NationStates Jolt Archive

(For a RL month I was outta here, so this is just some background for one of my favorite characters, the usual suspects can jump in if ya want to)

Approaching Hai’Gannach Castle, Daezeman (before Imitora 'redecorated' it…) ;)

A black BMW convertible zipped up the winding mountain road, tires hugging the road with each quick turn. At the top of the mountain peaks, peeking through the clouds, a large castle glistened in the afternoon sun.
A pair of steel-blue eyes peeked out from behind auburn hair flying in the wind. “So that’s the place?” Jeff asked. “Damn, it looked so much bigger in the brochure…” he added with a wink.
“Yep, generations of warriors were trained behind its walls,” his new bride Katherine smiled at him. “And somehow, you landed it.”
Jeff laughed, “Yeah, god knows how that happened.”
“I think I can help point that out to you later,” Katherine said with a playful shove, knocking Jeff’s arm and veering the car into the other lane, “Hey watch out!”

*********************************

***At the same time, in the castle’s throne room***

A burly man in his mid 20’s with jet black hair and red eyes stormed around the room.
“WHAT??” Jarion Asrael said. “You have to be kidding. We have to leave the castle??”
An older woman on the other end of the videophone shook her head.
“Not at all, remember we were always guests in the castle anyway,” the woman said. “Just because you wanted to run around, and thought that being a prince entitled you to that castle, doesn’t make it true. Now you will have to move into the quarters you were assigned and you will be a fine representative of the dominion of Tharkold, or I will beat it into you when you return. Shouldn't you be at the Warriors Training now anyway?”
“Yes, Mother,” Jarion sneered as he slammed the phone shut.
Who does this bastard think he is? Taking what's mine...

*********************************

No one was at the entrance of the castle as the BMW stopped.
Jeff stepped out and looked around the castle, “Damn, I think James could teach the guys something about being at their posts,” he said as he walked around. “There are people here,” he added, looking off in the distance at the men training.
“Looks like the former occupants haven’t left yet,” Katherine said as the main door opened and Asrael stormed out.
Jeff walked over toward him with a smile and extended his hand, “Hi, Jeff Williams, I guess I’m the new Duke he... oof...”
Asrael slammed into Jeff, knocking him into the side of the car, as he walked by him. He spun and looked at Jeff, “I’m Prince Jarion Asrael, from the Dominion of Tharkold. Don’t forget that name,” he growled before turning and walking away. "Or I'll make you regret it, you lowborn sack of..."
Jeff looked on as he walked. “Someone is in serious need of an ass kicking,” he muttered.
“Oh, I’m sorry Master Williams,” A tall, thin bald man in a tuxedo said with a light Iansislian accent as he walked over and helped straighten Jeff’s suit. “I’m Jeeves, your ‘gentleman’s gentleman’,” he added.
“My what?” Jeff asked.
“Your butler dear,” Katherine said with a smile to Jeeves.
“Duchess Blancum,” Jeeves said with a smile, “It’s been far too long, madam.” He turned back to Jeff, “You’ve met Prince Asrael, I’m afraid he thought he was the owner of this castle, he’d gotten quite used to telling everyone what to do and being waited on.”
“Well, someone needs to adjust his attitude about 180-degrees,” Jeff said.
“And you’re just the guy to do it?” Katherine asked. “Please remember dear, we’re still on our honeymoon.”
“Yeah, but I wanted to get some training here anyway, and I can’t think of a better punching bag than that guy…”

A tall, thin bald man in a tuxedo said with a light Iansislian accent as he walked over and helped straighten Jeff’s suit.

(hehe...I knew we were good for something. ;))

LOL, well ya know, this is my first attempt at an "Iansialian-style" background thread.. ;) Besides, I've been reading P.G. Wodehouse again, just subbing in "Iansisle" for British.

Oh the inspiration, I am going to have to do a life history of Niven soon.

This looks very interesting.

Jeeves took Jeff and Katherine’s bags from the back of the BMW while the two walked into the castle.
“This is a great place,” Jeff said as he looked around the main corridor. “A little too old and drafty for my tastes,” he said. “Maybe with a plasma screen TV and DVD player here in the entry-way, and some..”
“Oh no you don’t,” Katherine told him, “Sometimes things need to remain the way they used to be. With no fancy techno-crap to spoil it.”
“Yes dear,” Jeff winked at her.
“Good, you’ve picked up on that quickly.” She smirked at him. “God knows you had to be good for something eventually.”
The pair walked up two sets of stairs, Jeff admiring the castle and Katherine pointing out things of interest (“Here’s where the instructors train, please remember you’re still at a training ground…”)
Jeff quickly picked up Katherine and carried her through the doorway to the grand bedroom, “I told you there were a lot of thresholds to carry you over,” he grinned.
“Yes you did, now put me down!” she gasped
“Awwww,” Jeff said, putting her down and walking over to a window facing out to the training courtyard. Below him, scores of Daezemani and others trained to hone their skills in hand-to-hand combat.
That looks like a lot of fun Jeff grinned. And I’ve really been meaning to sharpen my physical training again, being an ambassador takes a lot out of you..

