envelope*

My, my...!!! It's the Royal Exorcist!

*breaks the seal and smiles some as she reads the message...*

[The Silver Faeries look worriedly at the Princess...]

Fiore: *whispers* She doesn't remember that she was speaking in her sleep...

Viola: *shrugs* I told you... maybe it was just simple delirium...

Fiore: *sighs worriedly* I still think the Queen should know of it...

Viola: *miffed* What do you mean 'she should know of it'?!?! Do you want to cause panic in the Queendom!?!?

Fiore: *raises her voice too much...* If THEY don't find out now, THEN WHEN!?!? ! The Queendom is in jeopardy, and so is the Princess!

*Princess Bling's head snaps in attention at the two Faeries*

Viola: *frown* Now you've done it, Fiore... ... way to go...

Bling: *in surprise* What? In jeopardy? How? What are you talking about? And how am I in jeopardy?!!

[The Faeries are dumbfounded]

Bling: *raises her voice a bit* I asked a question... it will be answered!

Fiore: *bowns head* My lady... you were talking in your sleep.

*Viola gives her the "look"*

Fiore: No, the Princess must know... you were speaking to his highness, the Prince... and you told him not to join the side of the Daemons...

[The Princess is aghast...]

Bling: *in denial*... Why... that can't be!!! My husband would never do such a thing!!! He would never betray us! He loves me too much to do that!!!!

A figure appears at the front gate of the palace, draped in a cloak with a pack upon her shoulders. She nods briefly to the two small dragons stationed at the door, then quickly moves past them. Once inside, she lowers the hood of the cape and drops the pack on the floor with a loud thud!

"A~~a, this one thought her spine would break under the weight!" *rubs lower back* "Mou~, who decided to put the south so very far south?" *looks around and sees the area is deserted save for the dragons out front. even the genie appears to be gone. frowns* "Hello? Is anyone here?" *cups hands around mouth* "Hello~~?"

hello~? ...hello~? ......hello~?

Tokage gave a shiver at the echo, then shouldered the pack again and headed for the tall staircase that led to the bedchambers of the royal family. Taking the steps three at a time, she dashed to the second floor as fast as her webbed feet could take her, hoping against hope that nothing unfortunate had befallen the residents of the castel in her absence...

Fiore and Viola exchange dubious glances. "As you say," they intone, but it is clear that they do not believe the Princess in the least. "The Princess' acting is very bad when she is distressed," Fiore whispers. Viola nods. "We have to tell the Queen, even so..." Just then, they sense the presence of two other Silver Faeries in the hall. After a brief discussion and some favor-trading, the faeries agree to take Fiore and Viola's place in watcing over the children. The princess, who has already fallen asleep, is not aware of the exchange.

The two faeries are not as experienced nor as skilled as Fiore and Viola in detecting demonic presences, and so did not realize until it was too late that the Princess' chambers have been breached. A claw silently dispatches them with chilling finesse. The Princess stirs, but does not awaken. The demon advances to the children's cribs and stands over them. He picks them up in their blankets, one on each arm--they do not resist. He stands poised to depart--then casually knocks over a vase. The vase shatters, the Princess jerks awake, the guards rush in. Seeing her children in captitvity, the Princess screams and the guards charge the demon, but he is a quick one. He reaches the balcony in an instant, leaps onto the rail and turns to face his enemies, the Princess' guards. As they reach the balcony, it seems that an invisible wall has risen to block their way. They could not pass, however hard they beat at the air of glass. A wide leer spreads on the demon's face as he watches the guards struggle, and he bows with the children still in his arms. But to everyone's horror, the demon throws the children into the air, and with a flourish of his long claws, he slashes them in the air. The guards suddenly lurch forward, and were lucky enough to catch the children as they fall. By then, the demon had already disappeared.

The children let loose a wail in unison. The guards look down. On Joren's left cheek, and on Sakura's right, red welts glow angrily on their newborn skin.

Guard 1: Damn, Mik, what do we do?

Guard 2: Shit--how is the Princess?

Guard 1: She's fainted.We need to call the healer.

Guard 2: There's no time! The cuts are growing. It'll be too late by the time she gets here. Hey--didn't she send someone with a box full of potions?

Guard 1: They're for the Princess--

Guard 2: What's good 'nuff for the mother's good enough for the kids, I say. Where did you put them?

Guard 1: I'll get it--

*They carry the children inside. The guard finds the box, opens it, and pulls out the cork from one bottle with his teeth. The other mumbles something about acting macho in front of one person--a man at that!--but he accepts the potion. There is a stange, acrid smell to it, but if it came from the healer, it should be okay. He hopes.*

Guard 2: So...should they drink it, or should we pour it over the wounds?

Guard 1: Do both, for good measure.

*They first pour the potion into the children's open mouths, but they resist and some of it pours over the wounds, anyway. However, the guards realize the error of their actions right away. Not only have their wails redoubled, the skin around the welts are turning a gray-purple-ish color. and it's spreading across their faces, down their necks, to their arms, to their small, kicking feet...The anguish in one guard's eyes is reflected in the other's.

Guard 1: What have we done...?

[ahh...going into story mode, I see...very well...]

The guards tremble over their potentially grave mistake, and feel frightened when the babies suddenly cease their cries. They do not notice the Queen enter the room, and are jolted from their states of contemplation when she speaks in a calm voice, but it is stern and lower than usual.

"I demand to know what all the commotion was about."

The guards dare not lift their heads to look the Queen in the eye, for they fear it may be the last time they would be able to move a head connected to their own body. They have never felt such an imposing sense of ire from the Queen before. She speaks again.

"Must I repeat myself?"

"N-no, your majesty," Mik stammers, all the while glancing sideways to his comrade for help.

