NationStates Jolt Archive

Edmund/Kungshao laughed....he laughed hard and long...it was a Human and Dragons laugh all in the same. He was treading on precarious ground?

How foolish the Members of Metus.

"I see now that arrogance is truly what makes you Metus Idiots blind." said Kungshao/Edmund.

"You underestimated us...you thought we did not know exactly what you were up too. So this became but a game of Chess. And like fools you didnt see it for what it was."

"Menelmacar, Crownguard, Vrak, California and Alaska. Presgrief, Melkor, and The Eastern Bloc. I have a measure I wish the board to vote upon. Immedeate Dissmissal of all Metus Members for Conspiracy to take over ICEP. Now those of you concerned, have seen the Evidence. Please vote now."

"Oh and Alkanphel....you wouldnt happen too know what Xao-Tersanctus would be , would you?"

Natalya smiled broadly.

Takeover? What takeover, you moron? We were doing you a favor by coming into this thing. You can have your stupid little organization, I've had enough of you and your petty plotting and intrigues. It takes a greater will and a greater intellect than yours to organize such a thing. I am more than happy to wash my hands of this idiocy. Should we ever meet again, it will most probably be on the field of battle. Farewell cretin, I will now take my leave of you and your lackies.

Alkapnhel's eyes flashed more keenly than anyone had thus far observed; the effect was momentarily blinding to anyone who was looking in his general direction, regardless of their nature. He stood quickly, his body wracked with fury. He scowled at Natalya. "Your words today have cost our alliance more in terms of lost profits than any one statement in the History of Man. Many things you have yet to learn, I pray that they be learned before you grace another delegation with your presence. Metus will not do well to have members that speak so rashly and foolishly. Emperor Melkor will be none too pleased with what I will be forced to report to him on this matter."

He turned to Kungshao, his voice filled the room, full of terror. His tone dripped with hate. "Noneltheless, this man has revealed his game, pointless as it is. The Board seems to have been appointed for the express purpose of voting out Metus, as evidenced by Mr. Dantes' apparently premeditated act. It never ceases to amaze me how quickly 'Economic' Alliances turn into Imperium hatefests." He hiked his chin imperiusly and snickered. "At least we got to the bottom of this one before it turned into anything.. dangerous."

He added, as an afterthought. "Such a pity for me to have thought for a day or so that the ICEP would actually work. Tell me, do you systematically repress the veiws of those you don't agree with? Sure seems like you do. We've got a lot in common, then." He snickered, and his body cackled with a blusih green current. As the room fell darker, his lluminescene filled the room.

Lord Alkanphel
High Warlord of Lord Melkor's Imperium, First Counselor to Melkor Himself, CEO of the Chronos Corporation and Chairman of the ICEP
http://people.vanderbilt.edu/~darion.c.smith/alkanphel1.jpg

Reyburn stood. "I don't think Presgrief needs to be voted out. What I do think," he added with growing intensity, "is that Mr. Dantes (or whatever the fuck you are) should get your priorities straight. Are we here to bicker and cast blame... or are we here to actually get something done?! My god... a bunch of 4 year old children could run an alliance better than we are." He shook his head and sat down, then took out his communicator.

"Minister Ultran."

"Yes captain?"

"It appears the CEO has just turned into a dragon."

"...Interesting."

Anton Slavick chuckled. "He's trying to kick us out."

Then he stood. "Dear Mr. Dantes, you cannot vote anyone out. Nor can the board. Brotherhood lawyers have thoroughly searched the ICEP charter about this, and the only point that comes close is the following:

*The Board shall hold the authority too approve or disapprove membership, to a petitioning Nation. In Cases of the CEO, Chairman, and Vice Chairman unanimously voting a Member nation in, shall override a majority vote of the board, if just cause, or reason is shown. The board may also override this with a unanimous vote.

"Clearly, "disapprove membership to a petitioning nation" means refusing to let them into ICEP, not kicking a nation out. Please, take your concerns to the ICEP International Court if you're concerned about any conspiracies."

With that, he sat down again and waited.

Mr. Morden was still sitting in a corner, throughoutly enjoying the show. Right now, his brand- new digicam came in handy... Three dimensional recordings of the whole thing might become a megaseller...

