---------------------------------------------

 

It was a cold, brittle day that swept throughout the land.  Or, rather, the inhabited portion.  Much of this dying earth has withered away, leaving much land dry, lifeless, and relatively impossible to live upon.  It was late November, and the heaviness of Winter was only just falling upon them.

 

There are cities, towns, and small villages scattered everywhere across the continent.  Many of which are now subservient to the empire, yet there are some which still exist free from the Emperor's reign, and they aren't in happy places.  These villages and cities are cold, raided, and . . . starving.  The land, in its final dying stages, host little vegetation and thus hardly produce good crops.  There is little food as well as resources to acquire it.  Most villages independent of the empire cannot afford Tanzynite for their life source, so they are still reliant upon the nutrients that food provide.  With this, disease is more prominent in some societies, and yet without Tanzynite--or a proper Healing Mage--they can hardy treat the person.

 

As a Rebellion Member you are free to roam any cities which you see fit.  Perhaps it's your home, or perhaps you are merely visiting.  Maybe you're gathering recruits, or even still gathering information about the Empire's ongoings.  The age is one of technology, where everything is electronically run.  Modern technology exists, but a lot of places on the map do not support cellular service.

 

At the heart of the nation rests the metallic castle walls of the Imperial City, Langerdon.  Its thick walls made of heavy iron and other metals make it nearly impossible to penetrate.  The city inside is one where people live lavishly, having every possible luxury that one would request.  Even the poorest people in Langerdon have comfortable lives, an object for many rebels to envy.  The streets and city are all technologically advanced and predominately made of steel and iron, the palace being no exception.  The castle works for itself, and it alone could be used as a weapon to keep unwanted guests away.  There lives the Emperor Korben himself, along with his many loyal subjects and cronies.

 

As a Subject/Member of the Empire you are to adhere to Korben's orders within Langerdon, the Capital City and remain within that city on patrol, or maybe you're permitted within the Palace/Castle, or maybe you're on assignment in another city to look out for Rebels or Treasonous Individuals. However, those are for later, as right now, all members of the Empire are currently in a meeting with the Emperor to discuss recent events, the Rebellion, Plans etc. You have no problems with communication with the Emperor, as he can "Astral Project" technically using his Dark Powers.

 

In the Criminal Underworld resides those who don't obey the laws nor do they take them into their own hands, but they break them. Break them like the proverbial knee cap, or the literal one. There are Crime Lords, Gangs, Organized Crime-Doers and just those who commit Petty Crime. There also reside Information Brokers and such who can provide info, usually reliable given their range due to lawlessness. Those who are Criminals, you do what you please, be it robbing shops, banks, people or dealing drugs or weapons, it matters not in the Slums.

 

Those who are independent free spirits you do what you please, aid the Rebellion, tip off the Empire or do Parkour, you are completely free, but alone in this cold-hearted world.

 

You all have your places and roles, now is the time to shape your stories, for your fate is in your hands.

 

-------------------------------------------

Roster:

Korbenic Empire - Emperor Korben (Kunivas), Ariana Cabret (Mystic), Rika Hunter "Chrysalis" (Sabre/Oath), Gabriel Stross "Omega" (Scrap), Tekanorojia Zimm (Disgust/Yuffie)

 

Rebellion Aka: The Order - Eclaire Tonnere (Sabre/Oath), Jadis Sorein (Mystic), Derik J. Absolon (Riki), Tiriel (Sabre/Oath), Vortludo Prince (Disgust/Yuffie), Slade Joseph Wilson (Kunivas), Yevgeni Malachite (Mystic), Ryonne Neyelmnik (Disgust/Yuffie), Viridem Hangin (Disgust/Yuffie), Dr. Vay Lea (Nortanort).

 

Criminal Underworld - Cylar (Disgust/Yuffie), Scourge (Kunivas), Roman Sionis "Black Mask" (Kunivas), 

 

Special Catagory - Jeremy Tobias Hunter (Criminal but has ties to the Rebels, Sabre/Oath), Mikhail Drak (Neutral, but is welcome in Rebel Base and often goes there/called there for missions, Scrap), Neena Mors (Neutral, Disgust/Yuffie), Henry Hansees (Presumably Neutral, but helps the Rebels, Scrap).

 

Elder Demon - Azrael, Embodiment of Chaos (Kunivas).

 

--------------------------------------------

 

-Emperor Korben-

 

Others were arriving for the meeting, but Korben tended to be the last to arrive for he would stand at his balcony and look out upon his city, his eyes glistening and emitting Dark Blue Energy through his helmet as he gazed and scanned the city which was bathed in Moonlight as it tended to be at this time of Night. In his earlier days as Emperor, he'd be at peace observing his city, but nowadays the constant bothering by the Rebellion irk him constantly, especially when he looks at Langerdon and beyond...he can see the turmoil even when it isn't happening....yet. He couldn't help but clench his hands as he rested them upon the Stone Ledge, leaving grooves where his fingers ground against it. "Accursed Rebel scum..." He muttered in a low, darkly distorted voice.

 

"Mi'lord?" His pondering ceased upon a female subject, a maid, entered his room to fetch him and he went back into his room from the balcony and greeted her. "Hmm?" He uttered. "They're ready for you at the Round Table, my Emperor." She told him, earning a nod from the Emperor as he left his room while she went back to her duties. Korben walked through the corridors, past many rooms, small events and ornaments until got to a set of large wooden doors and pushed them open, announcing his arrival which silenced the muttering Senior Subjects who awaited his arrival. The doors closed behind him as he took his seat, a Throne which was far more regal and decorated than their chairs, but some had better seating to show their higher ranking than others there. The Emperor sat firm...and spoke.

 

"Gentlemen and Ladies, welcome...." He leans forward. "Let us discuss. First point of business, how goes the flow of Tanzynite and their profits?" He asked, then someone spoke up, presumably the one in charge of the Finances and Flow of Tanzynite and he dressed like a Scientist, but more formal. "My liege. The Tanzynite flows smoothly, no thieveries by Criminals this Month and Profits are up by 2%, sir." He explained. "Most excellent, but increase and adapt Marketing, I want profits to go up by 5% next time. Do not water-down any of the chemicals or make any new ones yet. If you need to, get Thomas to help you." He replied, the Scientist nodded, Thomas being one of his assistants. "By the way, Thomas has suggested we should perhaps market to a younger audience?" He put this forward nervously, but did not shudder...until Korben spoke. "Need I remind you....that we do NOT market what is basically Drugs to children! *Ahem* ....you tell Thomas that, Timothy." He addressed the Scientist, known as Timothy, who nodded in response, making a note.

 

Korben then turned to the higher ups (Player Characters of the Empire) and spoke up. "What news of the Rebellion?" He put forward.

Edited September 13, 201510 yr by SuperiorKunivas

 

---------------------------------------------

 

It was a cold, brittle day that swept throughout the land.  Or, rather, the inhabited portion.  Much of this dying earth has withered away, leaving much land dry, lifeless, and relatively impossible to live upon.  It was late November, and the heaviness of Winter was only just falling upon them.

 

There are cities, towns, and small villages scattered everywhere across the continent.  Many of which are now subservient to the empire, yet there are some which still exist free from the Emperor's reign, and they aren't in happy places.  These villages and cities are cold, raided, and . . . starving.  The land, in its final dying stages, host little vegetation and thus hardly produce good crops.  There is little food as well as resources to acquire it.  Most villages independent of the empire cannot afford Tanzynite for their life source, so they are still reliant upon the nutrients that food provide.  With this, disease is more prominent in some societies, and yet without Tanzynite--or a proper Healing Mage--they can hardy treat the person.

 

As a Rebellion Member you are free to roam any cities which you see fit.  Perhaps it's your home, or perhaps you are merely visiting.  Maybe you're gathering recruits, or even still gathering information about the Empire's ongoings.  The age is one of technology, where everything is electronically run.  Modern technology exists, but a lot of places on the map do not support cellular service.

 

At the heart of the nation rests the metallic castle walls of the Imperial City, Langerdon.  Its thick walls made of heavy iron and other metals make it nearly impossible to penetrate.  The city inside is one where people live lavishly, having every possible luxury that one would request.  Even the poorest people in Langerdon have comfortable lives, an object for many rebels to envy.  The streets and city are all technologically advanced and predominately made of steel and iron, the palace being no exception.  The castle works for itself, and it alone could be used as a weapon to keep unwanted guests away.  There lives the Emperor Korben himself, along with his many loyal subjects and cronies.

 

As a Subject/Member of the Empire you are to adhere to Korben's orders within Langerdon, the Capital City and remain within that city on patrol, or maybe you're permitted within the Palace/Castle, or maybe you're on assignment in another city to look out for Rebels or Treasonous Individuals. However, those are for later, as right now, all members of the Empire are currently in a meeting with the Emperor to discuss recent events, the Rebellion, Plans etc. You have no problems with communication with the Emperor, as he can "Astral Project" technically using his Dark Powers.

 

In the Criminal Underworld resides those who don't obey the laws nor do they take them into their own hands, but they break them. Break them like the proverbial knee cap, or the literal one. There are Crime Lords, Gangs, Organized Crime-Doers and just those who commit Petty Crime. There also reside Information Brokers and such who can provide info, usually reliable given their range due to lawlessness. Those who are Criminals, you do what you please, be it robbing shops, banks, people or dealing drugs or weapons, it matters not in the Slums.

 

Those who are independent free spirits you do what you please, aid the Rebellion, tip off the Empire or do Parkour, you are completely free, but alone in this cold-hearted world.

 

You all have your places and roles, now is the time to shape your stories, for your fate is in your hands.

 

-------------------------------------------

Roster:

Korbenic Empire - Emperor Korben (Kunivas), Ariana Cabret (Mystic), Rika Hunter "Chrysalis" (Sabre/Oath), Gabriel Stross "Omega" (Scrap), Tekanorojia Zimm (Disgust/Yuffie)

 

Rebellion (Needs a name) - *Leader that Sabre is working on*, Jadis Sorein (Mystic), Derik J. Absolon (Riki), Tiriel (Sabre/Oath), Vortludo Prince (Disgust/Yuffie), Slade Joseph Wilson (Kunivas), Yevgeni Malachite (Mystic), Ryonne Neyelmnik (Disgust/Yuffie), Viridem Hangin (Disgust/Yuffie), Dr. Vay Lea (Nortanort, WIP).

 

Criminal Underworld - Cylar (Disgust/Yuffie), Scourge (Kunivas), Roman Sionis "Black Mask" (Kunivas), 

 

Special Catagory - Jeremy Tobias Hunter (Criminal but has ties to the Rebels, Sabre/Oath), Mikhail Drak (Neutral, but is welcome in Rebel Base and often goes there/called there for missions, Scrap), Neena Mors (Neutral, Disgust/Yuffie), Henry Hansees (Presumably Neutral, but helps the Rebels, Scrap).

 

Elder Demon - Azrael, Embodiment of Chaos (Kunivas).