*********************************

*** In the Courtyard below ***
A murmur of voices started up as the group stopped training to take in what had happened.
“So that’s the guy??”
“He doesn’t look so tough…I'll break him in half...”
“He sounded nice enough, from what I’ve heard.”
“Is it true, that he was given.. ya know??”
“Maybe, but it doesn’t matter, I’m looking forward to getting a shot at him.”
One of the Daezemani instructors looked on with great interest as Katherine walked out of the car and into the castle with Jeff.
If only… God how many times have I thought that… If only I’d stood up and told her… or if I’d have proven myself, she wouldn’t be with… that ‘thing’. Maybe it’s not too late…
Another instructor turned to the group, “Ok. Class, dismissed. Return here in 45 minutes, when your heads are back in the game.”

Jeff had looked with interest as the class broke up.
“Looks like we caused a little ruckus,” He said to Katherine. “I think I’ll head down there and see what’s up with the instructors. You really should get some rest if you’re still feeling upset to your stomach. I don’t want you getting sick on me.”
Katherine smiled at Jeff, “Well, as the day goes on I feel better.”
He turned to Jeeves, “Some spearmint tea for Duchess Katherine please.”

******************************************

Jeff walked down the stairs again and saw the two instructors walk into the castle. “No time like the present,” he said quietly as he walked up to them.
“Hi, I wanted to apologize for the disruption we caused when we got here,” he started.
“Don’t bother,” the first instructor glared at Williams. “We understand everything we need to, get out of my way.” He bumped into Jeff and walked up the stairs.
“Jesus Christ, what’s his problem?” Jeff said.
“Danrica,” the other instructor said, “I can take a guess. Don’t let it bother you.”
“Well hell, I mean, so far I’ve been here 10 minutes and been shoved twice and damn near threatened.”
“It’s a long story,” the other man said, “I’m Jason. It’s nice to meet you Duke Williams.”
“Please, just call me Jeff,” he smiled at him. “So think you can tell me over a drink?”
“Sorry sir, class in just in recess now,” Jason said as some of the classmates stood across the room, sizing up Jeff. “Looks like some of the pupils have taken an interest in you. One in particular I’m afraid.”
Jeff looked over and saw the group of men staring at him and talking. Asrael was among the group, and the one looking the most venomously at him.
“Well, I was wondering if I could sit in on training then. I’d really like to get my prowess back on par.”
“I guess you can sir,” Jason said. “But you have to keep in mind we go pretty hard here.”
Jeff smiled at him, “That’ll be perfect.”

After the break, Jeff walked out onto the grass in the training grounds with Jason, looking up at the Daezemani and talking about his time in Iansisle. Danrica looked on in anger as the two of them walked up
“… and Katherine and I were just married a little while ago,” was what Danrica heard. His eyes blazed at that statement.
“What is he doing here,” he demanded.
“He asked to sit in on part of the training program,” Jason said. “He’s interested in them.”
“Oh is he?” Danrica said. “Well then please sit right here.”
Change in plans.
“Instead of regular training, we’re going to practice unarmed sparring now.” Danrica said.
“What? We didn’t agree on tha…” Jason started.
Danrica kept talking, “Jarion, as the previous sparring winner, you get your first choice of opponent.”
Asrael stood up and grinned.
“Him.”
He pointed at Jeff.
“Wait a damn minute!” Jason said, “He’s not even part of the class, he’s just an observer.”
“He should have thought about that. You know the rules, anyone on the grounds is fair game.” Asrael said.
Well f*** me with a chainsaw sideways…
Jason stepped forward, “You know damn well this is against the rules….”
Jeff placed his hand on Jason’s arm, “I’ll be OK,” he said quietly.
Jeff stepped forward and looked at Asrael.
“Hit me with your best shot bitch.”

(Oh! oh! *starts to panic, then remembers that Jeff getting killed here would upset the space-time continuum, more than even NS could absorb*)

(time to start panicking… :wink: I suppose I could clone Jeff...)

“You don’t have to do this,” Jason told Jeff.
Where have I heard that before… oh yeah when James told …
Jeff’s thought was interrupted when Asrael stepped back into a boxing stance and quickly drew and hit Jeff with right hook that snapped his head back and sent him flying back two yards. Jeff landed on his feet and looked a little surprised.
“Keep in mind, plebe, you’re not the only one with cyber implants…” Asrael sneered as Jeff wiped the blood flowing from his split lip.
“Is that all?” Jeff asked dropping back into a defensive posture.
The two men circled each other. Asrael fired two jabs, one connecting with Jeff’s jaw and the second missing by the breadth of a hair.
Jeff grabbed Asrael’s arm after the second jab, stepped back and pulled Asrael toward him, stepping forward at the same time and driving his palm into Asrael’s jaw. Asrael spun backwards, looking in shock at Jeff. He jerked off his jacket, playtime was through.
Asrael drove at Jeff, picking him up and slamming him into the ground. He threw a couple of haymakers at Jeff on the ground. Asrael had lost any idea of martial form or planning, this was turning into a street brawl.
Jeff groaned as he was hurled to the ground. He rolled backwards and used his arms to push himself up and flip back onto his feet, Capoeria(sp?) style. Asrael spring up and caught Jeff with a right cross and left jab.
Jeff caught Asrael’s arm and pulled him in again, instead though he picked up Asrael with one arm and slammed him down on the ground hard (OOC: I can’t think of another way to describe this, Jeff gave Asrael a ‘Rock Bottom’ move) ;)
“That’s Enough!” Jason said separating the two men.