There is more silence, until a whisper pierces through the deadly still air.

"Out with it, gentlemen."

They know they can delay no longer. They are not scared by the words, but the apathetic tone in which it escaped the Queen's lips, the calm before the storm.

One of the guards starts, "Th-th-the royal heirs have been . . . we . . . we are sorry, your majesty!" They kneel and cower at her feet, clutching the babies to their own embrace.

Silence. A shadow creeps over them, the Queen's irritation filling the room like a thick fog in an ancient forest.

"Give them to me."

One of the guards sob and quickly hand over one of the twins, while the other guard solemnly waits for his turn to release the other baby from his arms. The Queen's eyes narrow suspiciously as she looks over the babies' new appearances.

"What did you do to them?"

The guards' chins quivered.

"Must I repeat myself?" This time, she hisses.

One of the guards point to the potion and is about to speak about it when the baby Sakura's skin takes on a blinding, golden hue. The baby lets out a wail, and a spark of lightning makes a beeline for a nearby lamp. The lamp explodes into ashes. The guards and the Queen are stunned. The baby's glow fades.

The Queen stands and lays the babies on the bed, a safe distance away from their unconscious mother. She does not turn to the guards, but whispers again.

"Boundaries have been transgressed here."

They dare not speak.

"Make yourselves useful and find the Royal Healer and Exorcist, or I will station you at the front lines."

Without a second thought, the guards scramble to their feet and leave the room.

As Tokage nears the top of the stairs, she hears the wailing of children, growing ever louder and more urgent. Following the sound, she bursts into the hallway to the Princess's room with a cry of alarm and sees two guards looking scolded and ashamed. Their faces contort in alarm at Tokage's appearance.

"It's another demon!" one cries, grabbing for his weapon. "It's come to finish what the other started! Kill it!"

Tokage whirls. "A demon??" she howls, her claws flashing in the low light as she spins to attack it. "Where?"

The guard facefaults. Then quickly regains his composure and lunges at Tokage...who easily leaps over his head and grips the chandelier on the ceiling.

"What on earth are you doing??" she snarls at them, snapping one of her two tails out and knocking the weapon from the guard's hand and sending it spinning across the floor. "This one is no demon! This one is the royal exorcist and occasional cleric if the occasion calls for it, back from personal errand!" She drops to the floor and makes fast work of the guards with her tails, knocking their legs out from under them and scrambling toward the open doorway to the princess's chambers.

Bursting into the room, out of breath and shaken, Tokage shoots a look at the queen, who seems taken aback by the excorcist's dramatic entrance. "Highness, forgive this one's absence," she syas quickly, bowing as she hurries to the queen's side. "This one would have been here approximately thirty seconds sooner...but this one was apprehended in the hallway by your fine upstanding law enforcement officers." She notices the little ones in the queen's arms and frowns. "Are these the new prince and princess? Lady Bling's children? WHy do they cry so? What has happened?"

Without waiting for an answer, she hurries over to queen and extends her arms in entreat to be permitted to hold the royal child.

"Majesty, this one may be able to help..." she says slowly. "This one may be able to do something... Now that this one has returned, this one will do all she can to help end this war and protect this queendom."

She gives the queen a look of determination.

"And if it be demons who have attacked the royal heirs...like the demons who destroyed this one's village..."--her eyes flash angrily--"this one will show them no mercy."

[Damn, this is getting good! XD!]

The guards rush down the hall, eager to get away from the ireful Queen...

Guard 1: *mutters* I told you they were for the Princess, but no... you just had to go and land us and the children both in trouble.

Guard 2: *snarls* It's happened already! All we have to do is find her ladyship, the Healer...

*as they scurry down the corridors, G.1 notices that his companion has stopped speaking...*

G.1: Hey... hey...? You alright?

There is no response from the other guard; he has, in fact, stopped moving, and is standing stationary.

G.1: HEY! Let's get going! The children and their mother need the Healer!!!

Black smoke curls from under the second guard's feet, enveloping him...
and then suddenly dispersing... once they have dispersed, G.1 sees that it is not a royal guard... but another demon. The doppleganger brandishes a steel claw, and murders the guard...

Demon: Nice and easy does it... *laughs sinisterly*... Now, where is that Royal Healer???

Smoke again covers the demon, and when it leaves, he is once more in the guise of a guard...

[[ooooh! dundunDUN!!!!]]

mei knows something is wrong the moment she steps into the castle. "Damn you, Alazgore--what have you done now?!" She lets her feet take her where they will--her body knows where to find the traces of demonic magic. This trail was clear before her, as obvious, as a yellow brick road. But this road was black, and it reeks of poison...

She is led to the Princess' chambers. Her mind strove to deny it, but her heart knew with sinking dread that it was true. The Queen is there, with the Exorcist, the Princess unconscious...

"No," mei whispers. She steps closer to get a better look--yes, there they are...the Marks of Nurigh. They have stopped spreading, but the poison is already within the children's system. They have turned a frightful gray color...how? The empty bottle on the floor...How in hell did it get there?!

mei stumbles out of the room, ignoring the others as she runs into the courtyard.

Time is against them. She had no time to waste. The rational course would have been to inform the Queen of what happened, to discuss with everyone a way to save the children...but mei was not so naive as that. The only way to save them was to get the antidote from Alazgore...

Kyor's wings beat rapidly, but mei's heart was racing even faster. It was her fault. Alazgore had used the children as bait to lure her out, to force her to return with him. He was desperate, and perhaps she could use that against him. He needed her. He needed her to complete the ring of seven medics, the ony humans forbidden to leave the demon plane while all otherse are allowed to leave as they are able. mei was able, but she was not allowed...