He took it out, discretely, and begun recording the discussion.

This will be fun... Hopefully I do not need to pay royalties...

The only disadvantage was, of course, that the camera was remarkably bad at recording audio...

Well, he would deal with that, too.

Later.

OOC: I think I might be able to provide the audio for you :P

The Great Ineffable Bob, having recovered from his mild suprise at the spontaneous transformation of the CEO into a dragon, smiled. It had been fun, watching the power games, multiple contests of size, and the cogs of everyone's mind running. Natalya hadn't replyed in the most subtle of manners, but that was what was amusing about her. He wasn't going to remove her from her new post just for that, no matter how angry Alkphanel was. Technically, Alkphanel himself had no power over him.
Still, the CEOs intention to remove all Metus members was interesting, though without serious threat as Nod had pointed out. There was nothing they could do to the Empire or any of it's allies.
TGI Bob began to wonder how quickly he could get out of here, just in case...

Serindë watched the drama unfold before her - it had all been a pretty neat little chess game, as Edmund had termed it. She leaned back in her chair, seemingly the only one in the room calm and relaxed despite how the proceedings had turned out.

~Lady Serindë nos Eärendil
Prefect of Trade
Eternal Noldorin Empire of Menelmacar

Owen sat there, taking things in. He was still in a mild state of shock from Dantes' transformation. Things were getting weird at the meeting. Owen had not seen anything but humans, and now he was surrounded with all types of creatures. It was quite an experience.

It looks like things are getting fired up, he thought to himself. This bickering will never end. And Edmund still has to appoint an International Consortium Court. I guess I won't be going anywhere for awhile. He pulled out a Snickers bar.

(OOC: Just so you know, this is 5CN... Urm... Tersanctus, what happened to that thread earlier? Should I be roleplaying here?)

Oh, shit, where Alyanov's only thoughts when he saw the transformations. Well, I better find a quick way out of here. Alyanov then moved to the seat closest to the door out, and called the head Königlich Sicherheitsdienst Officer and Königlicher Schutz Officer at the transport shuttle and tell them to go on high alert, and to start the shuttle. Thirty seconds later, five KSS and five KS guards came in and circled around Alyanov, weapons at ready, with a Schutz Staffeinel and two Sturm Abteilung officers to scuttle him the hell out of there should bad things happen. Won't this be pretty, Alyanov thought. He seriously hoped he wouldn't have a heart attack. After all, this body was 93 years old, and he didn't want to die until he passed into Enlightenment, along with the Emperor of Derscon.

Tyran Kendrall stood and glared at Alkanphel. "How do you get off, sir, of talking about repression? How do you get off talking about benefits and profits?

We have seen incontrovertible intelligence from reliable sources that Melkor intends to subert this alliance by placing his puppets--" he loaded the word with scorn and glanced toward the Brotherhood of Nod as he said so-- "in positions of power within ICEP. The very fact that you tried to staff the ICEP courts all with natives or Dor Daedoloth shows how you are trying to rest controll of this alliance.

Those who would complain about bickering should pay closer attention to this Imperium before they accused us of trying to be political. I have lived in Dor Daedoloth, esteemed delegates. I know about the work camps and the slavery and the propaganda, and I know about their unfair racist policies towards the Elves.

Melkor would have you think he is the one true god of the world, a title he granted himself in a fit of pique and then tried to force the world bow down before him. Tried, of course, and failed, but he still labors on.

Never forget that this creature would divide the world into masters and their slaves. The Xaosis corporation has suffered at the Empire's hands because we refused to deal with them as our masters."

Kendrall turned an angry look to the other Metus members. "As for you puppets, I pity you for allowing Melkor to dictate terms to you. It's clear that if you had to stand up on your own you wouldn't survive, so you suck up to this abomination of a tyrant to achieve your own ends. The minute you start thinking for yourselves Melkor will grind you into dust."

Othey muttered, "Not very tactful of you, is it?"

Kendrall snapped "I don't friggin' care"

[I beleive we went over this already, but you have no "intelligence" and neither does anyone else in this conference, ICly.