Asrael spit at Jeff as the men were separated.
“This isn’t over.”
Jeff just shook his head at him. “You’ll never learn. Well remember this pal, you’re in my home, by my leave. You have a problem, I suggest you pack up and get the hell outta here.”
Asrael swore at Jeff as he was drug away by two of the other students.
Jason looked at Danrica, “Happy now? That’s it. Class is over until tomorrow and everyone is a lot calmer.” He glared at Danrica, “You, my office, now.”

Danrica scowled at Jason and walked off to another part of the castle while Jason and Jeff walked back into the citadel.

"I'm sorry about this sir," Jason said as the two walked up the stairs. "I have the feeling you were set up."

"Yeah, I get that a lot," Jeff said trying to pop his neck and stretch.

The two talked as the reached the third story and walked to the bedroom.

"What happened??" Katherine asked as she jumped up and ran over to Jeff. She looked at him and Jason.

"Danrica," Jason told her.

"What?" she whispered, "he's here??"

"Yeah, he was assigned as a training instructor about 8 months back."

"Wait a second, who's this Dan...whatever the hell he is?" Jeff asked.

"A former... lover" Katherine whispered.

"And he's upset? Well I can't blame him, I do have the most beautiful wife in the universe," Jeff smiled.

"You don't understand sir," Jason said. "He's... interested in Duchess Katherine. If we'd have known earlier that you were coming, we would have been able to reassign him. As it stands, we might not be able to for a while.

"Sir, I fear you could be in danger."

Nice, very nice. This is in Deazeman, right?

Well, I think the word tense you're looking for is "this was in Daezeman." :P

Lol, yeah, you know what I meant. Just wondering. Should you ever, for some odd reason, wanna ruin this and turn it into RP :lol: , Hoot was in country operative for a while before the Operation:Bitch Slap, picking up intel and all.

That's not a bad idea, let me get a little further along in the story and we can bring him in. Jeff'd probably love to see Hoot again.

Sounds good. Wouldnt mind playing as the bastard one last time.

Sounds good to me. and I'm out tonight, I'll catch y'all tomorrow.

Danrica was sitting in Jason's office when Jason stormed in.

"What in the f*** do you think you're doing?" Jason started in on him. "I dont' give a good god damn what your f***ing problem is, but if you can't control yourself anymore than this, I'll throw you off of this training ground myself."

"That bastard has no right to be here, he's not one of us!" Danrica scowled back.

"We have other humans and elves training here," Jason said, "don't give me that crap!"

"You know what I mean! That 'thing' is the new Duke?" Danrica said, still unable to believe it.

Worse, she's married to it, an unworthy, low-life scum.. human!

"Yes he is," Jason said. "And that's the end of the argument. I hope that point is clear to you."

"Yes, crystal clear."

"Get out of my office," Jason growled at him.

**************************

Katherine had just finished telling Jeff the story of her 'relationship' with Danrica.

"So, what did you ever see in this guy?" Jeff asked her.

"I don't know. We were young, it was kinda pushed on me by my friends," she sighed.

Jeff nodded, he understood dating the wrong person... "It's all right, it's not like we have anything to worry about."

"Jeff, you don't understand how dangerous he is."

Jeff smiled at Katherine, "What's he going to do? Whine me to death?"

The evening passed without any further incidents. Jason accepted an invitation and joined Jeff and Katherine and the three had dinner in the upper floor of the castle.

"So, quite the eventful day today," Jason said.

"Yeah, it was very interesting," Jeff replied.

"So you still think you want to join the class? It looks like the students will take it rougher on you than anyone else. Quite a few of them seem to want to be the one to take you out. I don't know what Prince Asrael's problem is, but I'll try to keep him a little more occupied from here on out." Jason added after taking a drink of his beer. "And I can't guarantee that Danrica won't try to... 'accidentally' push you too hard."

"I can handle myself," Jeff nodded. "There's nothing to worry about..."

(As Iansisle can attest to, those are famous last words coming from Jeff ;) )

*************************

Two floors below, in a secondary training office.

The sound of a chair being hurled against a wall was muffled by the thick stone of the castle.

Danrica looked out of his window onto the darkened training field. It wasn't bad enough that it was given a title that he and not that ... human ...deserved, but it had to marry his Katherine.

By the gods, why am I being tested like this? What must I do? Give me a sign!

A knocking came from the door.

"Come in."

A man with black hair and scowling red eyes looked in from the doorway with a slender, young looking elf.

"Instructor, can we talk with you? About our.. new arrival?"

A couple of days later...

After another morning of feeling ill, Katherine visited the medical center in the castle.

The doctor examined her, took some blood and asked her to stay in the room a moment. He walked out, handed the blood to a nurse who ran a batch of tests on it and gave him a slip of paper. He nodded and walked back in the room.

I hope they're ready for this.

"Duchess, I've been able to determine why you're getting sick. You're pregnant."

Katherine's jaw dropped slightly. "Pregnant? How long? Jeff and I hadn't discussed children yet..."

"About a month ma'am."

She stood up, "Thank you doctor. I... I need to go talk with my husband," she said walking out the door.

#####################

Jeff walked into the bedroom after a day of training and examining the castle and surrounding area. "Wow, sweetheart! This is a great place!"

Katherine smiled at him as best she could and nodded. She patted the bed next to her, "Jeff, we need to talk about something."