 

--------------------------------------------

 

-Emperor Korben-

 

Others were arriving for the meeting, but Korben tended to be the last to arrive for he would stand at his balcony and look out upon his city, his eyes glistening and emitting Dark Blue Energy through his helmet as he gazed and scanned the city which was bathed in Moonlight as it tended to be at this time of Night. In his earlier days as Emperor, he'd be at peace observing his city, but nowadays the constant bothering by the Rebellion irk him constantly, especially when he looks at Langerdon and beyond...he can see the turmoil even when it isn't happening....yet. He couldn't help but clench his hands as he rested them upon the Stone Ledge, leaving grooves where his fingers ground against it. "Accursed Rebel scum..." He muttered in a low, darkly distorted voice.

 

"Mi'lord?" His pondering ceased upon a female subject, a maid, entered his room to fetch him and he went back into his room from the balcony and greeted her. "Hmm?" He uttered. "They're ready for you at the Round Table, my Emperor." She told him, earning a nod from the Emperor as he left his room while she went back to her duties. Korben walked through the corridors, past many rooms, small events and ornaments until got to a set of large wooden doors and pushed them open, announcing his arrival which silenced the muttering Senior Subjects who awaited his arrival. The doors closed behind him as he took his seat, a Throne which was far more regal and decorated than their chairs, but some had better seating to show their higher ranking than others there. The Emperor sat firm...and spoke.

 

"Gentlemen and Ladies, welcome...." He leans forward. "Let us discuss. First point of business, how goes the flow of Tanzynite and their profits?" He asked, then someone spoke up, presumably the one in charge of the Finances and Flow of Tanzynite and he dressed like a Scientist, but more formal. "My liege. The Tanzynite flows smoothly, no thieveries by Criminals this Month and Profits are up by 2%, sir." He explained. "Most excellent, but increase and adapt Marketing, I want profits to go up by 5% next time. Do not water-down any of the chemicals or make any new ones yet. If you need to, get Thomas to help you." He replied, the Scientist nodded, Thomas being one of his assistants. "By the way, Thomas has suggested we should perhaps market to a younger audience?" He put this forward nervously, but did not shudder...until Korben spoke. "Need I remind you....that we do NOT market what is basically Drugs to children! *Ahem* ....you tell Thomas that, Timothy." He addressed the Scientist, known as Timothy, who nodded in response, making a note.

 

Korben then turned to the higher ups (Player Characters of the Empire) and spoke up. "What news of the Rebellion?" He put forward.

 

(At this point in time, Derik is not /technically/ with the rebellion, but will join it.)

 

"He was a frightful man. Powerful, unforgiving, and stood taller than even King Lay, a man so large that he could only be assumed to tbe the wall of a house. He stood before the man who once called him "Son". The blood flowed and dried from the injured father's body. "The one thing I learned from you..." Said the beast of a man. "...Is to never show weakness." And with that, his head was gone to be placed on a pike. He walked away that day, gripping the child's ashes and howling to the moon! He then flew off, and has only been seen since then..."

 

"Stop that, Ash!" The younger boy in this run-down inn had cried. "I don't wanna hear any more of your creepy story!"

 

"It's just a story, Mane. Just a story." Ash replied. "It's a story that is well worth remembering, too! Now, calm down, it's not like a man as big as a wall is gonna show up at our doorstep-"

 

A loud boom and a small flash of red light, like a meteor falling from the sky, exploded outside the room window. The two children almost decided to hide, but their curiosity got the best of them, running down stares, they opened the back door to the inn and found a normal man, dressed in black, in a small crater. The children sighed in relief that he wasn't a monster of a man. They tried to drag him out of the small hole he had dug himself into, only to find he was incredibly heavy. They pulled his coat off, figuring it was some kind of armor, and even then he was a Goliath in disguise in terms of weight. With much effort, they dragged him upstairs to their room and put covers on him, then went back down and covered his armor in dirt to avoid it from being seen and stolen by someone strong enough to lift it, and watched the man as he rested.

 

The glow of dawn's brightest star  came, and so did Derik's consciousness. He looked at the children for a moment, his mind still groggy with exhaustion, he mistook the girl for his late daughter as they had the same hair and curious look in their eyes. When he came to fully, he remembered what was reality, and he stood. "...Thank you, I must have passed out in your yard last night, am I correct?"

 

The children nodded, their silence was merited by Derik's impressive build. He was six foot six, and obviously weighed at least three hundred pounds from the muscles shown on his arms. The children stood agape, looking at the stranger. "Look, though I thank you for letting me rest here, but don't let random people into your home. Where are your parent's?"

 

They looked away from Derik, and he understood instantly. "I understand. This is an Inn, right? Who works here?"

 

"Just us..." The boy stated. "I'm strong for my age, I don't let the creepy or drunk men near my sister or myself! We don't need people to look after us..."

 

"I'm sure you are, but it's still dangerous. Even if you're strong for a kid, you're small... Bigger men like me could really hurt you."

 

"I can look after myself!"

 

"...You remind me of me, kid. The arrogance will go when you lose something important to you...." The boy looked at Derik. "Strength is relative, so is pain. And I'm a fool of a man with more pain than I know how to deal with."

 

The boy looked at his hands. They tightened, he was able to understand the look in Derik's eyes, something only children truly grasped was pain, as unlike for adults, any pain hurts very badly. 

 

"...Alright... Can you teach me to be stronger?"

 

His heart skipped a beat, his skin turned pale, Derik could have fallen over in that instant and died. The boy reminded him so much of his own kid in personality. Headstrong, confident, but understanding, and just like him, always wanting to grow stronger.

 

"I'm sorry, but no. I'm too strong. Training with me would never get you anywhere, you would always compare yourself to me, and being so young, you'll only catch up after I'm long dead..." He lied. He couldn't bare the thought of training someone in fighting again. He wasn't going to kill someone else. The boy looked disappointed, however Derik looked to him. "However, I will leave you with a present for when you're older. I assume my jacket is hidden down under where I landed last night, right?"

 

"Sure is, Mister!" the girl jumped in. 

 

"Alright, I'll be back in a moment." After moving downstairs and retrieving the jacket, strapped to it his blades Kylar and Sular, he procured a box from it before putting it back on, and met them in the front desk area of the inn. 

 

"Here. When you're old enough, open this box. Inside it contains something special to me.  It will help you if you're ever in a pinch."

 

"What's inside?"

 

"That's for you to find out."

 

For the next few years, Derik spent his time in that inn, gathering intel from the semi-large town on what had been doing so much destruction to the planet, as well as helping the two children run their inn. He didn't train the child, but he did set him off in the right direction. Chopping wood, lifting heavy loads, cleaning, fishing, even showing him how Blacksmithing works and letting him apprentice under him in that. By the time he was seventeen, Derik had set him on a path that would let him grow to be strong enough to protect what he loved, but no more. On his last day in the inn, they shared tear-filled good-byes. The boy, now a young man, the girl a confident young lady who was strong in her own right and much smarter than her brother was in the technical sense. As he left, a large group of bandits made their way into the inn, demanding that they surrender to them. Mane and Ash fought them best they could, but it wasn't until Mane had remembered the gift Derik had left him, that he gained the upper hand. A crimson sword and scythe pair, his daughter's. "I won't let anyone go unprotected, don't you worry, honey..." He thought, taking off for the capitol and his next stop on his tour to find out what the hell was killing the planet.

(No problem, Riki.  Both Jadis and Yev aren't apart of the Rebellion yet, either)

-Ariana-

 

The dark-haired young woman smoothed back her hair, eyes fixated on the empire.  On her lap sat a few sheets of papers: notes that she intended to go over during the meeting.  She cast a violet eye onto the other imperial members.  Some were strong, admittedly, but it was only due to their daily dosages of tanzynite or infusions.  They were nothing in comparison to his royal highness and herself.  She personally felt that they could've taken the rebellion down single-handedly without bothering with these nonsensical meetings.  But here she was, sitting on the right hand of Emperor Korben, refusing to obey an order.  She was a long-time favorite of his Majesty, and she wasn't going to change that standing . . . at least, until she had what she wanted.  Her crimson lips rose into a twisted smile, looking at the group of fellow comrades before speaking.

 

"My liege, the rebellion is a small nation that's slowly gathering their army.  They are few in number, but they're recruiting some of the best.  I sent one of my pages to observe one of their training sessions in Nabrook one afternoon, and their swordsman are top notch.  Further, they have mages to aid their plight.  From the magic which was demonstrated it seems that they're only fundamentally equipped in magic, and thankfully they do not have any sources of tanzynite.  This may be our main means to crush them, but they should not be underestimated.  It would be wise to break them up and target them individually rather than head-on.  They play to their strengths, and from my gathered knowledge I don't yet know their fighting strategy when together."

 

Ari shifted her weight, her sheathed sword clinking at her waist.  "However, I think you will be most interested by the name of their leader.  Word has it that it's a woman by the name of Eclaire Tonnere.  Sound familiar?"  The general shot a warning look in the direction of each imperial member, eyeing them carefully before adding coldly, "There is nothing that I take greater pride in taking down than a traitor."

 

-Yevgeni-

"Keep those, please.  I don't need the change."  The blond snatched up his goods upon the counter and turned to leave, the teenager merchant staring at him in shock.  No word escaped his lips, not even a word of thanks, perhaps fearful that Yevgeni would change his mind if he brought attention to the amount of funds left behind.  He had paid generously for his goods, the amount of change alone being enough to feed the teenager and his family for a week.  He exited the building and examined the village.  It was indeed small, with not much present except for a couple of shops, an inn, and a cluster of homes, but he heard tell that a swordsman above the average class was finding shelter here, and he was desperate to speak with him.  He couldn't catch the eye of any townsfolk to inquire about the man, and of course he had no name to work with.  Sometimes Yev went on the strangest of missions.

 

The sun beat over his head, yet it hardly provided any warmth.  The snow crunched under his feet, the winter air leaving him to feel a lingering chill in his bones.  His stomach rumbled, reminding him that he was indeed still need of nutrients, despite his angelic side.  He withdrew a vial from his pack: a glass bottle with clear-colored liquid.  He took the tiniest of sips before returning it to his belongings.  Within moments his hunger subsided and he felt strength returning to his muscles.  This was a village that wasn't in alignment with the empire, and he dared not be caught with such tanzynite lest he be accused of being an imperial.  While tanzynite did indeed provide the required nutrients to survive, it still didn't satisfy one's cravings or the dryness of a mouth.  Still feeling particularly parched, Yevgeni traversed to the nearest tavern, ordering naught but water.  He selected a table farthest from the main crowd and within moments a young woman with pale hair approached him.  She smiled kindly as she dropped the tall cool glass in front of him, causing him to nod in return.  "You're not from around here."  It was a comment from the woman, not a question.  Yev raised a brow, eyeing her coolly before replying.  "What makes you say that?"  She gestured to him.  "Everything about your aura, your clothing, your demeanor, but especially your spirit.  A lot of the townsfolk have given up long ago, and yet I see the determination burning in your eyes."

 

Yev chuckled lightly, shaking his head, yet a smile played on his lips. "You're wise, my lady.  Too wise to be merely working in a tavern.  Yes, I'm not from here, and I am indeed determined.  Perhaps you can help me"--he gestured for her to come closer, speaking in a low voice--"I am looking for someone who was rumored to have spent much time here in the village.  A swordsman.  I am in urgent need to speak with him.  Have you seen him?"

