I do not doubt that there must be a way, but is it a dangerous way? The Vizier would be more knowledgeable about these matters though, so I will leave this to him.

*his ears perk up a bit at hearing the conversation. He silently heads along the wall, hoping to learn some news of the recent events*

as of right now, all one can do is research and pray to whatever deity/deities one believes in. i will alert the court once my research is complete.

*begins to go over yet more scrolls*

*frowns* praying during times of hardship is for those who have not enough faith in their own powers, my lord... but research is something this one can do. please allow this one to aid your search for an answer... *reaches tentatively for one of the many scrolls*

*after many hours of research, the vizier stops with a most serious and troubled look upon his face*

its....the only way....

*sighs and begins to meditate. a few more hours pass and he emerges from his chamber. upon entering the throne room he kneels before the queen*

please forgive me for what i must do....

*he throws a glowing orb against the floor, there is a blinding flash. all the members of the court and all those within the castle walls fall unconscious, except for the vizier. he walks over to the queen and kneels beside her*

i'm sorry but this must be done....

*he removes his philosopher's stone necklace from his neck and places it around hers, also placing a sealed envelope within her hand. he leans forward and kisses the queen on the forehead and disappears*

till we meet again, my queen....

*he reappears at the factory of the homunculi. with blinding speed he charges into it, shortly after there is a blinding light that can be seen throughout the kingdom. at the same time, all that were made unconscious awaken.*

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*when the envelope is opened there is only a note inside.*

My Queen,

Please forgive me for what I have done but it was the only solution that I could find within the scrolls.

In my research, I discovered that there was only one way to sever the ties that these beings have with The Gate... from within The Gate itself. This would require that a soul strong enough give itself to The Gate and disrupt its energy flow.

I did what I did for I feared that you would take it upon yourself to be this soul. I cannot allow that to happen. These lands need a queen far more than they need a vizier.

As you read this, my soul will already be within The Gate. The homunculi's ties to it will have been severed. They will become mortal, all that remains is to destroy them now. But should my plans come to fruitition I will return to your side within 4-5 days time, I came back from The Gate once I should be able to do it again. If I do not please do not mourn me, merely carry on my spirit.

Please do not be sad, that is not my wish. Believe me when I say that it has been my greatest honor to do this for my queen and the woman I love.

-Hitokiri, The Grand Vizier

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[I'm going to bed, I have to catch a flight to see my folks in the morning. I'll be gone for the next few days, most likely I will not be able to log on. If I don't, Happy Holidays to all. Take care of the Queendom. Later peoples.]

oH crap! The one that breathes life into our king..queendom is gone.

*silently falls to her knees in dismay after the reading of the note as tears begin to fall from her eyes*

I cannot be sad . . . he does not want that of me. *clutches the stone and feels its comforting glow in her hand* I must be strong . . . for my people, for the queendom, and for him. This is no time to idle and dwell on unwanted possibilities.

*she stands and looks down* Homunculi . . . mortals? Then I shall find them, and with these hands, I will rid the world of their virulent existence and restore the much-deserved peace to my people (and the "crazy lady on the hill", because she deserve that peace more than any of us).

All the while, I will wish for my Vizier's safe return, and I will not cease my prayers until he is by my side once again.

*leaves the throne room*

Aw. my heart is melting.

If you want, Thieves, I could turn down the thermostat.

Okay so now, it's growing to 44 pages already?

Yes, better start catching up, eh? I assume that you've probably missed quite a bit, especially events regarding your Princess' suitors.

Dam, You guys are good at rpgs

This is actually my first time RPing . . . and it sounds more like a soap opera script than an RPG.

Anyway, back on topic.

I propose that the first battle-ready army be sent to the north some time tomorrow. And we should also establish a special anti-homunculi force to deal with the last of them.

can i be in it!!
Plese im good!

Well, we are in need of fighters. Would you like to be one?

yes please, im better at melle though

"Melle"? You mean, "melee"? If you want, I suppose you could train the troops in close distance combat.

its the welsh translation of melee rather than melle

Same diferannse

Hm, sorry for being late.
I am a nose-bleed compared to some of you guys

(falls through ceiling)
*ahem* Your Majesty, my apologies for the ceiling.
(dusts off)
Your mercenary has arrived.
(kneels before employer.)

I specialize in all-range combat.
I have brought with me my kodachi,
my 9-foot single-edged long sword and a few other tricks I
could use on the battlefield.
Do you want me to explain some of the destructive capabilltes
my sword has?

(On a side note, this char. was originally made for another story,
but I'd like to put him in play for now)

As the Lady Ambassador I wouldn't mind traveling to these other countries and setting up compromises and negotiations. We may be able to form an aliance with our friendly neighboring countries. I'd be willing to represent our country's wisdom and undying strength.