"Sure baby," Jeff said sitting down, "What is it?"

"I don't know how to put this. I'm pregnant. I know we haven't talked about chil...." She said but was cut off as Jeff swooped over, picked her up and kissed her.

"You are?? That's great! How far along? When are you due?" He smiled.

"You're not worried? We didn't talk about kids. I mean, I've wanted some for a while now, but we never..."

"Are you kidding sweetheart? This is great news!" He said as he put her back on the bed. "I'm going to be a father... wow!

"If nothing else, it'll keep dad from pestering us about grandkids! Oh! I've got it! We can't tell anyone until you have them," Jeff said with a mischevious grin.

#####################

The word was quickly buzzing around the castle however, the new guests were having children! The staff was extremely happy. It had been many, many years since the sound of children, outside of spoiled visiting royalty, were heard throughout the castle walls.

One person in particular was not happy.

Children?? With that thing! It's going to infect the Daezemani gene pool!?! Maybe it's not too late, if I act quickly this time.

The next few weeks passed quickly for Jeff and Katherine. Jeff split his time between training with the group, who for the most part was beginning to grudgingly respect, if not like, him, and helping to pamper Katherine so she could take things easy. The two were especially happy when the doctor later informed them they needed to expect twins.

######################

(OOC: Explanation of the 'Psy-Sword' from RIFTS...just for those special 'extra-fantasy' RPs he might be in)

He took his knocks with the rest of the class, especially from Asrael and Danrica.

"You know Jeff," one of the elves in the class, SaiVestan, said after offering his hand to help Jeff up after a particularly hard throw to the ground, "You don't need to take the additional stress of this right now, you've got a family on the way."

Jeff smiled at him and used the offered hand to help himself up, "Yeah, I know Sai. But it's a good way to get some of the stress out, plus I can keep an eye on that asshole Danrica."

Danrica turned to look at Jeff as his name was mentioned, although he was across the training ground and couldn't hear him. His eyes bored into Jeff.

"Looks like our friend is taking an interest in you again," Jason said to Jeff as he walked over to the two talking students.

"Yeah, it'll be all right though," Jeff lied. "Now Jason, you were telling us about some kind of sword..."

The Hai'Gannach were supposed to be Daezeman's elite swordsmen, and the training, while harder than what Jeff had faced at the academy (OOC: Damn officers. :P), it could have been worse, and he was really looking forward to the more advanced training.

"Oh yes," Jason nodded, "It's hard to explain. Only a few of us have ever been able to summon the strength needed for it. It's an extension of you, your personal energies, it's part of who you are."

Jason held his hand out, and an instant later, a blazing bluish-white sword, shaped like a katana (OOC: As opposed to a Katana :P) was in his hands.

"Once you can call it up, it always comes back looking the same way." Jason said. "Your personality forges it."

Jeff and SaiVestan looked as the sword vanished.

Danrica noticed what Jason had shown the two. He couldn't believe that Jason would do that. He knew he'd have to discuss that with Jason later. But for now, he had other plans...

"Alright, today's training will take us to the northern ridge of the mountains," he told the class. "Jason will lead you on a run to the ridge, where the group will split into two sides for training maneuvers."

"Why aren't you coming with us?" one of the students asked.

"I have to wait for an incoming communiation from King Icarus," he said, "Regarding the continuation of the training group, given our little disruption," he added as he and Asrael glared at Jeff.

"Come on, enough talking, get running people," Jason said as the group formed up and started to move out.

Danrica watched as the group ran across the bridge and through the gates and headed north. He turned and walked into the castle.

######################

Katherine was relaxing on the bed, reading a book and sipping some spearmint tea when the door opened suddenly. She looked up, first excitedly when she thought it was Jeff, then shock crept on her face as she realized who was in the room.

######################

Jeff and the group ran along a path to the ridge. His footing started to give way when he was suddenly shoved from behind into the trunk of an enormous tree. His eyesight dimmed, but he shook off the shock and fought his way awake.

Jason stopped the group and walked back to him, "Jeff, you all right?"

"Yeah," Jeff winced as he stood up, "I just twisted my knee, I'll be all right to go."

"No, you need to go to the infirmary. What would Icarus say if he knew you'd been hurt here. SaiVestan, you help Jeff go back to the castle, we'll move on."

"Yes sir," Sai nodded, helping Jeff to support his weight. The two men started walking back to the castle.

######################

"You....What do you want?" Katherine demanded. "Leave!"

"Duc... Kattie, listen to me," Danrica said as he walked over to her.

"No! Get out! We had our last words."

"Kattie, you... you can't love that thing. I know in your heart you don't. How can you stand to have it's... offspring," Danrica spit out.

"No, you're wrong," Katherine said backing up and shaking her head, "I love Jeff, I have since the first time I set eyes on hi.."

"Why are you lying to me like this??" he demanded. "This is another test from the gods I know it is. To make sure I'll make the right choice. Well this time I will."

"Get out of here! Guar..." Katherine started to scream as Danrica reached out and clamped his hand over her mouth.

"No, you don't want to have his children, I know it. And I won't let you."

Katherine twisted and tried to scream again as Danrica pulled her closer to keep her from running.

"You should be having my children."

Katherine's eyes blazed in hatred as he said that. She bit down on his hand as hard as she could. Danrica winced, then cried out, ripping his hand back as she tore off a piece of his palm. She screamed as loud as she could.