The demon camp of the land forces was easily found. They had no need to hide their position. Indeed, they flaunted it with huge bonfires roasting human heads upon stakes. mei shrank in disgust, but as Kyor landed, she forced herself to stand tall.

Alazgore was expecting her; in fact, he met her himself.

Alazgore: Well, well, well...our wayward neice has finally returned. I have opened a portal--we may leave at any time.

mei: What have you done? The children have nothing to do with this! Why did you send Krell?

Alazgore: I see that this Queendom air has dulled your wits. You know very well why. I needed to make sure that you came home with me.

mei: Give me the antidote, Alazgore.

Alazgore: Can't you heal them yourself? Oh, wait--you can't. Only the Priests of Nurigh have the power. Ah, yes, and the one who holds the Tears of Nurigh...which would be me. But, quite frankly, I have no inclination to give you the potion. Now, if you were a Priest, you could have saved them yourself. But your're not. You ran away before the initiation rites. It's your fault, mei. If you had not run away, the brats wouldn't be in the grave situation they are in right now.

mei [with gritted teeth]: What must I do to get the antidote.

Alazgore: You come home with me, and perform the initiation rites. Willingly, of course. It's so much easier that way. In return, I will give the antidote to your scaly pet over there. Do we have a deal?

mei [angry, but resigned. She was trapped. There was nothing else she could do.]: I want to be here when you give Kyor the antidote, and I want to see her flying safely away.

Alazgore: Don't you trust me? *mei glares, he laughs* I suppose not. Fine.

*Alazgore unties the leather strap around his neck and brings out a vial of dark purple liquid. He approaches the dragon, who bellows in protest, but mei sends out a reassuring pulse. Please, tolerate it, if only to save the children. Kyor stops fidgeting, but her eyes are glaring with undisguised contempt. When the demon steps away, mei orders Kyor to fly back to the castle and give the vial to the Queen. Kyor is reluctant to leave mei, but the healer would hear no protests. With a final worried glance at mei, Kyor flies off.*

Alazgore: Now, are you ready?

mei [head bowed]: Yes...

*Alazgore gestures mei to the portal guarded by four of his best demon soldiers. He watches her back before him. As he follows her, he grins with satisfaction and his eyes sparkle in triumph. The girl had not noticed that the poison was already stopped by some force not even Alazgore knew about, but it was stopped. The antidote was useless. Her guilt and concern for the children had blinded her to the truth, her emotions had silenced rational judgment. And now, she had agreed to take her place among the Seven Priests of Nurigh--the seven human medics with just enough demon magic in their blood to perform healing spells on demons without harm to either party. It was her heritage, for she and Alazgore shared an ancestor, though one of hers was a great human medic who mated with a demon. The Priests of Nurigh were necessary to perform healing spells and concoct healing potions, for demons are not capable of it. And there must be seven, one for each of the demon provinces...Alazgore needed mei in the province that he ruled, ever since the last one died of...mysterious...causes.*

*She tried to take a final glance of the Queendom she had learned to love, but all she saw were demon faces and demon fires. She turned away. Alazgore supressed a laugh. If she only knew that the children were safe, that something had saved them from the Marks of Nurigh's poison...ah well. Whether they suffered from the poison or not, the girl was here. Though it would have been much more satisfying if the brats had died...*

*The soldiers salute their general. mei ignores them, walking slowly through the portal, as if her feet were bound by chains of iron...*

[Okay, guys, that's as much as I can contribute tonight. I'm going to Disneyland tomorrow, then to San Francisco on Saturday and Sunday, so I won't be able to make it back for the apocalypse. Good luck with saving the Queendom! ]

[*wails* NoOoOoOoo!!! MEIIIIIII! XD! Have fun, sis!]

The demon walks down corridors, and then suddenly senses that the Royal Healer is not present within the Castle...

Demon: *swears* Wasted time! Now what will my master say...?

A voice in the back of the demon's mind now plays: the voice of his master.

"It's not your fault that the healer isn't there; go find your comrade, he's waiting on the 12th turret above the castle for you. And tell him this - he had better not show himself once more in my presence... for hurting my children and terrifying my wife, I will skin his carcass alive myself. Go, and leave the castle NOW..."

The demon bows and answers.... "Yes, my lord..."

From his left palm upturned, he produces a small sphere of smoky black light, which transports him to the 12th turret... there he finds the Mortus Daemon, who had tried to kidnap the royal twins.

Demon: *snickers* You stupid bastard... you just had to go and do an acrobat trick, no? You just had to make us waste our time, huh? Real smart... now I just got a message from the Dark Lord... he's gonna kill you for what you did.

Daemon: *passive smile* Like I care... I am nothing but a mercenary...

Demon: *look of disbelief* No, wait.... maybe you don't know how this new Lord works... he does NOT shit about when he's dealing with his family, okay? Look, I'd be pissed too... so maybe you're a mercenary. So you're PAID to do your job... but NO! You had to go and mess things up, and drop the babies, and probably half-kill their mother... YOU are in knee-deep shit with the new Lord... *raises hands* Hey, and I've got nothing to do with that. I'm just a spy here. I'm not being sent on some important mission like retrieving the WEAPONS known as the Lord's twins! You idiot!

Daemon: *shrugs with no concern* Hey, it's easy for me to go back and get 'em AND their mother to boot... and I will, for that matter... I only have to make a new deal with the Lord.

Demon: *glares* Oh? And what deal is that now? Do you seriously think he'd deal with your crap again? HUh?

Daemon: *gives a diabolical grin* Oh, but of course he would... unless of course, he wants me to kill his children.

Demon: *aghast* You wouldn't dare!!!