At any rate, I will refrain from posting my entire tirade on the matter until the matter can be discussed with the person responsible, one Der Angst....]

*tag* OOC I probably won't be rping with you as my nation size, but I wish to read this thread. :D

[ooc: I just... don't know what the hell is going on. Is this supposed to actually be an alliance, or is it supposed to be a political wargame thread with Melkor and Metus on one side... and Menelmacar with her ilk on the other?

Being a uh... lonesome nation I have no clue as to what is happening. While ICly Reyburn would be out of the loop... but my OOC curiosity wonders... what is happening? I guess I understand if no one wants to spill the beans... but it sure is confusing.]

{Tag; For Intelligence Purposes}

OOC: Would it be too much to assume there is a Drakonian Representative in the meeting?

Slavick leaned towards Oxanna: "Perhaps we should be prepared to leave rather quickly should things get nasty" he said, nodding seemingly unimpressed to the dragon that was Mr. Dantes.

"I'll teach the creep a lesson he won't soon forget. I'm staying here." she replied.

"Oxanna, I don't think you'll have much chance against a 500-or-so kilo dragon, regardless your combat skills. Besides, Kane needs us alive."

"Oh, alright. But what about those Xaosis misanthropes? I can take them."

"They are rather annoying, but not worth it. Just be prepared to leave quickly."

Slavick rose from his seat again.

"I fail to see how Melkor can be responsible for Xaosis own foolishness. I also believe that your propagandistic rants lead to nothing. Furthermore it seems to me that you are just bitter about your own lack of power within this economic behemoth and perhaps outside of it as well."

OOC: I think I might be able to provide the audio for you

very ooc: But then I would have to share the profits :/ Not to mentiont hat it looks much more authentic with shitty audio... might even reduce the video quality to make it look like OMG ILLEGAL UNDERGROUND WARE XD

At any rate, I will refrain from posting my entire tirade on the matter until the matter can be discussed with the person responsible, one Der Angst....

still ooc: *Is exonerated, as discussed on irc, thusly, resumes posting*

ic:

Mr. Morden continued videotaping the entire event, the cam catching a seemingly nervous Ineffable Bob, zooming towards him, recording the sweat on his face...

After taking a short look at the Lady Sirithil, abusing Mr. Mordens strategic position in one of the corners, getting a short glimpse of her shapely bottom, he targetted the Dragon... thing, trying to give possible viewers an exceptional shock...

Although he isn´t the largest dragon around...

Finally, he got Oxanna of the Brotherhood into view. He wondered if she actually noticed it, but eventually, just in case, he gave her the thumps up, hoping she would show her fairly... intriguing body from its best sides.

Yeah baby... thats right... come on, you`re great, so show it all...

OOC: Edmund is In Incarnate form you Moron

OOC: Edmund is In Incarnate form you Moron's!!! He is Human with a loud-ass scream and Voice!!!

ICC(Feels like Russian Forces):

Edmund/Kungshao suddenly quieted. He opened his mouth seeming too say something, but his eyes moved frantically as if seeing something that was not there.

It dawned upon him....

Suddenly...he screamed again...

Louder than before...A True Dragonscream.

The Earth shaked and the Windows utterly crashed out into the street. The lights flickered as the sound that no mere human could produce reverberated through everyones very being.

He ceased.

Kungshao's Anger came through Edmund like a nuclear blast. He levitated to the middle of the Room, and Flames began too encompass his body.

Wreathed in flame, he looked at.....The Menelelmacar Representative strangely enough...

"Tell Sirithil that she played Tersanctus well. Truly...we had her hand in us...but....no more!!" he screamed.

Than he turned in mid-air too Lord Alkanphel.

"I thank you,...for this day has shown a true lesson too Tersanctus.. we have been concerned with everyone elses business, but our own. My people need guidance....I think it has come time for a long, long rest from the International Scene." he said Gently.

Than he landed on the ground and slowly walked too Alkanphel, approaching him, he kissed him on both cheeks (OOC: Thats an ancient tradition, you homos! Nothing Gay!)).

He stepped Back and looked at him in the Eye.