Danrica took a few moments to recover and pulled his hand back to backhand Katherine. "You BITCH!" he added as he started to pull her toward the bed...

(Taps fingers together nervously...Oh, dear!

Oh, and chucks a watermelon at Larkinia for that 'katana' bit :P)

... Jeff and Sai had made it back to the castle just as Katherine's first scream was cut off. Enough of it tore through the halls of the ancient structure to be heard.

Katherine! Oh God!

Jeff shot forward, all of his pain blocked out by the fear he heard in that scream. Sai was right at Jeff's side as the two sprinted up the stairway, each man taking three or four stairs at a jump.

Sai reached the door first and twisted the handle, "It's locked!" he yelled as Jeff sprinted toward him and the door.

"Outta the way!" Jeff growled and speeding up, threw himself at the door.

The door broke open and Jeff looked up in time to see Danrica pull his hand back to slap Katherine in her torn blouse. Danrica dropped her to the bed as the door flew open

Jeff's eyes smouldered and flared a dark steel-blue as he exploded toward the Daezemani, "You... f*cker!! Bastard!"

Sai followed Jeff in, "Oh gods!" he said as he ran to Katherine's aid.

"Mother f**ker!" Jeff growled as he flew into Danrica.

Danrica sprung back in time to catch Jeff and throw him toward the window. Jeff's legs shattered the window but he was able to hold on to the side of the window before flying out. Danrica turned to run, Sai stood between him and the doorway. Before Sai could draw his daggers, Danrica slammed into Sai with a crushing forearm to the throat and sprinted out of the door back toward the hallway.

Jeff had pulled himself back in the room and rushed over to Katherine and Sai, "Kate, are you... OK?" he asked fighting back tears.

"Yeah," she said, "But we really need to talk to the manager about the concierge staff here."

Sai slowly crawled over to the two of them.

"You OK?" Jeff asked his friend.

"Yeah," Sai croaked.

"He's going to be back," Katherine said. "I know it."

"Bullshit," Jeff said, standing up, "Sai, watch after Katherine."

"Jeff! Don't! He'll kill you!" Katherine gasped.

"No, he won't. He's a dead man."

Jeff sprinted out of the room and caught Danrica in the corner of his eye running down the first flight of stairs.

Jeff ran down from the top flight of the stairs, as he did he saw Danrica grab a bundle from the wall of the bottom floor as he looked up and saw Jeff sprinting after him. He looked out, the clouds had moved in, and the wind kicked up.

Damnit, I hate the f**king cold...

Danrica sprinted outside toward the bridge and gate.

Jeff dropped down from the second story to the first, wincing as he landed.

"Close the gates! Don't let that f*cker out!"

Jeff took off after Danrica.

###################

Katherine and Sai slowly stood up as guards and other students rushed into the bedroom.

"Duchess Katherine are you all right?"

"Quick call the doctor for the duchess!"

Katherine turned to Sai, "You've gotta go after them! He'll kill Jeff without a worry!"

Sai nodded, "Yes I will, now that you'll be protected."

Sai stood up to some of the other students, "Protect the duchess, at all costs." he said running out of the door and toward the stairwell.

###################

Danrica had made it to the bridge.

Escape at last, he'll never find me outside the grounds...

He started to run across the bridge, as the gate began to fall. He sprinted faster and faster, but reached the gate just as it had slammed into the ground. He dropped the bundle and tried to lift the gate.

"F*ck!! F*ckers!!!" Danrica uncharacteristically panicked, the wall, I can jump from the castle wall to the ground!

He spun around just in time to see one man standing at the other end of the bridge...

###################

Jeff had run out into the courtyard after Danrica, who had appeared to have vanished.

"Where's..." he started to growl at one of the guards.

"... Instructor Danrica? He's heading to the bridge sir. We're heading there now."

Jeff sprinted off before the guard finished his statement. He was going to rip Danrica apart piece by piece, beating him to death with each new bodypart. He'd made it to the entranceway of the bridge, listening as the gate slammed shut.

I've got you now.

He ran onto the bridge in time to see Danrica turn. He took in a breath of the moist air shooting up from the river below and stepped onto the bridge in a rage.

*On the edge of my seat...*

Sai ran on to the first floor of the castle after Jeff and Danrica, slowing long enough to grab two of the sabers off of the walls. As he ran outside the castle entrance, Sai suddenly ducked as he saw a club flying to his head. He looked up in time to see the wicked grin of a very familiar (to Asrael), slender, young elf.

"Taliene, what are you doing??" Sai asked springing up as the two faced off.

"We can't have you helping our poor boy, can we?" Taliene asked as he picked one of the sabers. Suddenly he sprang at Sai with three quick slashes to the head.

Sai deflected the shots and rolled out of the way.

"This was a setup!"

Taliene winked at him and drove at him with the sword again...

###################

Jeff stalked toward Danrica, eyes locked with him.

Danrica looked around for a last minute way to escape. Not finding one, he held the bundle close to him and tried to circle around Jeff.

Jeff stepped to his right to close the distance between himself and the flanking Danrica, who suddenly threw the cloth of the bundle at Jeff's head, obscuring the glint...

Jeff suddenly winced with pain and took a quick jump back, knocking down the cloth. He saw Danrica standing there holding a broadsword, stained in fresh blood. He glanced down at his chest, the slash into it still opening up...