 

A frown furrowed the woman's brows, deep in concentration.  "Well, there *was* a strange man who I saw frequently around the inn, especially with these two children.  He's been here for years, but recently left in the direction of the capitol."  Yev's eyes glittered upon  her words.  This was likely just the man he was looking for.  Suddenly he rose from the table, offering her a gracious nod before dropping a few coins on the table.  She opened her mouth to speak, yet no words came out.  "Your advice was incredibly valuable, thank you.  I beg, however, that you don't share this information with any other."

 

With that, it was time to head to the capitol.  Hopefully he would get a preview of what this swordsman was really made of before proffering him a deal.

 

-Jadis-

A thick coat wrapped around the shoulders of a tall twelve-year-old boy with a small frame.  His hood was drawn high, concealing his pointed ears and apparent elven features.  He was entering enemy territory, and couldn't be spotted for what he really was.  If he did, he would likely be killed on the spot.  A young girl stood alongside him, looping her hand in his and shuddering.  He turned and offered her a small smile.  "It'll be okay, Krea.  They won't know."  The young girl turned her glassy emerald eyes onto him.  "B--but Jadis, what if I lose control?  What if I accidentally . . . ?"  She dared not even speak the word of magic, not this close to enemy territory.  The two children had three things in common.  They were both orphans, mages, and afraid.  Terribly afraid.

 

"You won't, Krea.  I'm here with you.  Just do as we've practiced.  All we need to do is purchase some food and we can leave."  In his bones Jadis feared that it wouldn't be that easy, but he didn't wish to bring alarm to Krea.  The young girl had lost her family in a village raid, just as Jadis had, and he knew the trauma of it still haunted her every action.  He gave her hand a slight squeeze, but said nothing further as a city guardsman gave them a cool stare.  Jadis waved and walked over, trying to keep as casual as possible.  "Hello, good sir.  My sister and I are here to make some purchases.  We are of Hylvanian descent."

 

The guard eyed them coolly before beckoning them forward.  Jadis swallowed hard, yet it obviously went undetected by the man.  Releasing Krea's hand he stepped forward, keeping his head low.  Thankfully the darkness and the snow made it more difficult to see clearly, and he had a perfectly good reason for wearing a hooded cloak.  The guard nodded, tapping his spear on a lone tile and opening the city gates.  He gave Jadis a sympathetic smile.  "Your parents should know better than to send young ones out in this weather like this.  It's too cold and dangerous for the likes of ye, especially with them mages and rebels running loose."  Jadis could feel Krea tense, hoping that she said nothing and meekly followed his lead.  Sure enough she did just that, as Jadis nodded in gratitude to the guard.  Once they took a few steps in the young elves exchanged smiles.  They managed to enter the city of Godolvia, a rich city under the rule of the empire.

-Gabriel Stross-

 

The man stood like a statue as he paid attention to every detail of Emperor korben, analyzing his power signatures, and analyzing the room with all the others as well, he was about to speak up, however the one of them began to speak first, none other than Ariana, the Emperor's right hand woman, someone Gabriel had the pleasure of speaking to, or at least communicating to on several occasions, no surprise at what she said about the rebels, but Eclaire was a new one, Gabriel didn't know much about this woman, only that she was once part of the Empire, who defected in the middle of a mission, killing all empire units in the vicinity and escaping, this woman certainly posed a threat indeed,

 

After Ariana spoke all she could, Gabriel tood up from his chair, and threw a small disk in the middle of them, this disk soon showed a hologram projection of the capitol's map, and it showed some of the empire's outposts within the large city, all seemed normal in this map, but one of the outposts was colored orange instead of the usual blue that means safe, "Risk of attack on the north-eastern outpost is high." the AI's voice on his suit spoke aloud for all in the room to hear, "The outpost has received a large shipment of Tanzynites and weapons, and those two are what the rebellion are most after" the Ai spoke again.

 

"On another note, the Z-17-9 spider warmech has left the prototype phase, and now ready for deployment." the Ai's voice spoke aloud again.

 

 

-Mikhail Drak-

 

A lone man, covered in armor and his face hiding behind a wood walked through the streets of the city's marketplace, he was due to meet a contract at this time, a woman was supposed to brief him about what he was to do, finding the woman was easy, as his senses, as sensitive as they are allowed him to see each person within his vicinity in full detail, finding the woman he was after, who posed as a merchant of a small souvenir's shop, much to his dismay she was being threatened by two guards, probably going to be arrested by whatever it is that she had done.

 

Mikhail was about to have none of it, specially not to his contractor, and quickly grabbed his arm as he tried to punch her, "What?!" the guard shouted as Mikhail twisted his arm around, making him face him, the other guard spun about and pulled out his shock batton, something Mikhail was too pleased by, the first guard held his arm in pain as the other charged at him, trying to do a thrust at Mikhail's chest, but Mikhail quickly backhanded the baton to the side in its non-electrict area as he grabbed the guard's throat and slammed him into the ground, as hte other finally tried to attack, sidestepping the man's attack with near blinding speed as he slammed his hand on the man's neck, driving him to the ground as well.

 

Mikhail looked at them as they squirmed on the ground, soon getting up and pulling their weapons, but they didn't fire, "Freeze! you are under arrest...freak!" one of them spoke, noticing Mikhails yellow eyes, "Get out of here, and go find something else to pick on" Mikhail said as he waved his hand, making a small gesture with his fingers as his eyes glew, soon enough the guard's eyes glew as well and they put away their weapons, "A-Aye sir" and left. Mikhail had just used Axii, a common magical sign to manipulate someone's mind, a useful,yet dangerous sign indeed.

 

Turning around to face the would-be contractor, he had the displeasure of hearing her say, "I-im sorry, but I was found out, I can't issue the contract, I need to leave the city." the woman said as she began to leave as well, "Well damn." he commented as started walking away from the scene, without a job and without anything to do either, maybe the rebellion would contact him again, possibly through this little phone like thing he was given by them on his last mission with them.

 

 

-Henry Hansees-

 

Watching over the city in this horrible weather on top of a rooftop, while the city still managed to be pretty in all this, Henry knew of the conflict below, and he was eager to help, but didn't exactly have any opportunity to do so, sadly, as he really wanted to mess with the Empire some more, "Rebellion's been silent lately, been a few weeks since their last attack..." he commented as he watched the city below.

 

The rebellion didn't yet know him, but he was hoping they'd see that he wasn't hostile, much to the contrary, he was friendly, and wanted to help, anything to take the fight to the Empire, who experimented on him and gave him these powers.

-Eclaire, the Lightning Countess-

"It seems the news of my death were greatly exaggerated."

The meeting hall of the Empire echoed with this single line...then Eclaire stood. Swan-diving backwards, her twin Blazefire Sabers materialized in flurries of light. As she fell headfirst she opened fire and apun, slaughtering the perimeter guards before flipping and changing into Drakonic Fury. She hard-landed with an explosive burst of the jet pack that blasted Omega's holo-disc, unworriedly blowing it up. She stood and with practiced wrist-flicks the guns turned to blades as she back jetted, stabbing Teo Generals through the chest before another burst forward and four more shots made it a grand total of six mostly unknown generals dead, but generals none the less.

 

She focused on Korben, and materialized In Paradisum.

"And I, oh Ariana, take full pleasure in slaying a harlots as yourself." She looked to her hated foe, and leveled the Spear of Paradox. "Your Empire is the cause of this world's problems, and shall be punished. Your destruction of the Temple of Light has incurred your Korbenic Empire a debt you will pay, in whatever way the Goddess demands." As guards climbed onto the table, she locked eyes with a small girl, chained to Ariana's chair and fearfully pressed against Ariana's leg. The image of brokenness.

 

"Ten percent luck." She spun, In Paradisum impaling one. Spinning, the Spear disappeared, replaced by the Buster Sword Stratus Conflict. Two men cleaved in half. "Twenty percent skill. Fifteen percent concentrated power of will." Her weapons disappeared. "Five percent pleasure...and fifty percent pain." She Garb-Changed, now in her cat like attire of Eorzea. "One hundred percent reason to fear my name."

 

In a flurry of roses she disappeared, leaving Korben's meeting room covered in bullers, blood, and the lingering knowledge that the Empire trained their soldiers too well.

And left as a reminder, burned into the table itself, was the Lightning bolt symbol of the Lightning Countess, and an Eye of Horus...a symbol of will. A symbol of watching.

The symbol of a Rebellion.

 

-Chrysalis-

Chrysalis had already been chained to the chair when Ariana had entered, and didn't look up at her. She was broken and even more fragile, sitting there in complete fear. She flinched a few times, but then clung to Ariana's leg as Eclaire shot up the room. She whimpered in fear, hiding against the General...then it all ended, and she peeked out.

Edited September 6, 201510 yr by Sabre Lily

-Emperor Korben-

 

Korben listened intently to what Ariana told him, scoffing slightly afterwards. "Everything big has started small...but they can still be crushed like the ants they are, especially if they are threatening the integrity of our Empire." He said, then leaned forward, resting his head upon both of his hands in a slouch. "Besides, given how many times some have taken Tanzynite from right under our nose, how long would you suppose it will be before they get the idea...? Hell, they won't need too many supplies of it should they possess members with Tanzynite." Korben explained, then sat up again when the Leader's name was mentioned. "Eclaire Tonnere....I remember her...she was one of our best soldiers. Now, she is but a rebellious wench." He commented with low level contempt in his distorted tone.

 

He then nodded as Gabriel informed him of the Outpost Security and the new War-Mech they had ready. "Deploy the Mech at the vulnerable Outpost...no kill like overkill, hmm?" He ordered, with a light smirk beneath his helmet.

 

The Emperor did not flinch however at the sudden entrance of aforementioned Rebel Leader, who destroyed the disc and killed several Guards and Generals of his in a flashy, admirably swift entrance, speech and exit before she could be apprehended, but while she spoke, he could only listen...and chuckle quietly as she left.

 

"Well now....that just happened." He commented in a nonchalant fashion, then looked to a Guard who happened to be alive and stood watch where she arrived. "Guard Johnson!" He called, startling the Guard. "Y-Yes, Sir?!" He answered in a crackling voice of nervousness and fear. "HOW did she get into this Palace undetected while you watched?!" He demanded an answer from the witless Guard. "I-I don't...I don't know, S-Sir..." This reply was not what he wanted and before the Guard knew it, Korben's hand was at his throat as he stood up and rushed to him in less than a second and was lifting the Guard up with a single hand. "S-Sir!? P-Pleas--!" Korben had twisted his hand and the Guard's neck snapped with an audible, visceral crack as he threw the body away. "Take him away!" He commanded, with two guards dragging away his body while Korben commanded two more guards. "Begin clean-up and investigate what the hell just happened. I want to know how she got in here and how she got past our security measures. Then, upgrade them. Don't fail me." He spoke in a calmer fashion as they did as he asked with a considerably less fearful and nervous aura to them, even their hands did not shake.

 

Korben sat back down at the Table and spoke. "Remaining Generals, find replacements for the dead and train them well. Except for you, General Ozzel. You organize your unit and track down the Rebels." He ordered, then pointed to an older, somewhat scarred General, who was named Ozzel who stood to attention and saluted. "Right way, my lord." He replied. "Do not fail me again, Ozzel." Korben warned before Ozzel departed.