"It seems that the Day when Tersanctus can look its Enemy in the eye, and say...' I am like you....we are of the same blood' has come. We will no longer concern ourselves with what transpires between you and Menelmacar...we shall adopt our own policy....Complete Neutrality shall exist for the both of you...lest we have interest within it, you shall not hear the footfalls of the Templar."

Than he addressed the room.

"I beg of you all, leave now...ICEP...is no more...'tis but a failed experiment. We all groveled like children at the foot of something....that could have been great...but all failed. We were offered something that was greater than ourselves. Something that may well have launched us select few, into levels we never would have seen." he said Depressingly.

"But alas....none were worthy too recieve her....least of all Tersanctus....we must rest now....we must Dream the dreams, of dreamers, and we shall go quietly into that darkened night. Only too return when the Dawning Sun that is a enlightened future, beckons us from our hiding place."

" Leave now..."

Owen stood up. "Thank you very much, all of you, for the biggest waste of time in my life. I should send you all a bill."

OOC: Edmund is In Incarnate form you Moron's!!! He is Human with a loud-ass scream and Voice!!!


[ooc: How the fuck should I know what he is? And people may do whatever they wan't ICly in terms of insults toward me... but OOC insults just don't sit well with me.]

ic: Reyburn stood and grabbed his communicator. "Minister Ultran, I'm coming home. And don't expect any more diplomatic missions out of me." He sighed and tapped a small button on the cylindrical device. "Edgar?"

"Yes sir?" The lieutenant said in response.

"Prepare for our departure. I'm looking forward to being back on the Titanus."

With that, he looked to the others in attendance. "If there's no other business to attend to, I will take my leave of this place."

As if on cue, the SS and SA officers whisk Alyanov out of the meeting, while the K-SS and the KS forces scan the area, weapons at ready, insuring the safe escape of the Finance Minister. No resistance was encountered, and after three minutes, the shuttle was off back to the Derscon Home Planet.

As if on cue, the SS and SA officers whisk Alyanov out of the meeting, while the K-SS and the KS forces scan the area, weapons at ready, insuring the safe escape of the Finance Minister. No resistance was encountered, and after three minutes, the shuttle was off back to the Derscon Home Planet.

Ian White sits very still, waiting for a lull in the hostilities. He very slowly and quietly puts his papers back in his briefcase and closes it. Then, when the opportunity presents itself, he stands and bows slightly.

"I see that much needs to be ironed out, still. Ladies and gentlemen, if you'll excuse me, I have pressing matters to attend to. Do be so kind as to let the Empire know when you're ready to do business."

Then he heads for the door, not entirely successful in disguising his desire for haste.

Pressing business, indeed. Like preserving my life. That's pressing enough. A pause. The Emperor is not going to be happy about this. He won't believe it when I tell him. A Dragon? He'll say I'm nuts! But ten years of excellent service should protect me. He won't kill me because the economic alliance failed.

Another pause. I hope.

"To hell with this!"

With that, the Xaosis delegation deftly left the room, with Othey already formulating his report to Sehndem in his mind. Tyran turned briefly just before stepping out of the door and sending the Noddist representatives a curiously benign smile and a bow before leaving.

OOC: He wasn't sweating, he was mildly suprised, as in raising of the eyebrows, not as in having a heart attack.
IC:
The Great Ineffable Bob considered attacking the dragon. He reckoned he could take it...
But it would cause a lot less trouble if he just left, he suspected.
Clicking his fingers, he got up and walked to the door.
"If any of my allies want a lift home my jet will wait for fifteen minutes after I board."
Looking the dragon in the eyes, he added "I wouldn't try anything. I'll be perfectly safe."
And with that, he swept out the room, his shadow of a cloak flapping as it followed him out.

Natalya stood, looked Edmund up and down, and grinned widely. It was the grin an allegator gives its prey right before it devours it. She then lit a cigarette and adjusted the zipper on her tunic.

I bid the delegates a warm farewell. I hope the machinations of our precious Edmund do not cast a shadow upon Presgreif's relations with those gathered here today, for we have a deep respect for you all, which we do hope is mutual. Be well, friends.

With that, she strolls out of the boardroom.

Oh Bob dear, do wait a second. I crave your companionship and council...