Sai and Taliene lunged at each other time after time, blades sparking and flashing when the sun broke through the clouds.

Sai pulled Taliene back and over him in a judo flip, rolling back onto his feet quickly. Taliene landed on his back and grunted before springing up. Sai slashed at him again and again, driving him back toward the bridge...

###################

Jeff looked at the slash in his chest quickly, then stripped off his jacket, holding it taut in his hands as he jumped towards Danrica again.

Danrica brought the blade forward in a lightning flash again. Jeff deflected enough of the blade with his jacket to keep it from connecting with him again. Jeff quickly sprang up and sent Danrica back with a side kick.

The Daezemani stood up as Jeff exploded with a knee into his stomach. Danrica doubled over, then rolled past Jeff. Jeff heard the swish of the blade and felt the tip send a fresh gash into his upper back.

"Give it up. You can't beat me." Danrica sneered.

Jeff turned and cocked his head to the side before kicking up some of the dirt on the bridge into Danrica's eyes. Danrica flailed his sword around in front of himself to keep Jeff at bay while he tried to regain his vision. Jeff threw the jacket at Danrica who caught it in the sword slashes, while Jeff jumped to the side then slid feet first into the side of Danrica's knee...

(friendly bump, and several gasps in shock! Go Jeff, go! ;))

OOC: Is this like a public fight, or is it goin on in the castle? Also, I finally saw Twin Towers this weekend at the retreat...man, those elves are P.I.M.P.

Sai jabbed at Taliene with the saber, Taliene blocked and turned to run. He sprang away from SaiVestan and headed toward the stairs leading to the castle wall. Sai lept after him. The two elves clashed and slashed their way to the top of the wall.

Taliene spun in time to keep Sai's sword from connecting with his neck. Taliene jabbed at Sai with his free hand, but Sai stepped forward, driving his shoulder into Taliene's chest, knocking him off balance. Taliene flailed a moment, long enough for Sai to drive his sword into the elf's heart, then draw it out and swing at Taliene's neck in one motion.

Taliene looked shocked at SaiVestan, for the moment it took before his head slid off of his shouders and to the ground below...

###################

Danrica screamed as Jeff connected with his knee, stretching the ligaments. He picked up Jeff and pulling him off the ground, headbutted him. (OOC: From what I remember, Danrica, being an above average Daezemani warrior would have about a foot height advantage on him). He held Jeff long enough to throw him back into the meter-tall wall of the bridge.

Jeff hit the wall, hard. Some of the stones in the bridge broke loose and Jeff started to tip over the side. Danrica took the opportunity to swing at Jeff with the sword again. Jeff rolled back at an angle, and off the side of the bridge.

... apparently. Jeff held onto the side of the bridge and used the angle to swing his body around and back up, wrapping his legs around one of the wall pillars and pulling himself back up as Danrica smugly looked over the wall.

Jeff picked up one of the larger stones that had broken free and slammed it into the back of Danrica's head.

Danrica stumbled and dropped to his knees. Jeff picked up the stone and brought it down on Danrica's hand, the one wrapped around the sword. Danrica wimpered as the stone shattered his hand. He rolled out of the way as Jeff brought the stone down again at him. Jeff saw the sword flash up in Danrica's off-hand just in time to keep the blade from slicing his face too far.

Danrica stood up, cradling his busted hand against his side and looked shocked at Jeff, who'd also stood back up and wiped the blood out of his eyes before raising his fists and flying into Danrica with a flurry of punches...

OOC: Is this like a public fight, or is it goin on in the castle? Also, I finally saw Twin Towers this weekend at the retreat...man, those elves are P.I.M.P.

OOC: This is at the castle, but I'm sure there would be an article in the paper the next day, unless Daezemani CNN or ESPN fight in demand ;) would have it on now... so if you want to bring in a certain character after this...

Okies...Want me to do it now or wait one more post?

Go ahead and do it now, the rest of this will be going on as Hoot does whatever he does.

Hoot was all but a wanted man in Deazeman. He was far from well liked by the people, especially the king. However, through intense manipulation of numbers, pulling of massive political strings, there was nothing that could be done about it. President Ormsby had gotten him an official sanctioned posistion at the Deazemani Branch Embassy. Technically, he could go kick King Icarus in the cortch, piss on him, and take him a hot little Daezemani bride. Diplomatic imunity, aint it a bitch, he thought, smiling. Of course, most diplomats didnt carry a modified M4 Carbine in their room, or a Kimber custom .45 on them at all times. He smiled, and sipped his beer at the pub he was sitting at, wondering what might be going on in this little hell hole of a country.

OOC: :lol: Ahhhhh, Hoot's as loveable as ever, isn't he. ;) if any of you other guys have characters you want to bring in, now's the time to do it.

Danrica used the tip of the sword to keep Jeff back as he tried to charge in time and again. Between the knee and using his off hand, he was tilting off-balance.

I can't believe I underestimated this thing...

Jeff growled at Danrica like a caged animal and dove at his knees again. Danrica jumped back, this time putting too much weight onto his knee and crumpling. Jeff sprung on top of him and pulling his fists back, sent a hail of shots to Danrica.

######################

Danrica fell and suddenly Jeff was in his sight, he tried to pick up his blade and drive it into Jeff's side. Then all he could see was fist after fist slamming into him.