Daemon: *maniacal laughter* Oh, wouldn't I? The new Lord must needs let me have his wife... and he can have his children... simple as that.

Demon: *disgusted* You are a bastard... *draws out the steel claws* And for that, it is my duty to kill you!

Daemon: *smirk* No... it is my duty to kill you, my friend...

He slices at the throat of the Helvaen Demon; black blood spurts out, and the demon struggles and sinks down to the ground, clutching his throat...

Daemon: *smiles* Stay there for me, will you?

The queen hands the twins to the exorcist, and Tokage takes in their gray complexions gravely. She meets the queen's eyes and frowns.

"This is the poison of the demons, Milady," she says slowly, but supposes the queen has figured that out on her own by now. "Though it seems the poison has stopped flowing. This one knows not what paused the movement of the venom, but it matters not."

She curls one of her tails and rests Sakura in the crook of it, then does the same with the other tail and places Joren in that one, freeing her hands. The queen seems somewhat disconcerted by this, but trusts Tokage enough to just watch.

The excorcist cracks her knuckles and reaches into the inside pocket of the cloak on her shoulders, removing from it two small vials, a pouch, and a simgle green gem. She is about to pour the contents of the pouch into one of the vials when there is a screech from the balcony. Turning, they all see a dragon outside the window. It is Kyor, looking frantic, and Tokage calmly approaches the window, throws it open, and taps her chin, all the while making the queen a tad jumpy with the twins still cradled precariously in her tails.

"Dragon," Tokage says softly, "This one does not know thee... You must be from the North. What is the trouble, my friend?"

Kyor thrusts the bottle with the antidote from mei in it, and Tokage blinks in thought, deciphering the tangled dragonspeak as Kyor grunts and cries out in fear and alarm. Then the exorcist smiles and pats the dragon's head.

"Worry not, Kyor," she says. "The poison has been stopped. This one does not know how, but this antidote is no longer necessary. The poison did not spread far enough to infect the little ones. On the other hand..."

She frowns over her shoulder as Jaron lets out a wail and the chandelier above them shatters. She quickly moves her tails out of the way of the falling glass--

"Majesty!"

--and Kyor extends a wing inside the window to shield the queen from the debris.

Tokage frowns.

"It seems the poison has done something to enhance a manner of spiritual power within them." She shakes her head. "Well, powers or otherwise, the venom must be removed. It need not be neutralized anymore," she says to Kyor, who has retreated back to the balcony, and is fretting like a caged tiger. She presses the bottle of antidote back into the dragon's claws. "Take the antidote back and retrieve the healer. The exchange is no longer necessary. Bring her back."

As Kyor flies off again in pursuit of mei, Tokage turns her attention back to the children. She opens the pouch and upends it into one of the vials. A puff of red smoke erupts from it, and she blinks, holding it away from her face. She shoots the queen a reassuring smile, and drops the green gem into the other vial. Then she lifts her tails and holds the children on either side of her, administering to each of them a drop of both vials into the wounds on their cheeks. Their cries become ever-louder, and Tokage winces--"Majesty, it may be best to take cover. Their crying seems to be a catalyst for an extreme burst of energy, we don't want you getting injured accidentally..."--and then pulls a third vial from her cloak. "Lucky this one brought these potions along." Her eyes are dark. "They were not fashioned quickly enough by the Hexen in this one's village to save the others..."--she places three drops of the third vial onto the babies' tongues, and they quiet--"but at least their efforts will not have been entirely in vain."

As the babies' cries abate, Tokage gives Joren back to the queen, and takes Sakura in her own arms, rocking the baby gently.

"The vials this one gave them should eradicate the venom from their bloodstream within a few hours," she says, "but the strange effect it seems to have had spiritually this one cannot explain." She shakes her head. "This one does not know whether the effects will last...but the children will live."

[[and i'm spent... it's nearly 3am. have at, gang, i'll check back in the morning!]]

Little Joren's wails suddenly snaps his mother to her senses and she awakes suddenly.

"Ye gods!", pants the Princess, sweat standing out on her brow... "Oh goodness... the children... their father..."

She looks desperately to the Queen, her mother, and the Royal Priestess, with much apprehension.

"Mother... I must leave..."

Hastily, the Princess throws off the bedcovers and and attempts to get up, wincing from the pain; nonetheless, she ignores it, and arms herself in battle gear, summoning a Red-Wing Faerie*

"You! Please get Pegasus ready... I must leave now!"

The Queen's brows knit together, a storm on her countenance, "What are you thinking, Princess??? Where are you bound to now? You cannot leave the castle! And what of your children???"

The Princess slows her progress a bit... comes close to the Queen, and then to the Exorcist... to kiss her little boy and little girl. A few tears come out of her eyes.

"Mother... the Prince of Zeal has caused all this. In my dream, I saw him sign a pact with the Daemons, in an insane attempt to save us and end the war... he's up to this. I know where he is, and I need to find him!" She bows her head to hid the harrowing tears that flow from her eyes...

The Queen gives her an icy glare, "Your husband? The Prince! How can you think of such a thing?!!?!"

In a burst of anger, the Princess yells out, "I know it because I feel it! And it hurts!" She starts to cry some, but brushes the tears away. "I need to find him, knock sense into him, and bring him home... *weeps* He hasn't even seen his children!"

"And what is he dies, child?", interposed her mother...

The Princess suddenly froze, as if she did not consider that possiblity... resolutely, she turns to face the Queen, "If he dies... then I will die with him, and next to him... He is my husband; and I love him so..."

"Very well, then," says the Queen after a pause of contemplation. "Do what you feel you must. Promise to return to us alive. The children need you both more than they need me. Perhaps I should go in your stead — "

"No, Mother," the Princess says, alarmed. "Please. I feel as if I have not done enough for this Queendom. I beg of you, please let me find my husband."