 

"Ariana, with me. Everyone else, return to your stations. Meeting adjourned." He announced, signalling Ariana to accompany him back to his chamber.

 

 

-Slade Joseph Wilson-

 

In an alleyway near a city Marketplace, two bodyguards and one very fearful Empire Official were cornered, shaking but trying to stay focused.

"S-Stay where you are! W-We'll shoot!" One said with their Rifle in hand, it shook as an armour-clad man nonchalantly walked towards them.

"If you truly wished to gun me down, you'd have tried it already. And none of the other Guards tried it either." The man, known as Slade, spoke to them calmly, his Desert Eagle in hand but not aiming at them. "You're the Empire's finest? *Chuckles* Please....you are bumbling, untrained fools with guns and too much money in your pockets. You don't even do your job." Slade insulted them at his leisure, as they were too afraid to attack.

 

"Y-You, you won't get t-t-through us!" The other Guard challenged him, prompting Slade to tilt his Helmeted head. "Oh, you think so?" He challenged back. "Why, you're already dead." He jested. "W-Wha--" Bang bang. Both guards fell to swift Headshots, their helmets proving useless to his high calibre weapon, which he sheathed and took out one of his Ninjato Blades and walked towards the cowering official.

 

"N-No! Leave me be!" The Official pleaded, but Slade did not relent in his ominous walk. "You're on the wrong side, Empire Coward." He told him. then the Official pulled out a Glock Pistol and fired, but its Calibre was too weak as the bullet quite literally bounced off of his armour as Slade grabbed and broke his gun arm, causing the Glock to drop to the ground. "And now, along with all the lives you've made miserable under his Leash, your fate is sealed." He uttered, then stabbed the Empire Official in the gut, twisted the blade so blood ran down his hand and yanked out the blade, the Official fell to the ground writhing in agony...then Slade executed him with another shot from his Desert Eagle to the head.

 

"Inadequate." He muttered, then cleaned his blade and his hand, sheathed his weapons and left the Alley, walking past other Guards who...seemed Brainwashed, with glowing eyes. "Huh." He commented, then saw someone walking away from the scene looking a little miffed, walking towards him.

-Emperor Korben-

 

Korben listened intently to what Ariana told him, scoffing slightly afterwards. "Everything big has started small...but they can still be crushed like the ants they are, especially if they are threatening the integrity of our Empire." He said, then leaned forward, resting his head upon both of his hands in a slouch. "Besides, given how many times some have taken Tanzynite from right under our nose, how long would you suppose it will be before they get the idea...? Hell, they won't need too many supplies of it should they possess members with Tanzynite." Korben explained, then sat up again when the Leader's name was mentioned. "Eclaire Tonnere....I remember her...she was one of our best soldiers. Now, she is but a rebellious wench." He commented with low level contempt in his distorted tone.

 

He then nodded as Gabriel informed him of the Outpost Security and the new War-Mech they had ready. "Deploy the Mech at the vulnerable Outpost...no kill like overkill, hmm?" He ordered, with a light smirk beneath his helmet.

 

The Emperor did not flinch however at the sudden entrance of aforementioned Rebel Leader, who destroyed the disc and killed several Guards and Generals of his in a flashy, admirably swift entrance, speech and exit before she could be apprehended, but while she spoke, he could only listen...and chuckle quietly as she left.

 

"Well now....that just happened." He commented in a nonchalant fashion, then looked to a Guard who happened to be alive and stood watch where she arrived. "Guard Johnson!" He called, startling the Guard. "Y-Yes, Sir?!" He answered in a crackling voice of nervousness and fear. "HOW did she get into this Palace undetected while you watched?!" He demanded an answer from the witless Guard. "I-I don't...I don't know, S-Sir..." This reply was not what he wanted and before the Guard knew it, Korben's hand was at his throat as he stood up and rushed to him in less than a second and was lifting the Guard up with a single hand. "S-Sir!? P-Pleas--!" Korben had twisted his hand and the Guard's neck snapped with an audible, visceral crack as he threw the body away. "Take him away!" He commanded, with two guards dragging away his body while Korben commanded two more guards. "Begin clean-up and investigate what the hell just happened. I want to know how she got in here and how she got past our security measures. Then, upgrade them. Don't fail me." He spoke in a calmer fashion as they did as he asked with a considerably less fearful and nervous aura to them, even their hands did not shake.

 

Korben sat back down at the Table and spoke. "Remaining Generals, find replacements for the dead and train them well. Except for you, General Ozzel. You organize your unit and track down the Rebels." He ordered, then pointed to an older, somewhat scarred General, who was named Ozzel who stood to attention and saluted. "Right way, my lord." He replied. "Do not fail me again, Ozzel." Korben warned before Ozzel departed.

 

"Ariana, with me. Everyone else, return to your stations. Meeting adjourned." He announced, signalling Ariana to accompany him back to his chamber.

 

 

-Slade Joseph Wilson-

 

In an alleyway near a city Marketplace, two bodyguards and one very fearful Empire Official were cornered, shaking but trying to stay focused.

"S-Stay where you are! W-We'll shoot!" One said with their Rifle in hand, it shook as an armour-clad man nonchalantly walked towards them.

"If you truly wished to gun me down, you'd have tried it already. And none of the other Guards tried it either." The man, known as Slade, spoke to them calmly, his Desert Eagle in hand but not aiming at them. "You're the Empire's finest? *Chuckles* Please....you are bumbling, untrained fools with guns and too much money in your pockets. You don't even do your job." Slade insulted them at his leisure, as they were too afraid to attack.

 

"Y-You, you won't get t-t-through us!" The other Guard challenged him, prompting Slade to tilt his Helmeted head. "Oh, you think so?" He challenged back. "Why, you're already dead." He jested. "W-Wha--" Bang bang. Both guards fell to swift Headshots, their helmets proving useless to his high calibre weapon, which he sheathed and took out one of his Ninjato Blades and walked towards the cowering official.

 

"N-No! Leave me be!" The Official pleaded, but Slade did not relent in his ominous walk. "You're on the wrong side, Empire Coward." He told him. then the Official pulled out a Glock Pistol and fired, but its Calibre was too weak as the bullet quite literally bounced off of his armour as Slade grabbed and broke his gun arm, causing the Glock to drop to the ground. "And now, along with all the lives you've made miserable under his Leash, your fate is sealed." He uttered, then stabbed the Empire Official in the gut, twisted the blade so blood ran down his hand and yanked out the blade, the Official fell to the ground writhing in agony...then Slade executed him with another shot from his Desert Eagle to the head.

 

"Inadequate." He muttered, then cleaned his blade and his hand, sheathed his weapons and left the Alley, walking past other Guards who...seemed Brainwashed, with glowing eyes. "Huh." He commented, then saw someone walking away from the scene looking a little miffed, walking towards him.

Upon that signal, a man in black clothing wandered into the room. His steel-grey eyes looked around. "Hey, yo.. Uh.. I kinda crashed into the side of this gigantic firetrucking building you have here and made a hole by accident-" He then noticed the bits of dead bodies on the floor, walls, and roof. "...I'm sorry, my mistake. Good-bye!" Derik yelled, a harsh stomp and the floor beneath him collapsed in. "No hard feelings!" He cried, as he fell several stories downwards, like a cannon ball fired straight down. As he neared about fifty kilometer's in speed, he applied upward flying force so he could slow himself down and land safely. That didn't eliminate the damage he made to the floors of the building, though. 

 

At this point, he was in what he could only assume was some sort of garage or laboratory or maybe an airport? It was some sort of strange place he had never seen anything like before. "War never changes but it's favorite tools do." Derik muttered, whistling at the large ships and mechs in the room.

Peashy was put just outside the doors to the meeting that was going on in the round table room & was being accompanied by a girl Korbenic soldier who was ordered to keep an eye on peashy while the meeting to place. Peashy was given some toy dolls to play with to keep her occupied until the meeting was over but Peashy was losing interest fast "Hmm...arr...ahh...I'm getting bored of these dolls, why can't I be in the meeting?!" yelled Peashy dropping the toy dolls on the floor "The Emperor can't have kids in the meeting & for one thing your little mind won't even understand anything their saying in the meeting. So just keep playing with your toys will ya kid" said the girl soldier.

 

Peashy wasn't liking this one bit "I WANNA BE IN THE MEETING!!" screamed Peashy over & over again while she was hitting the girl soldiers leg over & over annoying the guard. "STOP THAT KID OR I'LL HIT YOU!" yelled the girl guard, that's when battle sounds could be heard from inside the round table room "sounds like some problems are happening in there" said the girl guard "WHA! It's gotta be a battle! I wanna play battle! can I can I?!" said Peashy to the girl guard "No! I was ordered to keep an eye on you, so stay put!" said the girl guard. Peashy just sat on the floor pouting & speaking under her breath "You poo face, big meany" while she pretended to enjoy playing with the dolls. After a moment some guards were taking a dead body outside the room which Peashy stared at as they took it away. "Oh poo, I missed out on the fun" said Peashy still pouting. the girl guard looked at Peashy still annoyed "Listen you little brat, if the emperor wants you to do something he'll let me know or maybe he'll just tell you himself or maybe some higher ups might tell you to do something, so just stay calm or go play some other game or something, but I'll be with you until so, okay?" said the girl guard. Peashy started to feel less annoyed now "Okey dokey lady" said Peashy before she ran off to find something else to play.

Edited September 7, 201510 yr by The Unversed

~Vortludo~

"Brilliant work my friend!" The Noble patted Slade on the shoulder as he glanced at his handiwork with a smile. "Truly, you murder like no other! The corpses you leave behind might as well be a piece of art." Vortludo said. Then he followed his fellow Rebellion member's eyes. "Hark! What do we have there?" He asked, having seen the same flicker of movement as his comrade. "I assume that we must investigate. It is our duty as guardians of these forsaken people to check on any suspicious and potentially dangerous people!" He continued to exclaim, working his best to be not much more than a pest. Eclaire hadn't given him anything to do in particular, and he didn't listen to anybody else, so he had just been wandering the city when he spotted Slade. And of course, he could not resist coming over. But maybe his quest to be annoying had actually provided him with something productive to do after all. Vortludo loved happy accidents like this.

 

~Tekanolojia~

Teka glanced at the symbols burnt into the table. She turned on her saber, and stabbed straight through the table, destroying the symbols by carving through the woodwork. Done with her vandalism of the vandalism, she switched her weapon off. Of course that was when the next man sauntered in. Teka rolled her eyes until his stomp basically caused a small earthquake in the building. Her reaction had been instinctual, and while in the Gaea suit, she just barely managed to defuse the seismic activities. Switching back into her dress, Teka sighed loudly. "What is it, destroy the stupid palace day? Damn, two in one day? I'm seriously going to have to have a word with whoever is in charge of this place. Who knows what kind of loud and destructive terrorist will come in here to send whatever stupid message they have will visit next?" Teka said, thinking out loud as she made her way out of the meeting hall, heading towards her room.

 

~Ryonne & Viridem~

"And your sure about this?"

"Of course."

"It's an entire outpost. And last I checked our forces consisted of... two. Including us."

"We're not destroying it. It's just in and out."