Jeff stopped for a moment, put his hands together and drove them down to crush his throat when suddenly Danrica saw a blue-white flash come from them...

N.... NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

######################

Jeff had stopped hitting Danrica long enough to interlock his fingers and bring his fists down toward Danrica's exposed windpipe.

DIE MOTHER F*CKER!!!!!

Suddenly a light flashed, Danrica's scream was cut short by a bloody, wet gurgle and Jeff's head was down, eyes closed. He opened them to see his hands wrapped around some kind of blue-white hilt jammed into Danrica's throat, and below that, a blade extending out from the back of his neck into the ground.

Wha... what the hell is that??

Jeff jumped back reflexively, watching the body twitch as Danrica fought a losing battle for his last moments of air. As the blade vanished, Jeff stood up, looking at the body with a mixture of shock and astonishment.

Sai ran onto the bridge at that point, "Jeff!! By the gods are you all ri..." his voice vanished as he looked down at the quickly-cooling body of Danrica. He walked over to his friend, "Come on," he said taking Jeff by the shoulder, "We should go.."

The guards rushed onto the bridge quickly after Sai. Looking at the body, then at Jeff, then back at the body, then at each other.

How do we explain this??

Jeff didn't quite know where he was, or how he got there. He was being led off from the bridge, he looked over and saw Sai.

"Sai, what are you doin..? Where's Katherine??"

"Jeff, she's OK, a bunch of the other guards and group students are watching over her right now. She sent me out here to make sure you were OK," Sai said as he kept Jeff facing away from the body. "What happened? There was some kind of slashing puncture wound in his throat, but no blade stuck there."

"I dunno, I think I must have picked up his sword and jammed it in his throat and pulled it out again and... I just can't remember it."

Sai led Jeff back into the castle, "Come on, we need to check on..."

"...Katherine!" Jeff said as the two of them walked up the stairs.

Jeff walked into the bedroom into a eyeful of blades and barrels before someone said "It's Jeff, it's OK." and the students pulled their weapons back.

Katherine was lying on the bed, being examined by the doctor. She looked at Jeff and smiled through her tears at him. She sat up long enough to wrap her arms around him and kiss him.

The doctor told Katherine to lie down and escorted Jeff out of the room.

"Jeff, the twins look... OK. They didn't take much shock to their systems during what happened. Look after Katherine, she's tough, always was since I've known her as a little girl, but this has to be a shock to her, she'll need a little time to work through it."

Jeff nods while the doctor is looking at him. "Let's get these gashes cleaned up and taken care of while you're here. It's damn lucky you were here though. Damn lucky..."

Why don't I feel so lucky then

Several Hours later, approaching the castle

Jason led his students on the jog back to the castle...

C-130 rollin' down the strip
C-130 rollin' down the strip

Recon daddy gonna take a little trip
Recon daddy gonna take a little trip

Stand up, hook up, shuffle to da door
Stand up, hook up, shuffle to da door

Jump right out and shout 'Marine Corps'
Jump right out and shout 'Marine Corps'

Sayin' Heyyyyyyyyy all tha way,
Heyyyyyyyyy all tha way

Heyyyyyyyyy every day
Heyyyyyyyyy every day

If my main don't open wide
If my main don't open wide

I got a re-serve by my side
I got a re-serve by my side

If that one should fail me too
If that one should fail me too

Look out below, I'm a-comin' through
Look out below, I'm a-comin' through

Jason led his charges back to the castle. As they arrived, they had to wait for permission for the gate to rise.

What the? That's almost never down unless there's an.... emergency.

He looked in and saw the marks of a fight, and the stain of blood from Danrica's death, on the bridge. As the gate came up, he looked at the training group. "Class, you're dismissed to your quarters where you will remain until summoned, effective immediately."

The announcement caused stirring in the group as the gate opened. There were still guards and investigators buzzing around the castle. The group broke up to head to their various rooms. Jason walked up the stairs of the main castle when he was stopped by two guards.

"Sir, we need to talk to you now," one of them said.

"Of course, what's wrong? What happened here?"

"There was an attack on Duchess Katherine, she, Duke Williams and SaiVesten D'n Arino were injured and Danrica D'Restia and Taliene were killed, by Duke Williams and D'n Arino. Williams somehow.." the guard stopped and whispered how Danrica died.

Two thoughts hit Jason simultaneously.

Oh my lords!

and

Impressive!

"We are preparing charges against Duke Williams now for violation of our code of conduct, penalty ranging up to death." the other guard said.

Jason's expression said it all.

You've got to be kidding me

"Cute," Hoot thought, and said, as he approached the castle. He remebered Icarus giving Jeff the rigts to it a while back, and decided to check it out. The cadiance reminded him of the old days. Recon Ranger, life of danger, and all that. He smiled, and approached the castle.

The two guards nodded at Hoot as he approached. "Yes sir, what can we do for you?" one asked.

"Yeah, I'm uh, looking for Jeff Williams. Thought he might want to see a friendly face or two around here." Hoot pulled off his Oakleys, and put them on his hat.

"I'll take this," a voice with an Iansislian lilt to it said. "Right this way sir," a tall man with a kind smile, an oval face and black hair and eyes said. "Master Williams is in his study sir."