The Queen embraces the Princess. "Then fare thee well, dear."

With a determined nod, the Princess leaves the room.

"Fear not, your majesty, for the Princess is strong," comes the Exorcist's calming voice.

Somewhat relieved by the Exorcist's words, the Queen soothes Joren's brow with a heavy sigh.

"How cruel are the aged hands of Fate, to have thrust these innocent children into the midst of a torrential wave of despair."

The Queen watches as the baby in her arms gurgles and the gray pigment begins to dissipate. A grateful smile tugs at the corners of the Queen's mouth.

"Thank you, dear Exorcist, for all your trouble. I also hope that our Healer will return safely."

The Exorcist nods and smiles, taking Sakura over to the balcony to receive a little fresh air. Joren makes one small noise after another, as if he is trying to speak. One of his chubby arms seems to be reaching for something.

The Queen is confused. "What is it, dear?" She starts to walk about the room, holding Joren all the while, and it is next to the fallen chandelier — still relatively intact — where she finally stops. Joren reaches for it again. The Queen kneels down and the baby's index finger makes contact with one of the glimmering crystal pieces of the chandelier. It is only for a split second, but anyone could have noticed the bright light the entire chandelier gave off in that one brief moment.

Shocked and frozen in disbelief, the Queen gently grasps one of Joren's hands and touches it to the chandelier. Her assumption had been correct, for the chandelier now shines more beautifully than when it was still attached to the ceiling.

How is this possible . . . ? Is this electricity? Spirital energy?

Not realizing how long she has been holding the child's delicate hand to the chandelier, the Queen's train of thought halts to a stop when she catches a faint scent of smoke.

It is coming from the chandelier. The entire thing is overheating.

She quickly takes Joren's hand away from the chandelier, and the decorative light instantly loses its luminosity.

The mere touch of the child's hand . . .

She has to confirm it with the other. Beckoning the Exorcist over to her, the Queen trades Joren for Sakura and lights the chandelier with Sakura's small hand.

Such great power, in such small bodies.

This is it. The power source we have been needing all this time.

With the combined strength of the children, perhaps the Chamber . . .

[*pushes herself from the PC* Damn this is good... XD! But guys, I really need to go and eat my lunch... ;_;! So yeah... feel free to use my character! ^0^! Good luck!]

*FM, Chiarys and their ragtag group of defiants, left-behinds and otherwise cowardly soldiers advance to the east gate. before they can leave, they get a message from Nicolas. they leave the group momentarily to speak with Nicolas via real time holographic projection*

Nicolas: I thought I'd update you on the on-goings around this castle. Your little bird machine was able to record this from afar.

*he sends them the video clips and they watch. despite all the material, they soak it up rather quickly*

Chiarys: The twins are sooo cute! XD

FM: *is thinking* So that's what everyone else has been up to... heh. We need to get going soon. We've been so unproductive... Chiarys, go on ahead back. I have something to discuss with Nicolas.

Chiarys: OK! *she runs off. FM turns back to the hologram*

FM: So that was edited. Show me everything else.

*Nicolas shows him the parts edited out. mei's meeting and departure with Alazgore. DM's pact with the demons. the demon betrayal on one of the towers. FM has a concerned look on his face*

Nicolas: Are we meeting up later or are we still operating separately?

FM: Stay up there and follow your orders given by the Queen. Keep an eye out for that other demon running around. Not to mention they may need you inside if there's a breach. I'm heading out.

*he shuts down his laptop, then heads out side with the others. as they rush out the east gates and join the battle, FM wonders if he'll be able to protect anyone else from harm*

*Nicolas watches as his comrades rush out into battle. he feels slightly envious that they get the opportunity to cross swords with the enemy. he gets back into his sniping position, when he senses something. he removes the rifle from the stand, then crouches and walks over to the other side of the tower. he spots the daemon running around the vacant halls. he takes aim and fires off several rounds through the windows. the daemon, already having known he was spotted. speeds up and evades the shots. Nicolas continues to fire until his enemy is out of range*

Nicolas: (He will most likely come after me, since I've seen him. I'd better get ready...)

*he shoves the rifle, stand and robots back into his box of infinite storage, then descends the tower, hoping he'll have enough time to set a trap. unfortunately, the daemon is already at the foot of the steps*

Daemon: And just where do you think you were going?

Nicolas: I'll ask you the same thing.

Daemon: *laughs* Well, you pissed me off. It's that simple. Also, I don't believe anything in the contract mentioned I couldn't have any fun...

*the daemon lunges at Nicolas. he rolls out of the way and whips out his twin gunblades*

Nicolas: If it's fun you want, it's fun you'll get. I was getting bored myself, so it works out...

Daemon: *laughs* Hah. Foolish human. Do you know who you're dealing with? *he faces Nicolas*

Nicolas: I wouldn't underestimate humans...

*they both lunge at each other and begin fighting*

The Princess storms out of the chambers, down the hall, and to the Royal Stables where Sitahr, the Red-Wing Faerie, is awaiting her... holding the bridle of a huge winged white horse.

As she approaches the pawing horse, she feels a drop on her cheek... looking up, she notices that clouds have formed, and a rain shower is on its way. The Princess sighs, and shakes her head, thinking, "Is nothing gonna go right for me...? Ever...?"

With a curt nod to the Faerie, Bling mounts the horse, adjusts her long-sword strapped to her back, and gallops off through the courtyard... when she reaches the balcony of her chambers, she looks up hastily and sees her Mother and the Royal Exorcist... she salutes them briskly, and continues gaining momentum down the courtyard.