"Yeah, in and out of an entire freaking outpost. There's like a million Empire soldiers in there!"

"If Eclaire didn't think we could handle it, then she wouldn't have assigned us the job."

"Oh, that makes me feel much better. Now two people believe we can do the impossible!" Viridem exclaimed with a huff. She turned around, to glance behind them. "I swear, you are the most thi..." She turned around, and realized that Ryonne had vanished. The Wind sighed. "I swear, he's going to get both of us killed." She muttered, very frustrated. She teleported to her partner's location. The Swordsman was up against a wall, listening very carefully to the events of the room he was next to. The mission had been to hijack the Empire weapon and Tanzynite supplies that had recently been delivered to the understaffed Northeastern Outpost. The storage room was right around the corner. Viridem glanced down the hallway they were in, and spotted several dozen bloody and likely dead soldiers. No gun wounds though, so he must have been able to dispatch them without alarm. Good. Viridem heard some voices from around the corner. Two guards, having a nice chat. Ryonne looked to her, and gave her several orders through hand gestures. Two enemies. Me right, you left. Silent. Count of three. Viridem nodded in understanding. The Swordsman began counting on his fingers. One... Two... Three! Viridem lunged with the wind at her back to accelerate herself quickly slitting the left guard's throat with Eternal Gale's dagger form. She looked to her right. Ryonne stood over his own corpse. Perfect. He gestured to their left. The storage. Viridem entered the room. Inside were several crates of guns, swords, and Tanzynite. Viridem surveyed the room further, before feeling that the room was secure. She nodded to her partner, who walked to the center of the room, and began drawing a simple sigil on the ground. As soon as the symbol was complete, he pulled a vial out of his pocket. One of Vortludo's bottle-o-magic. It could cast a ritual or spell automatically if the preparations were done correctly. Ryonne threw the vial to the ground, suddenly, all the crates vanished along with the sigil. The teleportation circle had worked, and all of the supplies were sitting nicely in the Rebellion's HQ. Viridem glanced to the door. The mission had been accomplished, but they still had to escape.

-Gabriel Stross-

 

Gabriel could only stare in confusiong and surprise as his holo disk was destroyed by the woman invader, who killed a few guards and...left? she just left, just like that, thats what confused him more than her own entrance, one thing was clear though, he'd need to re-check security, that was a given, "What" a voice different than the Ai spoke, in a completely flat and emotionless tone, it was his suit's voice modulator, he used it to speak from time to time, but before anything could be done, another person appeared, another yet uninvited guest.

 

Before he could get a good look at the man, the guy quickly blew a hole in the ground with his foot, falling through it, leading to the Empire's vehicle garage, which held most of their movement equipment, a hearable sigh could be heard from him as he simply peeked below at the hole, as the Ai spoke again, he pressed a button on his arm, "Sending repait bots..." the Ai spoke as turned around, "Guest has entered the garage." the Ai warned, as he quickly pressed another button, "Deploying warmech to outpost, arrival time, two minutes." the Ai spoke.

 

Back in his lab, a large warmech could be seen, completed, dormant, as it activated, and with it, a small pod-like thing on the ground, with a bright blue light on it, started scanning it, the warmech retracted into its compact form, which looked more like a container, easier to transport with ships and the like, and easier for the prototype construct tech to work on, as it was scanned, it began to disappear, piece by piece, and soon, it was completely gone.

 

Meanwhile back at the northeastern outpost (Where disgust's characters are)

in the middle of the outpost, another pod-like thing propped up from the ground, which began to construct the warmech, in a few seconds, it was fully constructed, expanding itself from its compact form into its full warmech glory, in the middle of the outpost, the guards didn't do anything, they just watched, and sighed at the scene, they didn't trust Gabriel, no one did much anyway.the spider warmech began to scan around the area with its long range scanners, specially where the shipments are usually stached, "Checking....checking for tanzynite shipment, analyzing tanzynite energy readings, checking shipping order...alert...alert...tanzynite shipment missing, lock down the outpost..." the warmech spoke in a deep, mechanical voice, through a voice modulator, one of the guards took its warning to heart and quickly called command.

 

In a few seconds the entire outpost would be locked down, no way out, unless they could fly, the heavy metal doors would close, and more personel would be sent out to find them, the warmech would stay on support to engage hostiles, the outpost's area was big enough to have the warmech able to move freely.

 

-Mikhail Drak-

 

Mikhail could sense some people looking at him, they noticed the guards, who still had the effects of the sign in them, "Great, what now?" he grunted as he kept on walking, sensing two people, one of which he knew was with the rebellion as he had a few occasions where he saw him, someone by the name of Slade or something? he didn't care much, and he seemed to have someone else with him, he readjusted his hood, covering his yellow viper-like eyes, as he kept walking away, hopefuly they wouldn't notice him, or his two swords on his back...

 

 

(Not much to do with Henry at the moment.)

 

Warmech's appearance:

 

 

Edited September 7, 201510 yr by Scrapmaster

-Victoria-

 

And of course. As Derik crashed down into the underground hangar, he'd find a small group of people stealing the Empire's toys. One looked at him, and cursed.

"Dammit! They can...dammit they can see from the conference room." She kicked the hat ch of an all-gold onr, and dived in.

"Alright people. Eclaire divided their attention but this idiot just brought their full attention to us. Echo Two, with me. Akatsuki and Zero Waltz are priority takes. Echo Three, Echo Four. Strike Freedom and Destiny are going -"

"Ma'am. We could always use that."

 

Oh. There was where they were keeping her father's ship, the Kusanagi. Excellent.

"Grab a few more. We got the room." She turned to the hole, and to Derik.

"I'd get moving, you've just made my job a lot harder."

 

As her team moved a few more Mech's onto the ship, Victoria took a breath, gripping the control sticks.

"Alright Akatsuki. Let's see if those bastards broke you."

-Victoria-And of course. As Derik crashed down into the underground hangar, he'd find a small group of people stealing the Empire's toys. One looked at him, and cursed."Dammit! They can...dammit they can see from the conference room." She kicked the hat ch of an all-gold onr, and dived in."Alright people. Eclaire divided their attention but this idiot just brought their full attention to us. Echo Two, with me. Akatsuki and Zero Waltz are priority takes. Echo Three, Echo Four. Strike Freedom and Destiny are going -""Ma'am. We could always use that."Oh. There was where they were keeping her father's ship, the Kusanagi. Excellent."Grab a few more. We got the room." She turned to the hole, and to Derik."I'd get moving, you've just made my job a lot harder."As her team moved a few more Mech's onto the ship, Victoria took a breath, gripping the control sticks."Alright Akatsuki. Let's see if those bastards broke you."

"Not sure what you all are up to, but I think you missed one." Derik laughed, the machine behind him was sleek and smooth, it's legs, though large, were built in such a way to allow it to have agile movement, it's upper body was built strong, the shoulders were slightly broad and it was armed with a set of larger-scale wings on back. It's arms were armed with gauntlets that looked like they could enable some serious attacks.(Imaging a cross between the God Gundam, Wing Zero, and Exia Seven Sword)It was armed with a number of blades among other things. Out of intrest of the device, he whistled. For whatever reason, the machine became, from the tune, active. The chest opened, a seat and controls primed. "...Why the hell not? This could prove fun." Derik leaped into the cockpit, it closed behind him as he sat in the chair, only to realize there were a firetruck load of buttons and he had no idea how to use them. "Uh... alternate control scheme button please...?" He muttered, clicking the button marked with a person in an orb. Quite shockingly, the cockpit transformed into a circular tray as the seat retraced and allowed him to sit up. "Alright... so now I guess it works by tracking my moves?" He began to fiddle with the machine...(Imagine this with said imagined Gundam: http://media.tumblr.com/6d606ce1685f84322db2d94cf48bf9fb/tumblr_inline_n38i5krqSU1s4u2er.gif)"Alright, got it." Derik began to, though clumsily, run to and onto the ship with his find.

-Ariana-

The woman's lips curved into a smirk as she watched the Emperor, first calm and collected, lash out spontaneously and kill a guard on the spot.  That was exactly the Korben she'd always known.  Powerful, cold, and cruel.  However, she relied on the fact that the emperor has always remained the same, and sincerely hoped that he would remain such.  She couldn't afford inaccurately calculating him.  As she sat there she felt a hug on her leg.  Bending over she saw a small girl clutching her leg, a look of fear and helplessness in her eyes.  "There, there, my pet," she crooned, bringing a long finger to stroke the girl's chin before digging a fingernail into her tender flesh.  "No harm will come to you.  You know that I'm here."  While her words were kind, the malicious look in her eyes held no warmth, her voice as cold as ice.  The child was her experiment, her pet.  While no harm would come to the child from the Order as long as Ari could help it, that didn't mean that she couldn't--and wouldn't--do her harm. 

 

It was alarming that Eclaire had managed to break through their security as she had.  It bothered Ari greatly, especially that the woman up and left before she could so much as lay a finger on her.  After all, Ari loved to carry a dagger on her person just for those sort of random pop-ups.  She had always detested Eclaire.  She viewed the woman as a rival, her hatred running greater than mere dislike and betrayal.

 

Her gaze shifted to Gabriel, considering him momentarily before rising to follow Korben.  The man was a genius when it came to their weaponry.  She only hoped that he could handle such an assault against the rebels with finesse.  Once they left the meeting room Ari rushed to Korben's side, her head bowed low and allowing sheets of midnight-black hair to cascade down her shoulders and over her face.  "What is it that you would like to speak with me about, my lord?"

 

(I'll post for Jadis and Yev later)

-Ariana-

The woman's lips curved into a smirk as she watched the Emperor, first calm and collected, lash out spontaneously and kill a guard on the spot.  That was exactly the Korben she'd always known.  Powerful, cold, and cruel.  However, she relied on the fact that the emperor has always remained the same, and sincerely hoped that he would remain such.  She couldn't afford inaccurately calculating him.  As she sat there she felt a hug on her leg.  Bending over she saw a small girl clutching her leg, a look of fear and helplessness in her eyes.  "There, there, my pet," she crooned, bringing a long finger to stroke the girl's chin before digging a fingernail into her tender flesh.  "No harm will come to you.  You know that I'm here."  While her words were kind, the malicious look in her eyes held no warmth, her voice as cold as ice.  The child was her experiment, her pet.  While no harm would come to the child from the Order as long as Ari could help it, that didn't mean that she couldn't--and wouldn't--do her harm. 

 

 

-Chrysalis-

The girl trembled worse, wincing at the fingernail. She never once looked the woman in the eye, trying to not anger her...her body bore the scars of such actions, and she quickly scrambled against the chair as Ari stood. Chrysalis sat there, unable to leave due to the chain connected to her collar. She could only wait for someone to remember she was there.

 

 

-Victoria-

Loading up all they could, she held off the oncoming security teams until around four mechs were loaded. Clicking a plethora of buttons, small drones detached from her back and took up firing positions.

She unleashed laser hell as she retreated, managing to, thankfully, escape into Kusanagi.

"Kusanagi, activate Tristan main guns!"

The computer warmed the main guns as Victoria dropped to the hangar deck, sprinting for the bridge.

"Guys, they know we're here, we can't go for the front door! I need option!"