*walks up to the Ambassador and clears his throat a little to get her attention*
Ambassador, I am quite sure that my home country of Zeal would be willing to send troops to support us in this time of need. If the queen will allow it, I will send word to the leaders of my country for troops to be sent.

highness, this one will accompany the troops that are sent to the north. this one has much experience dealing with chimera...and in order to get into the northern lands, the army will need to get past the throngs of chimera guarding the broder.

Please do tell me the many things that your sword is capable of doing. If I approve of them, please teach the proper acquisition techniques to the army.


You will be a wonderful representative. You have my permission to go ahead with this course of action, but please take a few ninjas with you for protection, if there are any left.


Please send them here for my inspection. More is always welcome.


You may proceed, but please take a few healers with you, as I suspect that there may be many casualties.

I'm sorry, but I can't teach your troops these techniques.
The sword has gemstones within that give the sword these abilities.
My father forged the sword himself, but he is nowhere to be found.
I also have no clue as to where he got the gemstones.

As for the techniques...
One gem allows me to levitate. (explaining the fall in)
The other lets me fire energy in various forms.
It can be like a gatling gun, a bomb, a small piercing laser, or a massive laser that can destroy... a city, at the least. However, the stronger the shot, the more time it takes to charge. Over use of the beams can have some nasty side effects, like misfires or not firing when needed. I read somewhere it could even explode, killing the user.

I also have a technique given to me by my master. It's called "Soul Embodied." It's very strong and can massacre an entire army, but kills the user in the process.

:Bows:

As a knight serving under her majesty, the Queen, and as chief bodyguard of the lady ambassador, I pledge myself to this cause. I am ready to go forth and do what is neccesary for my poeple and my queendom.

Forgot to add this.
I can teach Soul Embodied to your troops,
but I would like to avoid losing a majority of your army due to suicide.

Is there anything else of use on the battlefield that you can teach them?


The Ambassador is heading to a few foreign places. Please accompany her.

I could teach them several fighting techniques I have learned
during my journey, provided they're up to task...

My soldiers are all very capable men. They are more than able to take whatever training you may dish out.

And women. xD

Mostly men though.

:ducks:

Uhh...it's...because the women warriors are so powerful, they don't need as many?

(Returns to guarding the ambassador)

Well then, I will begin the rigorous training sessions. (mischievious smile)
(gets up and begin to walk out)

Oh, Your Majesty, abou the terms of agreement...
(hand her a paper)
reads:

This mercenary shall serve under the employer for the duration of the war.
In return, he is to be presented a prize, or a reward of some sort.
This contract will be broken if an attempt is made by the employer or any
related to the employer. (end)

I like to keep things simple and clean.
Now, if you'll exuse me...
(leaves) (door opens)
Excuse m... oh crap...
EEEEEK! (crash) (door slams)
*sigh*
training grounds are not that way.

*Lets out a small sigh at falling's actions, praying that the man is truly as good in battle as he claimed. Shurghing the thought off and turning to the Queen.*
I shall be off to contact my home country about sending their troops. Until we meet again...
*turns and heads out of the room, thoughts of the recent events pressing on his mind*

Do you even need to mention the capabilities of women? We all know how good they can be.


A reward wil be rewarded only if the training and wars are successful.


I pray as well. I hope for your safe return, Prince.

(still tring to find training grounds)
I was pretty sure that wasn't the storage closet...
Hm? What's this? (opens ANOTHER door)
GAH (dodges a shower of kunaii and shruiken)
why couldn't it have been another vase (door closes)
(reads sign) Kunochi dressing room?!?->:ph34r: what the heck...?

My, who put all these confusing rooms in the castle!

They came with the castle.

Ah.

Eh...Now I don't get it...

< needs to update herself...all over again...

*curtseys* My apologies for my lateness... *blush* I was detained beacuse of a #censored* PC-connections... and... *deep bearth* Because, his highness, the Prince.... has finally proposed... *blanches... swoons*

And what will your answer be? Does the Chancellor know of this?

*weeps* No, he doesn't.... but would he even care? He hasn't even told me ever what I've been wanting to hear...

Maybe he's just busy. Give him some time, hmm?

*leans on the Queen's shoulder* I juss wrote to the Chancellor... for old time's sake, I'll wait... *sighs* This hurts so much... I never knew it was possible to be happy and sad both at the same time...

It's one of the many troubles of having so many suitors, I suppose.

*nudges Queen* Well, now... at least you've got one who's totally devoted you... is the Vizier up yet, by the way?

Perhaps you should read the last few pages to see what has happened to the Vizier, dear. It's been but a day and I already miss him. I do hope he will return in the estimated time.

*hugs Queen* Oh, there, there, Mother... he'll be back... it's hard to pine and wait for a lover, no?

*hugs Princess* Thank you, dear. But I do have my hands full, what with an entire nation to organize and a myriad of invasions and all, so it lessens the strain a little in certain respects.

*bows* And of what sevice does the Queen wish to engage me in?