The royal gate-guards hear the thundering hooves of Pegasus and shout hurried orders to swing open the huge iron gates of the castle...

G1: Hurry! Hurry! The Princess must leave! OPEN THE GATES!

But before they have time to open it, Pegasus stretches out his wings once, and with the momentum of his gallop, vaults over the high stone walls and the huge gate... and soars off into the rain clouds, with the Princess astride.

The guards stand in awe... while the snow-white feathers of Pegasus, as long as 13 inches and as tough as steel, float down from the sky...

~~~~

In the high tower of Nurigh, while the clouds pour down rain and shoot out lightning... the tall hooded figure stands near a narrow window, looking at the glum plains...

The Mortus Daemon materializes into the chamber, and the dark stranger slowly faces him...

With a cocky gesture of respect, the Daemon bows, and salutes, "My Lord..."

Irritation seems to be seething from the stranger's being, and he removes his hood and tosses the long black cloak onto a chaise...

The Dark Lord is clad in black armor, and on his left side is a long-blade katana... winged at the blade-guard... it is that gift from Sir FM...

He turns to address the Daemon... and the Dark Lord is no-one but the Crown Prince of Zeal...

"And you had the gumption to face me again, didn't you...?"

(I just realized I never really had given myself a name... oh well, so it goes)

"Please sir... I only come here to recieve my new orders..." The Daemon hissed while half bowing.

He merely looked at the creature, disgusted that the fool would actually have the nerve to show his face. " Your orders? I had given you orders. What were they?" He stated, his baratone voice as cold as the night wind blowing past.

The Daemon cringed as if the words had prieced his flesh. "Sir, I have---"

He marched right up the mercenary and looked it square in the eye. " I asked you a question." He insisted with a firm tone in his voice. " What were your orders?"

The creature snarled a little. 'I should take his head right now'

" You won't... Now answer the question..." The once time prince demanded in an annoyed tone.

The mercenary tilted it's head in a sickening manner and clicked it's teeth. " They were to keep watch over the princess and your children. " It hissed in disgust. " ,Then remain there for further orders."

" Yet you stand here before me..." He stated and walked past the vile creature. As he passed an unearthly order much like sulfur filled his nostrils. Shaking it off, he strided over to the edge of the tower.

" Sir!" It hissed to defend itself. The creatuere turns about to face him. " One of the guards saw the other spy and had killed him! I have seen it with my own eyes! I held him in my arms at his final moment and he told me to come back to you and demand that we attack the castle at once."

A chuckle bellowed forth form the prince. He half turned to face the Daemon. " You mercenaries all the same. You're a bunch of lying, two-faced sack of puss bags. And you're one of the worst for coming back when I gave you a direct order not to." He said, his voice still as cold as a winter's frost. His hand slid down to his katana. "I know what you've done. The ravens that now follow me are more than just meets the eye. They are my voice of the wind, whispering to me the secrets of the world... And now you will pay for your sins against me, my children, and most importantly; their mother..."

The Daemon took notice of this and crossed his arms against his chest, taking hold of his obsidian daggers. " Do you intend to kill me? You know that I am one of the best mercanries in the fifth realm. I eat scum like you..."

All that the prince did was slide one foot out and move himself into a battle ready stance. A smirk came across the Daemon's face.

"If that's how you want to play, I'll play that way!" It growled and lept towards the prince, it's arms still crossed....

(And I'm out guys. I need to get to bed ot get some much needed rest. Have fun!)

[oOo;;; Amazing... simply amazing... XD]

Instead of lunging forward to attack the Prince, the Daemon remains motionless... the Prince, rather impatient but wise nonetheless, does the same, yet keeps his long-sword poised...

The Mortus Daemon straightens up and lets ut a grim laugh that echoes through the tower... "Little Prince... little Crown Prince... you are so sad. So very very sad..."

The Prince tenses up a bit in indignation... who dared call him little!?!?

Once more the Daemon let out a laugh and then said, "I'll strike you another deal, my Lord... I'll get you your children here, safe with you... for a price."

A sneer curls around the lips of Zeal's heir... "I don't think so, dirtbag..."

Snickering, the mercenary raises a brow... "Oh really now? I'll get you your twins, who by the way have a special power to kill you, that's on an FYI basis... if you exchange them for their mother..."

Violent curses poured out of the Prince's mouth, and indignation seemed to smoke from him... the daemon notices this and speaks, "You know, it's all very sad. Because whether you accept my deal or not, I am going to take your wife... I've had my eyes on her even before you entered the Queendom..."

"You shut your mouth, and prepare to enter hell!!!", swore the Prince angrily...

The daemon again laughs, "You're not taking me seriously, are you? I used to work for the Queendom, you fool..." At this, Prince DM's eyes widen... "What!?!? How?!! Queen Quistis would never allow scum like you near the borders of her land! You dare presume to have worked there?!?!"

Another maniacal laugh escapes from the mercenary... and slowly, he removes his hideous face... prying it off, for it is a mask...

And it reveals... the Royal Chancellor of the Queendom!!!!!!! Duke Bacon... [XD! Sorry, it was just too good for me not to...]

"That's right, little prince..." snapped the Duke between gritted teeth... "The Princess was my affianced bride... but no. You had to waltz in and change everything for me... I've wanted her for a very long time, Prince... and everything I want, I get. If you don't hand her to me peacfully, I'll easily take your twins for you..."

"You bastard..." whispered the Prince, anger boiling over... "You wouldn't dare..."