"Sounds great," Hoot said, following the man. Out of habit from being around Jeff enough, he undid the thumb break on his .45's holster.

OOC: Smart man, that Hoot.

IC: Jeeves led Hoot up two flights of stairs and took a left at the hallway, leading him towards a open doorway.

"It's been quite the exciting day sir, I'm sure Master Williams will like to see a friendly face."

From the other end of the doorway, Hoot and Jeeves hear the following.

"How could he just barge in here!? And attack Katherine like that?? ... I don't care what the excuses are..."

Jeeves brought Hoot to the doorway and cleared his throat.

"Someone to see you sir."

Jeff looked up from the phone and smiled. "I'll talk to you later," he said abruptly hanging up the phone. "HOOT!! How are ya, Sargeant?"

Hoot offered a mock salute. "As good as can be expected by sticking me in a place where even the peacful types want me dead," Hoot laughed. "And yourself? Whats this I hear of someone trying to mess with your woman friend?"

Jeff accpted the mock salute and shook Hoot's hand.

"What? You're being assigned to Iansisle?" he grinned.

"I'm all right, I'm going to be a dad!" he said handing a cigar to Hoot.

"Yeah... one of the instructors here. A former... he tried to... well anyway, he's not a problem now. I'm guessing you saw that big stain on the bridge.

"So what brings you out here? Just taking a hike?"

"Well, congrats congrats, Hoot said, accepting and pocketing the cigar." He nodded out towards teh bridge. "Yeah, a bit clean if ya ask me, but it all works out. As for me being here, Imitoran Embassy Station. Inteligence desk. Meaning if teh Deazemani start acting up, I can go ahead and cause some trouble."

"Yeah? And I can tell that you'd be troubled at the idea of having to start some trouble out here," Jeff winked. "Your secrets safe with me. Damn it's nice to see ya out here. I was starting to get lonely, thought it was a little quiet and peaceful."

Hoot laughed. "You too? I mean c'mon, why can't there jsut be a friendly uprising or somethign," Hoot said, winking. "I mean, it owuldnt be that hard to start, nto that I'd know from expierience," he finished.

Jeff whistled innocently while handing Hoot some coffee, "Nope, no one here knows anything about those.

"So what happened with you and your lady friend that was dancing at John's Inauguration. Did you two ever tie the knot?"

The rental car slowly approached the gate. Roberto was never a good driver, and his skills seemed to worsen with age. He gently stopped the vehicle and honked his horn, waiting for a response. Soon he noticed two guards. Gingerly exiting the vehicle he approached them.

"I'm here to see Jeff, he'll know me"

Jeeves walked up to Roberto, "Yes sir," he said "I'll take you to his study right away sir. Please follow me."

Jeeves led Robeto into the castle and up the stairs, "it has been a busy few days for Master Williams," he said. "With the... incident and people visiting. I'm sure he'll be glad to see you sir."

He opened the door to Jeff's study, "Right though there sir."

Roberto nodded, "thank you", he said quietly as he ventured into the study.

"Jeff, come stai amico?"

"Roberto!" Jeff said and shook his hand warmly, "I'm... well. How are you? It's been a long time! Come in, sit down and have some coffee and a cigar!"

"Thank you, its been too long"

"So what brings you out to Daezeman Roberto? Vacation?"

"I wish, business. Trade matters and all, you know the life of a diplomat.", he pauses, "Well, I saw your antics in the newspaper and I thought I would drop by, while I'm here and all".

"My... er.. antics. Um, yeah. I guess that must have made some headlines here, if not elsewhere in the ANH (OOC: *wink wink nudge nudge :P *)

"I'm glad you came by though! How's your son?"

"I wish I could tell you, hes away somewhere. I'm on a need to know basis...and according to Marine Corp. I don't need to know."

"Well, not hearing anything is kind of a good sign," Jeff smiled at him as he sipped his coffee. "I mean, they'd tell you if something happened."

Do you all have jobs? Is this a huge hobby? I have to confess, I'm fascinated by all this escapism. I suppose it flexes the mental muscles a bit more than CounterStrike and the like. Are all the correspondents female?

Dillberries: Most people are either students or work, this is not a hobby as much as an obsession ;) and it does give you a chance to really stretch your imagination.

IC: As Jeff talked with Roberto and/or Hoot (depending on if he's still there or if it's later), Jason was two floors below in front of a hearing committee.

"Gentlemen, it's a straight case of self-defense. Jeff attacked the man who tried to rape his wife."

"That's not our concern," one of the men at the table said. "He raised a weapon against a fellow... not just one of us, but an instructor at this castle!"

"Sir," Jason said exasperated, "You can understand though, if it were your wife...."

"She'd have never been in that position, owing to the fact that I am: 1, a member of chivalry of this country, 2, I am Daezemani and not human."

Jason sighed, Not this again...

Jason looked at the group as some nodded in agreement, "It strikes me, that Jeff cannot answer to charges in this case. As you pointed out, he's not Daezemani, he's human."

"What does that have to do with this?" another man asked.

"He's an ambassador to an ANH country, and as such, has diplomatic immunity."

"But he's not ambassador to Daezeman."

"Well, 1, Icarus won't see it that way and 2, Iansisle has the same agreement with us. We can turn him over to King James and let him decide Jeff's fate."

"But... James won't..."

"Exactly. I feel you're position has been checkmated," Jason grinned.