"Ma'am, there's another hangar below us. Schematics provided by Eclaire say that it has a secondary hangar door that goes out the opposite way!"

"Then we're taking it!" Hands dancing across consoles, the girl was running to and fro. "Re-routed controls to command chair." Crashing in, she brought up the holographic interface. "Hang on..."

 

The Kusanagi lifted off from the deck, then turned. It began flattening most of the things in it's way under it's massive size, the underground hangar barely enough to fit the flying destroyer. Victoria hit the shields, then aimed the guns below.

"Hang on."

She fired a full underside barrage upon the floor, melting through it and into the roomier hangar below. Lowering, Victoria sent all power to thrusters, forcing her way through and into their new escape route.

"Ma'am, Tristan Main Guns are primed!"

 

She didn't have any pithy quotes to say. She just fired the guns, blasting the hangar door wide open. The Kusanagi's engines were then given full power, and it blasted through what remained and towards freedom.

-Chrysalis-The girl trembled worse, wincing at the fingernail. She never once looked the woman in the eye, trying to not anger her...her body bore the scars of such actions, and she quickly scrambled against the chair as Ari stood. Chrysalis sat there, unable to leave due to the chain connected to her collar. She could only wait for someone to remember she was there.  -Victoria-Loading up all they could, she held off the oncoming security teams until around four mechs were loaded. Clicking a plethora of buttons, small drones detached from her back and took up firing positions.She unleashed laser hell as she retreated, managing to, thankfully, escape into Kusanagi."Kusanagi, activate Tristan main guns!"The computer warmed the main guns as Victoria dropped to the hangar deck, sprinting for the bridge."Guys, they know we're here, we can't go for the front door! I need option!""Ma'am, there's another hangar below us. Schematics provided by Eclaire say that it has a secondary hangar door that goes out the opposite way!""Then we're taking it!" Hands dancing across consoles, the girl was running to and fro. "Re-routed controls to command chair." Crashing in, she brought up the holographic interface. "Hang on..." The Kusanagi lifted off from the deck, then turned. It began flattening most of the things in it's way under it's massive size, the underground hangar barely enough to fit the flying destroyer. Victoria hit the shields, then aimed the guns below."Hang on."She fired a full underside barrage upon the floor, melting through it and into the roomier hangar below. Lowering, Victoria sent all power to thrusters, forcing her way through and into their new escape route."Ma'am, Tristan Main Guns are primed!" She didn't have any pithy quotes to say. She just fired the guns, blasting the hangar door wide open. The Kusanagi's engines were then given full power, and it blasted through what remained and towards freedom.

Aboard the flying metal mammoth with guns for tusks, Derik got out of the machine. "Wild ride..." he muttered, wandering the building. Eventually, he came upon the Control Room, knocking on the door, he yelled in "Hey, yo, pilot friend... uh... So what judt happened? I've kind of been off the grid for about seventy years so I'm mildly confused."

-Yev-

The capitol, apparently, would be much more difficult to get into than he'd anticipated.  He watched several people pass through the gates, each needing extensive paperwork on who they were, their reasons for entering, and, especially their race.  Yevgeni could never simply pass, nor did he attempt it.  It was a shame, too: he'd heard so much about this swordsman and wanted to proffer him a deal, but he felt it would just have to wait.

 

A shiver ran down Yev's spine.  He would need shelter, and he was much too far from home, if he even had a place he could consider home anymore.  He strolled to a neighboring city and decided to purchase boarding for the night.  While it was imperial territory their security was far less rigid.  They didn't pursue background checks as Langerdon had.

 

The blond froze cold at the city gates.  The guards . . . they did not seem normal.  They had glowing yellow eyes and for the life of them seemed possessed.  Yev frowned; they didn't even seem to acknowledge his presence.  Something was definitely amiss here.  He stealthily made his way through the town, ignoring passersby that hold little to no interest to him.  Eventually he spotted a person with two weapons strapped to his back.  Given his posture, it seemed like he wasn't hoping to be noticed.  Yev froze, thinking fast.  This person opposed the empire, but would he oppose him, too?  If he did, could he get the better of him?  No power that Yev had ever seen could possess imperial troops they way those guys were back there, and if this man was indeed responsible he was likely talented.  Like, seriously talented.

 

He was going to give it a shot.  For all he knew this man wasn't even really the one who possessed the guards, but he had to try.  Using incredible speed Yevgeni fled in front of Mikhail, looking him directly in the eyes.  They glowed yellow and powerful, and instantly he knew he found his man.  Yev's eyes widened, but he proceeded to hold his ground and calm demeanor.  "We have something in common, and I would like to speak with you.  May I buy you a drink at the tavern?"  This could go one of two ways, but Yev was confident, perhaps overly so, that Mikhail would at least hear him out.

-Mikhail Drak-

 

Mikhail could sense some people looking at him, they noticed the guards, who still had the effects of the sign in them, "Great, what now?" he grunted as he kept on walking, sensing two people, one of which he knew was with the rebellion as he had a few occasions where he saw him, someone by the name of Slade or something? he didn't care much, and he seemed to have someone else with him, he readjusted his hood, covering his yellow viper-like eyes, as he kept walking away, hopefuly they wouldn't notice him, or his two swords on his back...

 

-Ariana-

The woman's lips curved into a smirk as she watched the Emperor, first calm and collected, lash out spontaneously and kill a guard on the spot.  That was exactly the Korben she'd always known.  Powerful, cold, and cruel.  However, she relied on the fact that the emperor has always remained the same, and sincerely hoped that he would remain such.  She couldn't afford inaccurately calculating him.  As she sat there she felt a hug on her leg.  Bending over she saw a small girl clutching her leg, a look of fear and helplessness in her eyes.  "There, there, my pet," she crooned, bringing a long finger to stroke the girl's chin before digging a fingernail into her tender flesh.  "No harm will come to you.  You know that I'm here."  While her words were kind, the malicious look in her eyes held no warmth, her voice as cold as ice.  The child was her experiment, her pet.  While no harm would come to the child from the Order as long as Ari could help it, that didn't mean that she couldn't--and wouldn't--do her harm. 

 

It was alarming that Eclaire had managed to break through their security as she had.  It bothered Ari greatly, especially that the woman up and left before she could so much as lay a finger on her.  After all, Ari loved to carry a dagger on her person just for those sort of random pop-ups.  She had always detested Eclaire.  She viewed the woman as a rival, her hatred running greater than mere dislike and betrayal.

 

Her gaze shifted to Gabriel, considering him momentarily before rising to follow Korben.  The man was a genius when it came to their weaponry.  She only hoped that he could handle such an assault against the rebels with finesse.  Once they left the meeting room Ari rushed to Korben's side, her head bowed low and allowing sheets of midnight-black hair to cascade down her shoulders and over her face.  "What is it that you would like to speak with me about, my lord?"

 

(I'll post for Jadis and Yev later)

~Vortludo~

"Brilliant work my friend!" The Noble patted Slade on the shoulder as he glanced at his handiwork with a smile. "Truly, you murder like no other! The corpses you leave behind might as well be a piece of art." Vortludo said. Then he followed his fellow Rebellion member's eyes. "Hark! What do we have there?" He asked, having seen the same flicker of movement as his comrade. "I assume that we must investigate. It is our duty as guardians of these forsaken people to check on any suspicious and potentially dangerous people!" He continued to exclaim, working his best to be not much more than a pest. Eclaire hadn't given him anything to do in particular, and he didn't listen to anybody else, so he had just been wandering the city when he spotted Slade. And of course, he could not resist coming over. But maybe his quest to be annoying had actually provided him with something productive to do after all. Vortludo loved happy accidents like this.

-Emperor Korben-

 

Korben directed Ariana to a area where none could see or hear them before speaking.

"First of all...Eclaire managed to sneak into my palace without detection, killed several Guards and six of my Generals. That....disturbs me. Perhaps we trained her too well when she was within our service and under our flag. In any case, she must be stopped with someone who can match her strength, so I'll need you to commission such a project to the scientists." He spoke calmly at first, but soon his words gained an underlying growl upon speaking next: "Another thing, some bumbling fool burst in afterwards and shot into the basement, presumably to steal something from us, I don't buy his story of "happened to hit our building". And for the love of Tartarus, wipe that smirk off your face! Breaking a Guard's neck isn't so amusing." He billowed his order for her smirk to disappear, which surprised her. Then he chuckled. "What? Thought I'd miss that amongst the chaos? Ariana, I see those small details as if they were in my face...that guard was watching her, I saw him....but he was distracted by her...voluptuous appearance. I can't stand Male Guards who allow the beauty of intruders to distract from their duty, amongst other things. His simple lust taking over was undeserving of anything more than a Neck Snap." Korben spoke calmly once more as he described his murder of an incompetent guard, who was "distracted by the sexy" as it were.

 

"On to more serious matters aside from that madness, I require you also to increase the search patterns regarding locating The Order's base. They could be anywhere and they won't be very powerful, but it also means they could hide in plain sight. And deploy the Assassins to the streets of all cities under our control. Tell them to kill any who may appear to be Rebel Scum, pretty much anyone who has visible weapons on them and they look.....out of place." He ordered again with a calm tone, but one could see his tranquil fury beneath his helmet attempting to burst from his surface. "Oh....one more thing." He said, turning around to head to his Throne Room. "Chrysalis...let her have some fun with the Rebellion. It's time the Girl to taste blood, even if she doesn't want it." He mused, chuckling darkly before leaving.

 

 

-Slade Joseph Wilson-

 

Slade did not react too much to the appearance of Vortludo Prince, who complimented his assassination skills, then he looked to him. "You have not truly seen my artistic capability for Murder, Vortludo. That was one of my more basic, clean-cut kills with barely any resistance on the victim's part. I prefer them to fight me, so they can at least remain defiant 'till the end. *Sigh* Unfortunately, most do not and they die without honour." He mused, then turning his attention to the Hooded Swordsman, who now had a particularly speedy person in front of them. Slade pointed Vortludo in the right direction and followed, then decided to announce his arrival. "You two. Allow me to speak with you both." He told the two mystery people. 

Aboard the flying metal mammoth with guns for tusks, Derik got out of the machine. "Wild ride..." he muttered, wandering the building. Eventually, he came upon the Control Room, knocking on the door, he yelled in "Hey, yo, pilot friend... uh... So what judt happened? I've kind of been off the grid for about seventy years so I'm mildly confused."

-Victoria-

 

She didn't look.

"Who the hell are you and why are you on my ship? And what just happened was I stole my ship back from the Korbenic Empire, who stole it from my family when they took down my Kingdom." She tapped a massive amount of commands. "And off grid for seventy years? What the hell are you, another god? We're a bit god-heavy right now kid, so unless you're the Major God of Hope you're a bit late." She grimaced. "firetruck. Hang on, we're gonna blockade run!"

 

The Kusanagi rocketed forward, heading right for the incoming ships. "In any case hang on, we all might be dead in the next three minutes anyways so it wouldn't matter."

 

 

-Eclaire-

The Leader of the Order of Lux was shrouded in a cloak, heading away from the Palace. Her exit had been precise and quiet, exactly like her infiltration. She looked up at the Kusanagi blasted through the other side of the Palace, heading skyward...but the empire's air fleets were already diverting, fighters darting out.