A wide smile spreads over the face of the Chancellor, "Oh don't worry now! I wouldn't kill them... I'd just maybe... turn them against their parents... and yes...", he nodded with an insane smile... "As your probably aware of, your twins have incredible power. Comes from your wife's alchemic blood and your mystic blood... And ka-boom, you get your uber-magic kids. I'll overrun the earth with those children..."

Panting, the Prince lunges his sword fiercly at the Chancellor, hitting the Duke on the right shoulder... "Over my dead body, you freak!!!!"

<<More tomorrow, guys! !>>

0_o I should have visited the thread a long, long, long time ago. o_____o Is my coffee shop destroyed?

OK Summing this up into a sentence is going to be alittle difficult...

I am lazy. I dont feel like reading through 200 some odd pages... I know some of the ranks... But nothing else... Can i get filled in....


Note I make a good ninja

*on a far off plane in the middle of nowhere.... in the middle of the night, six hooded figures walk towards a burning temple. as they get closer to the temple, they can make out sounds of people being slaughtered. soon they can see people running around on fire and dying on the ground, and another hooded figure doing all the slaughter.*

Hooded Figure #1: hey... we're late. i hate it when you have to make a "pit stop"....

*the figure stops and turns to the rest of it's group*

Hooded Figure #2: umm.... killing helps me pee?

*a third figure raise his hand and steps forward*

Hooded Figure #3: enough... the boss is gonna blow a gasket if he shows up and we're not there.... namora, finish with the fun and let's go...

Hooded Figure #2: fine....

*the second figure leaps 40 feet into the air and draws a katana. it seems to slice into reality itself, making a strange rune. then as it slices the rune in half, the temple grounds are devestated with a nuclear blast. as the light fades from the blast, there is nothing left but the seven figures. *

Hooded Figure #3: ok... happy now? let's go.

*the third figure makes a gesture with his hand and reality seems to wrap around the seven figures, swallowing them.....

.... meanwhile back the at the bastion of the fairy queen in the persimmon lands....*

Fairy Guard #1: so you wanna go to the bar after this shift ends?

Fairy Guard #2: i don't know maybe... last time i went i got a rash from....

*the multiverse just seems to spit out the seven figures. the fairy guards grip their spears and advance upon them. one of the guard's arm explodes into meat paste, before he can even move a step. one of the figures has a katana unsheathed and at its side. with its other hand, it pulls the hood back on its cloak; revealing a young woman of no more than 20.*

Female Swordsman Figure: put them away...

*the other fairy guard grips his spear harder and switches to a defensive stance. another of the figures removes his hood, to reveal an young elven woman. she raises a hand in protest.*

Elven Figure: no more.... drop your spear. there is nothing for you to be worried about...

*as she spoke, her voice flowed with a strange and tempting melody that seems to soothe the listener into complacency. her eyes seem to swirl with a flickering, ethereal light as the words leave her lips.

while she speaks, another of the figures walks over to the wounded fairy and places its hand on the wound. from seemingly all around them comes the sound of laughing children; at the same time the fairy guards arm regenerates instantly. the figure pulls back his hood, showing the face a smiling 35 year old man.*

Smiling Man Figure: there... all better.

Elven Figure: now, go... tell your masters the sword saints have arrived...

*the two guards run away as she requests. the other four figures soon remove their hoods as well. one is a man that looks to be at least 80. another is a woman in her twenties wearing a silver blindfold. then there is a being seems to be comprised completly of ever flowing liquid crystal in a female human's form. the last figure is that of a tall reptilian humanoid.*

Crystal Figure: so what do you think the boss wants with a jerkwater plane like this?

Reptilian Figure: whatever his lordship wants is his business, ours is just to be here...

Smiling Figure: thank you mr. blind devotion... a sack full of platinum says we're here to fight some war or something...

Female Swordsman Figure: i got two sacks on killing all these hicks and imploding this weakass crapfest of a planet....

Old Man Figure: who's to say it can't be both? as long as i can catch a nap before el jefe get's here, i really don't care...

*a hammock materializes under him, and he is soon asleep*

Elven Figure: i don't care either way... i just want to get this job done with. i'm bored... these beings have the easiest minds to crack ever...

Blindfolded Woman: these conjectures are pointless, all we can do is wait for his lordship to show up....

*FM continues his fight, along side Chiarys and the lazy-ass soldiers. he notices Kyor fly to the enemy camp a second time. he hears other wings flapping and looks to his right. he sees a winged-horse fly off with what looks like Queen Bling. then something clicks*

FM: (Why is Kyor flying back to the enemy encampment, despite the fact the Healer has left us...?)

*FM chuckles, then decides to use the "assising pet dragon" excuse to play hero. he slowly advances toward the enemy camp, his sister and troops unknowning to the move*

*meanwhile, Nicolas is back on the tower on his sniping spree. he sighs, then looks up after seeing something interesting through his scope*

Nicolas: (Does he think he can play hero at a time like this? He could, but he'd end up sacrificing himself... and take all the glory...)

*Nicolas laughs, then flips open his laptop and sends a message to the Queen. The window opens up on a near-by wall*

From Nicolas to the Queen: Permission to leave post and assist FM's unit. (material concerning rants and dinner dates edited out. ~FM)

From FM to Queen: After reviewing footage of some recent events, I've learned that several of our own have entered/are attemping to enter the enemy base. May I suggest that my unit lead a head-on attack to buy the others enough time to escape or enter. It's very slim, but we may also be able to cause enough of a ruckus to create major confusion in the enemy base.

Permission granted. Do not do anything rash, and use some common sense now.


You may do so with extreme caution. Perhaps you should make a quick plan first and allow me to review it.

*after recieving approval, Nicolas leaves his post and goes to join FM*



Well, it's somewhat simple: a straightout, head-on charge. I'll have a barrier up, so my group should sustain minimal damage, if none at all. If all goes as planned, I'll be delievering a decent blow to the enemy camp...

*meanwhile, in a country a ways from the Queendom, a young spirit blacksmith sets out on a journey for the Queendom. as it is, such an event would be rather bland and unnote-worthy. but the one minor detail of this blacksmith that makes this news, is that his face is remicient of a younger FM*

[Ye gods above! This thread be alive?!!?!!]

The Tower of Nurigh was carved from the cliffs that overlooked the Silent Sea, but its claw-like turrents extended beyond the cliffs' natural height. It was a structure meant to glorify the demons' god Nurigh, and as such, its architecture seemed to embody the very spirit of the dark god. The walls that appeared to rise from the sea relfected the silent waves in sheer defiance--and it was sheer, indeed. Aside from slender window-slits in the highest turrets, nothing broke the smoothness of the black walls. It was from one of these windows that mei looked out at the strange sea that fought violently against this fortress but could make no sound. The waves of the Silent Sea were, indeed, silent.

A harsh knock, and an acolyte entered. "Your robes," she said, and carelessly tossed the clothing on the bed. mei recognized the glare in her eyes that branded the healer a traitor. "Others will come to help you prepare for the ritual."

"I can dress myself, thank you very much," mei answered. The acolyte merely snorted and left. mei sighed. Was that the best she could do? In any case, she could hurry and change, and take the time before the "others" arrived to exercise what little freedom Alazgore permitted.

mei through a cloak over the ritual robes and drew the hood low over her face. Oddly enough, no guards stood in attention at her door. Of course, none were needed, for where could she escape to? Alazgore's confidence worked to her advantage. This way, she could roam wherever she chose...for a while, at least.

Descending a stairwell, mei heard voices. Well, not quite. They were a combination of gutteral grunts, groans, and belches--the native language of the Bleurghrogs, a race of slug-like creatures who served the demons that lorded over this country. mei, who once lived in a colony of Bleurghrogs during her medical training, understood the language well enough to know that this pair of Bleurghrogs were gossiping about General Alazgore's recent acquisition of the new priestess.

Bleurghrog 1: Ougghh gggho erggghu ~BELCH~. ("You don't think he meant it, do you?")
Bleurghrog 2: Gggha grrgh ~BELCH~ ngggh bgggu ougghh, guughr ~BELCH~ nggghr oooggh ahgghr. ("Don't be daft. Of course it was a trick. My sister has, er, 'special arrangements' with one of Alazgore's officers, and she said he said that he heard another officer reporting to General Alazgore that the Queendom whelps were already saved moments before the priestess appeared.")
Bleurghrog 1: Gghhr auggha ooghho og. ("What?!")
Bleurghrog 2: ~BELCH~ ngghghh uggghr ggghn ehggghr. ("It's not like the general hasn't done something underhanded before.")
Bleurghrog 1: Gggh ouggh nggho auggghu ohgggh unggghr aughr ~BELCH~ ogghr unghr gghrroghhra--. ("That's true. Like the time with Priest Hogo--")
Bleurghrog 2: Ghrgh aggh oooghr ongh ogghr bggurhgh. ("Shh!") Ghhrghh onnngh ~BELCH~ ghhr oggghrughgh ghh... ("Someone might hear...")

mei waited until the sound of slime against stone faded before she dared to breathe, and it was a minute more before she could stop the angry trembling. Hogosha! What happened to Hogosha?! Even as she wondered, an idea formed in her head. An idea, and then a plan...

----------

The acolytes led mei to top of the highest tower. A trap-door opened to the overcast sky. Alazgore stood a ways off, eyeing her. "At this point, where can I run?" she asked him. He shrugged. "You're a resourceful girl."

I'll show you resourceful, mei angrily shot at him in her mind. As much as she wanted to kill the lying bastard now, it was not the time. The other priests and priestesses, positioned to form a hexagon with me at its center, have begun their slow chant, the entreaty to add a new member into the fold.

Almighty Nurigh, hear our cry. We mourn a lost one, our brother, your son...

They raised their arms in supplication, and tilted their faces as rain washed over them.

Almighty Nurigh, we beseech you. Bestow your powers unto this child, our sister, your daughter...

Thunder rumbled in the distance, but the chant continued, full force now.

Almighty Nurigh, preserve us. Grant her the power to save our brethren...

A bolt of blue lightning shot from the sky, directly at the hexagon's center. mei greeted the god's gift with open arms. She felt this power flow through her, awakening the "other" magic that she had always known but never known, this magic that allowed her to wield Lokrius, the Claw of Nurigh, and summon its power.

"Stop her!" Alazgore roared. Demon soldiers quickly flooded the tower, but she tore through the ranks, swinging Lokrius whenever they came too close. The priests and priestesses, not quite sure what to do, really, attempted to heal the fallen soldiers. But to their horror--they couldn't. That was the power of Lokrius. Any demon cut by its blade had no chance of survival, despite any regenerative attempt. Alazgore realized too late what was happening. mei was already at the tower's edge, crouching, jumping...

Alazgore pushed his way through the soldiers and leaned over the wall. The girl was falling towards the Silent Sea. If she wants to kill herself, so be it, but to take the sacred Claw of Nurigh with her...! It was a nuisance. He was starting to believe that she was not worth all the trouble, anyway. But the moment before she hit the sea's dark surface, mei swept the sword in an arc, and seemed to cut that water that she was about to fall into. It was then that the general finally remembered the other power of the sword...

---------

Water changed to air, and silence changed to the clamor of battle. In panic, mei flailed her arms helplessly. In her exhaustion, she couldn't summon the magic needed to cushion her fall, and the ground was fast approaching...

"Oomf!"

A dragon trumpeted a gleeful greeting.