Eclaire bowed her head.

"Protect them, Goddess. Or we will be too weak to truly stand against our foe."

 

She resumed walking down the alleyway, heading for her final exfiltration spot. From there, she'd use Houdini to escape out of Langerdon and meet up with the dropship that would take her back to the Oathkeeper.

-Victoria- She didn't look."Who the hell are you and why are you on my ship? And what just happened was I stole my ship back from the Korbenic Empire, who stole it from my family when they took down my Kingdom." She tapped a massive amount of commands. "And off grid for seventy years? What the hell are you, another god? We're a bit god-heavy right now kid, so unless you're the Major God of Hope you're a bit late." She grimaced. "firetruck. Hang on, we're gonna blockade run!" The Kusanagi rocketed forward, heading right for the incoming ships. "In any case hang on, we all might be dead in the next three minutes anyways so it wouldn't matter."  -Eclaire-The Leader of the Order of Lux was shrouded in a cloak, heading away from the Palace. Her exit had been precise and quiet, exactly like her infiltration. She looked up at the Kusanagi blasted through the other side of the Palace, heading skyward...but the empire's air fleets were already diverting, fighters darting out.Eclaire bowed her head."Protect them, Goddess. Or we will be too weak to truly stand against our foe." She resumed walking down the alleyway, heading for her final exfiltration spot. From there, she'd use Houdini to escape out of Langerdon and meet up with the dropship that would take her back to the Oathkeeper.

"Nah, just a normal man. I've just realized the true potential of the normal man. I got on with one of those giant suits you missed, if your holding a robbery, you can't leave anything of good value. My identity doesn't exactly matter right now, but this isn't a problem I can't deal with. I'll clear a path, just keep it straight."Derik ran towards an exterior exit to the ship, he kept put and took flight himself, flying towards the blockade. "You all best move... Now!" He yelled, drawing Sular, the blade was a better choice for this mission in particular. He held the blade above his head, at an angle, and forced himself to spin mid-flight. As he gained revolutions per minute, he pushed himself to high-speed flight. He looked like a bright white tornado of destruction. "Let's go!" He shot through the first blockade ship, then the next and next, doubling back on his attacks multiple times. The enemy blockade looked more like moldy swiss cheese at this point, before the blockade was completely destroyed, he dropped his high-speed and flew back to the ship, sheathing Sular. He walked back over to the cockpit area. "So uh. Brace for a small explosion." Derik stated, the ships collapse in on themselves and made quite the beautiful ball of fire. "So... You got any nachos abort this thing? Ever since those things were invented I could never get enough..."

Far away from the reach of the empire, a lone figure trudged through the bleak and desolate wasteland that caused far too many people to suffer. This figure was wearing a brown hooded robe, seemingly attempting to conceal her identity. It would be a problem if anyone found out who she was. She couldn't risk letting anyone see what she was about to do. These people have suffered enough... They deserve better than this. The woman, Fiora, thought to herself as she gazed around her dark surroundings. Eventually, she made it to a small village. It was clear that the empire didn't really come here often. Regardless, she decided to play it safe and keep her disguise. If imperial soldiers arrived and found out anything about her, she'd be killed. Of course, she didn't really care much if anything happened to her. The main reason she remained alive was to help others. It was difficult to find a good healer these days, and if she died, many others would suffer. That's the reason she fought to live.

 

As she entered the village, she looked around at the other people she encountered here. Many people seemed to be living on the streets, and the buildings all looked about ready to collapse. She found someone who looked severely injured, as though they'd just gotten into a fight. She approached the injured man. "Do you need any help?" She asked calmly.

 

"Y-yes, ma'am..." He groaned in pain. "But... what can you do to help me...?"

 

"Don't worry." She placed a palm on the man's chest, and began to heal his wounds. Her hand glowed bright blue as her magic did its work. After a moment, she pulled it back. "That should help you for now."

 

The man slowly sat up, his eyes widening as he did so. "Y-you're a...?"

 

"A Mage, yes. One of the few who's willing to go do this kind of work." Though the man couldn't see it, Fiora was smiling.

 

"Thank you, ma'am." The man said, emotion evident in his voice. "How can I possibly repay you...?"

 

"There's no need to do so. Seeing you better like this is all I need." She stood. "However... if you can, please, don't lose hope. I promise that one day, your town will have what it needs to help you and your people." After saying this, she turned and left. She wasn't exactly good at saying goodbye. She healed anyone else that seemed injured, then left the village. She took one final look at it. I'm sorry I couldn't stay... I have a lot of work to do. She then left, and began to head back to one of the larger towns to meet up with others from the rebellion. She figured it was about time for her to take on a mission.

Peashy had been running through a hallway with many bedroom doors pretending someone was chasing her, she ran around & around & around til she fall over dizzy. Then the girl korbenic soldier walked up to her flitting her onto her feet "Hey kid, it's time for your training session, lets go" said the girl guard as she took Peashy's right hand taking her into a special room with heaps of controls & buttons "Okay Peashy, walk through this door would you" said another guard "K!" yelled Peashy as she run through the door into another room that had nothing in it. The guards could see Peashy through a special glass window that Peashy couldn't see them through "Okay now, Peashy get ready to play battle" said the girl guard as she turned a dial which then showed lvl20 above it "WOW! isn't that lvl a bit to high for just a little girl, you know any lvl above lvl10 is designed to be a real battle with real weapons right?" said the other guard worried they might be going a bit to far with this. "This child is no normal child. She's a goddess child & if you haven't seen her fight then your in for something unreal, oh and the reason for Peashy's training is more trying to teach her which side shes on, now just watch & learn" said the girl guard as she then pressed a big red start button.

 

"Beginning lvl20 training" said a voice inside the room Peashy was in as the seemingly nothing room Peashy was in changed into a massive desert area with heaps of enemy rebels colored red along with some korbenic soldiers colored blue all with real weapons. Peashy couldn't help but scream with excitement "YAAAAAAY!!!" scramed Peashy as she then transformed into her goddess form. Peashy started slowly running towards the rebels before jumping into the air spinning sideways before landing into the center of the battlefield, the rebels started to attack her one by one, Peashy grabbed one rebels wrist with speed crashing it like it was made of paper then throwing the rebel into another rebel, then one come from behind her about it strike but she simply knelt down kicking the rebel in the knee breaking it before doing a light jump spin kicking the rebel in the face snapping its neck. One rebel then managed to strike Peashy's neck with a sword but the sword simply broke into pieces "Hahaha, silly rebel hahaha" said Peashy as she quickly grabbed it by the leg spinning it around fast before slamming it into the sandy ground. One rebel tried to shoot her with bullets but the bullets just bounced off her. Then Peashy begun to attack the korbenic soldiers by kneeing one it the face breaking its nose, then speed near another soldier slowly punching it in the stomach slowly but speed up the speed of her punches until she punched straight through its body "hahahaha!, this is fun playing battle! hahaha!" yelled Peashy as she continued to destroy both rebels & korbenic soldiers one by one with a playful look on her face as tho she thinks it's just a game.

 

"You see what I mean now" said the girl guard to the other guard "She's extremely strong physically & she her body seems to be indestructible. But the problem is she doesn't seem to understand friend from foe as you can tell by her killing off both the rebels & korbenic soldiers. That's why we're been trying to teach her, it seems to be getting better but for now it's best she complete missions on her own, we can't risk anymore deaths to our soldiers" said the girl guard "R-right" said the other guard as they then ended the training session.    

Edited September 9, 201510 yr by The Unversed

-Mikhail Drak-

 

And of course, as Mikhail tried to not be seen, he was approached by a boy who seemed to have lightning fast speed, he wasn't startled by him, but he definitely was ocnfused at the boys offer for a drink, "If you're offering me a free drink I guess I mind as well." he said with a blank tone on his voice, almost stripped of emotions, thank god the witcher tanzynit deadened the emotions to some extent, making it hard to read him, sighing as the boy had already noticed his eyes, and knew he wasn't a normal man, but before they could walk to a nearby tavern, they were approached by yet another person, this one masked, the one he had seen before, who worked with the rebels.

 

Mikhail threw back his hood, revealing his face, eyes, his white hair and the scar in his eye, "Depends on what you want to talk about." Mikhail said with a flat tone as he looked at him, his yellow eyes clearly visible now.

 

-Gabriel Stross-

 

Gabriel noticed one thing in particular, he couldn't sense the camera system working, the camera nearby the meeting room was inactive, weird as the cameras were supposed to work 24/7 at all times, he knew something was up, quickly approaching the camera, placing his hand in it as his suit began to glow its usual bright green lights, this meant that he was connecting to it, with his mind, as the camera's lights, which were usually blue, turned light green, this way he accessed the camera system manually, and switched cameras, until he accessed one in the hangers, and saw the destruction and someone trying to steal the Kusanagi ship, Gabriel frowned below his suit, as its AI connected to the building, "Intruders in the ships hanger, attempting theft on the Kusanagi ship" the alert rang through the entire base.

 

He reactivated the camera system, and started walking towards the elevator that led to the hangers.

 

 

-Henry Hansees-

 

Henry couldn't believe what he had seen, a man, flying at the empire's capitol building, and crashing through it, not only that but he also saw someone break in one of the op floors windows, "What the shit" he said in reaction as he watched dumbfounded about what was happening, and what would happen next.

-Yevgeni-

The blond man narrowed his eyes at the approach of the other two strangers.  They too proffered a talk, something that Yev wasn't admittedly too keen on.  "You know, it's quite rude to just intrude.  Can you not come at a better time?"  Yev let out a sigh, shaking his head.  It was no use trying to keep his motives a secret.  Besides, it didn't look like these two were imperials, from the way that they regarded Mikhail.  "Fine.  I'll speak to you all, but I'm only buying this gentleman"--he gestured toward Mikhail with a single hand--"a drink.  Not all of you.  Before we begin let's head to the tavern.  I'd rather not breathe these words out in the middle of imperial territory, if you don't mind."  Yev gave off an air of arrogance, yet he was partly level-headed.  His eyes scanned the street and spotted a run-down looking tavern just across the way.  He pointed in the direction of the sign, seeming antsy to get this conversation over with.

 

-Ariana-

Ari listened intently as the emperor spoke, watching his masked face and wondering what expression it held.  Anger, empathy, frustration, sorrow?  She felt that she used to know the man behind the mask a bit better, but lately she'd found it difficult to read him.  Eventually she nodded somberly at the mention of Eclair, her midnight hair in sheets framing her face.  "Aye, we did train her well.  Too well for our own good.  Still, the brat seemed loyal, and I thought she was going to remain your trusted general for ages to come.  It is my failure that I didn't recognize her falter sooner, my liege.  I went on missions with her, watched her kill.  I should've seen it."  She hung her head, glancing at Korben from the corner of her eye.  She extended a hand as though to touch his shoulder, yet her fingers never met him.

 

Finally she nodded at his commandment.  "I will do as you wish and not let you down, my liege.  Count on that."  No, this was something that Ari wanted to do personally.  For much of her young adulthood in the empire she'd been competing with Eclair for the emperor's favor, perhaps affection, even.  While Ari lost her humanity and her heart ages ago, there was still a tiny part of her that desired to be nurtured.

 

-Jadis-

The young elf smiled at his accomplice over the bag of goodies and bread loaves that lay in his arms.  They had done it, and successfully, too!  Now all they needed to do was get back the Shivering Moors and all would be well.

 

That was, however, until Jadis spotted the healer.

 

He nearly dropped his load as he watched this young woman, healing the wounds of a soldier on the brink of death.  Awe danced in his eyes, and immediately Krea could tell what he was thinking.  "You're thinking of Mara, aren't you?" she had asked him.  No reply managed to escape Jadis's lips, but the small tear that ran down his cheek said it all.

 

As Fiora left town, Jadis sat all of his goods not far from the gate and chased after her, waving his arms frantically in the air.  "Wait, ma'am, please!  I need your help!  You're a mage too, aren't you?"

-Victoria-

 

The Kusanagi blasted through the explosions, none left behind her through Derik's actions. She bit her lip and her pupils suddenly dilated to the point her eyes seemed entirely gold. Hands further dancing across the controls, the ship leveled out and blasted in a random directions, away from the aerial fleets.

"No one is chasing us now. Altering course to head for HQ." Her eyes returned to normal, and she set autopilot.

Victoria then slumped. "I can't believe that worked.

 

-Chrysalis-

 

A quartet of guards had given her some form of respite, by taking her to the hallway where the Throne Room was, to wait for Ariana and Korben to finish their small meeting. She was allowed to sit against a wall and was giiven some juice and bread, which she was consuming extremely carefully, as to not loose a crumb, not a single drop.

She waited there, quiet and scared, for Ariana.

 

When Ari finally exited to find them there, the Guards would salute and offer the chain connecting to Chrysalis' collar before heading off to do their usual duties.

 

-Eclaire-

 

The ex-Dragoon Commando found herself in a run-down tavern somewhere, and through a twist of fate would be in the corner, shrouded in a hood and cloak, Eclaire Tonnerre was watching over it all as Yvgeni and Mikhail entered eventually, or if they didn't, she'd continue drinking her extremely non-alcoholic beverage, just...trying to keep hidden and let the insanity die down before heading back to Oathkeeper.

-Yevgeni-

The blond man narrowed his eyes at the approach of the other two strangers.  They too proffered a talk, something that Yev wasn't admittedly too keen on.  "You know, it's quite rude to just intrude.  Can you not come at a better time?"  Yev let out a sigh, shaking his head.  It was no use trying to keep his motives a secret.  Besides, it didn't look like these two were imperials, from the way that they regarded Mikhail.  "Fine.  I'll speak to you all, but I'm only buying this gentleman"--he gestured toward Mikhail with a single hand--"a drink.  Not all of you.  Before we begin let's head to the tavern.  I'd rather not breathe these words out in the middle of imperial territory, if you don't mind."  Yev gave off an air of arrogance, yet he was partly level-headed.  His eyes scanned the street and spotted a run-down looking tavern just across the way.  He pointed in the direction of the sign, seeming antsy to get this conversation over with.

 

-Ariana-

Ari listened intently as the emperor spoke, watching his masked face and wondering what expression it held.  Anger, empathy, frustration, sorrow?  She felt that she used to know the man behind the mask a bit better, but lately she'd found it difficult to read him.  Eventually she nodded somberly at the mention of Eclair, her midnight hair in sheets framing her face.  "Aye, we did train her well.  Too well for our own good.  Still, the brat seemed loyal, and I thought she was going to remain your trusted general for ages to come.  It is my failure that I didn't recognize her falter sooner, my liege.  I went on missions with her, watched her kill.  I should've seen it."  She hung her head, glancing at Korben from the corner of her eye.  She extended a hand as though to touch his shoulder, yet her fingers never met him.

 

Finally she nodded at his commandment.  "I will do as you wish and not let you down, my liege.  Count on that."  No, this was something that Ari wanted to do personally.  For much of her young adulthood in the empire she'd been competing with Eclair for the emperor's favor, perhaps affection, even.  While Ari lost her humanity and her heart ages ago, there was still a tiny part of her that desired to be nurtured.

 

-Jadis-

The young elf smiled at his accomplice over the bag of goodies and bread loaves that lay in his arms.  They had done it, and successfully, too!  Now all they needed to do was get back the Shivering Moors and all would be well.

 

That was, however, until Jadis spotted the healer.

 

He nearly dropped his load as he watched this young woman, healing the wounds of a soldier on the brink of death.  Awe danced in his eyes, and immediately Krea could tell what he was thinking.  "You're thinking of Mara, aren't you?" she had asked him.  No reply managed to escape Jadis's lips, but the small tear that ran down his cheek said it all.

 

As Fiora left town, Jadis sat all of his goods not far from the gate and chased after her, waving his arms frantically in the air.  "Wait, ma'am, please!  I need your help!  You're a mage too, aren't you?"

Fiora turned, noticing that a young boy had chased after her from the town. Was he one of the locals...? "Yes, I am a mage." She responded. "What do you need help with?" She asked curiously. The boy seemed to be excited... She wondered if he knew someone who needed to be healed. "If it's a healing mage that you need, I can definitely help with that."

-Mikhail Drak-

 

And of course, as Mikhail tried to not be seen, he was approached by a boy who seemed to have lightning fast speed, he wasn't startled by him, but he definitely was ocnfused at the boys offer for a drink, "If you're offering me a free drink I guess I mind as well." he said with a blank tone on his voice, almost stripped of emotions, thank god the witcher tanzynit deadened the emotions to some extent, making it hard to read him, sighing as the boy had already noticed his eyes, and knew he wasn't a normal man, but before they could walk to a nearby tavern, they were approached by yet another person, this one masked, the one he had seen before, who worked with the rebels.

 

Mikhail threw back his hood, revealing his face, eyes, his white hair and the scar in his eye, "Depends on what you want to talk about." Mikhail said with a flat tone as he looked at him, his yellow eyes clearly visible now.

-Yevgeni-

The blond man narrowed his eyes at the approach of the other two strangers.  They too proffered a talk, something that Yev wasn't admittedly too keen on.  "You know, it's quite rude to just intrude.  Can you not come at a better time?"  Yev let out a sigh, shaking his head.  It was no use trying to keep his motives a secret.  Besides, it didn't look like these two were imperials, from the way that they regarded Mikhail.  "Fine.  I'll speak to you all, but I'm only buying this gentleman"--he gestured toward Mikhail with a single hand--"a drink.  Not all of you.  Before we begin let's head to the tavern.  I'd rather not breathe these words out in the middle of imperial territory, if you don't mind."  Yev gave off an air of arrogance, yet he was partly level-headed.  His eyes scanned the street and spotted a run-down looking tavern just across the way.  He pointed in the direction of the sign, seeming antsy to get this conversation over with.

 

-Ariana-

Ari listened intently as the emperor spoke, watching his masked face and wondering what expression it held.  Anger, empathy, frustration, sorrow?  She felt that she used to know the man behind the mask a bit better, but lately she'd found it difficult to read him.  Eventually she nodded somberly at the mention of Eclair, her midnight hair in sheets framing her face.  "Aye, we did train her well.  Too well for our own good.  Still, the brat seemed loyal, and I thought she was going to remain your trusted general for ages to come.  It is my failure that I didn't recognize her falter sooner, my liege.  I went on missions with her, watched her kill.  I should've seen it."  She hung her head, glancing at Korben from the corner of her eye.  She extended a hand as though to touch his shoulder, yet her fingers never met him.

 

Finally she nodded at his commandment.  "I will do as you wish and not let you down, my liege.  Count on that."  No, this was something that Ari wanted to do personally.  For much of her young adulthood in the empire she'd been competing with Eclair for the emperor's favor, perhaps affection, even.  While Ari lost her humanity and her heart ages ago, there was still a tiny part of her that desired to be nurtured.

-Slade Joseph Wilson-

 

Slade gave a smile of familiarity underneath his helmet as he saw the hooded man's face. "Mikhail, I presume? You work with us occasionally from what I've heard and seen." He made sure not to mention The Order in his sentence, then turned to the interloper: Yevgeni and raised his hand. "No need. I'll buy us all a drink. I just got paid." He told him calmly, then looked around before they began to head off. "I understand what you mean about keeping quiet near Imperial Ears." He whispered this time before leading them to the Tavern in question.

 

"Besides, why so antsy?" He added before they entered.

 

 

-Emperor Korben-

 

Korben made his way to his main Throne Room and sat upon it, his Royal Guards, the finest in his Empire, stood to attention as he entered, then he reclined and put his head to the side as he entered thought.

 

"The Order of Lux grows slightly bothersome, but they shall be quelled in due time, should my men deal with them accordingly. If not Ozzel's men, then the Assassins. And if not them...I must increase my efforts to put them down before they become a major threat. As a ragtag group of people with small amounts of pilfered resources, they are no match....but as a fully fledged Rebellion with Insignias, resources and support from many Kingdoms, they pose a credible threat. They must be dealt with before then...."

 

He then looked around his Throne Room, then slouched forward.

 

"I must not allow anyone to read my thoughts, methods or personality. That gives them an edge, even if small. I can't even tell Ariana, my most trusted Commander. She is faithful, but the "Lure of Power" is strong and tempting and no one else here is as capable of ruling as I...and she's Heartless to boot. What little Heart I have left will assist me. In the meantime..."

 

He signalled the nearest Royal Guard to his right. "Activate the Public Broadcast System. All TV Screens and Loudspeakers in homes and Building Screens across the Empire. I wish to address my people." He ordered calmly, with a responsive nod from the Guard who pushed a button, lowering a Camera while all Lights dimmed and a Aura of Shadows surrounded Korben so he was the focus. "Begin live transmission." The Camera activated.

 

------------------------------------

 

Across Imperial Cities, all Television Screens changed to the "Empire Broadcast Channel" with a narrated message saying.

 

"This is a non-emergency public broadcast from Emperor Korben. Please take the time to listen. Long live Korben." 

 

The screens across City Buildings and in homes then switched to Korben, in his throne with everything else dark and shadowy as he spoke to all.

 

"Citizens...of the Korbenic Empire. I am here to discuss a...strange matter this evening. As many of you may know, there are some speculating the existence of an "Order"...an Order promising "liberation", "peace" and "freedom". First of all, my Empire provides a comfortable, well-off style of life for all of you, my people. Secondly....it is mere rumour and speculation. The Order is a Myth. They do not exist as far as we know and if you see anyone pretending otherwise, it is a façade. A lie by those who dislike my rule. Dismiss them as liars, deceivers...and pursuers of Treason against the Empire. *Chuckles* Of course, Treason is a capital offence...which is punishable by death. If they are truly conspiring against us, report them, expose them for all to see...call upon us to apprehend the miscreants...or you may dispose of them yourself if you wish. You have the power via Tanzynite, now is the time to prove your skill with it. Those who work as Shopkeepers, Reception Workers or Bartenders; remain vigilant and keep your ears sensitive to such talk...you never know where they might be, trying to conspire against our prosperity. That is all. Long live Korben." 

 

The screens all returned to their usual advertising and programmes as the Throne Room returned to normal lighting and the Camera returned to hiding.

 

"Now...we shall see what occurs."

Edited September 9, 201510 yr by SuperiorKunivas