With that, the members of Metus and other delegates leaving, Edmund/Kungshao stood in the middle of the room, giving Natalya D'Greif a particularly nasty stare...it was the look a Dragon-God Hundreds upon Hundreds of feet in size gave before swallowing his prey whole.


He snapped his fingers, and as she was leaving, Twenty Templar, fully armed with Automatic Rifles, and Swords, clad in Black BDU's, stormed the room. They immdeately brought her back into the room.All Delegates and Guards, save that of Natalya's, Serinde, and Alkanphel, were rushed out of the room.

"Natalya D'Grief....we will talk later!" Kungshao growled.


"Serinde,....Tersanctus will no longer be Sirithil's lapdog...I suggest if you value your continued existence, you remain seated. We have much too discuss." he stated Hostiley.

He than turned too Alkanphel.

"What say you, oh Servant of Melkor?"

Alkanphel seethed. Edmund had the audacity to detain the leader of one of the Imperium's most vocal allies. His eyes flashed again with that brilliant white light, and the Warlord drew back his lips in a scowl. "I say honor must be retained, and I will not let this slander against my allies pass." He nodded to Natalya. "Nor will I allow such an arbitrary detention.

Alkanphel cooly removed his gloves and tucked them into his jacket pocket, advancing slowly on Edmund. "You will release the Empress at once or you will face my rage. This injustice will not be ignored. The Elf you may have your way with but not Natalya."

Lord Alkanphel
High Warlord of Lord Melkor's Imperium, First Counselor to Melkor Himself, and CEO of the Chronos Corporation
http://people.vanderbilt.edu/~darion.c.smith/alkanphel1.jpg

Edmund's eyes flashed flames, literally.

The fire burning was that of Anger. Not a flash that burns as soon as it comes in Mortals, this was a God's Anger, that seemed it had existed since time began, and it may have.

And, yet. There seemed to be no judgement in them either, as though the Idiom Justice is blind were being spoken through them.

"I will not be adressed as such, by a Servant Race, Maiar. Know your place, even if this shell is human."

"But I concede, perhaps she will be allowed too leave,..with you...but until we have finished our business. With me she stays, if you want her so badly, come get her."

Natalaya took a moment to grin at Alkanphel before she took action.
Her body suddenly vibrated in a bizarre, unatural way, and by making some unclear gesticulation with her shoulders and head she sent the men holding her flying into the walls of the boardroom. She then sprang upward, and like a wraith or wisp bounced from one guard to another, counting swiftly to herself;
One a swift backhanded slap broke one guard's neck,
Two the same hand came forward, breaking the nose of another,
Three tearing the throat from her next victim,
Four she grabbed another by the head, kissed him, then tore the tongue from his mouth with her teeth.
The guards slowly backed away from the horrid figure croaching at their center, eyes glowing white, face covered in blood, grinning wildly, beautiful yet at the same time horrific. She looked at Edmund, and hissed out three words:

Dead Man Walking

OOC: Okay, sorry. I just checked this thread. So ICEP is no more? Huh? Is this continuing from the other thread?

IC:

The Vrakian delegation looked confused at the turn of events. In a deep baritone he exclaimed,

"Well, perhaps we should just all take a break here. I would like to add that Vrak is still in favour of some kind of trade alliance and, well, I would like to personally thank everyone for coming."

Kwarliu didn't care if this sounded weak. It's not like too many people will give any lip to a two ton walrus.

TGI Bob walked camly back into the room.
Excuse me, I couldn't help noticing you assault my friend and ally. Did you have a reason, such as her making threatening moves, or did you do it just out of spite? Because I'm afraid that sort of behaviour is just unacceptable.
He looked at the few guards still standing, as if daring them to come near him.
May we leave, or must you make a further nuisance of yourselves?

Alkanphel's voice came out as a harsh roar, the sound of his speech ecoing off the walls of the hall and in the listener's mind. "Don't mind, then, if I do," he said, taking a stance. "Though I'm sure she's more than capable of defending herself." He shook his head. "Tis a matter of honor, Mr. Dantes. In trying to have my alliance kicked out, you've infected the ICEP with the political overtones here, not us."


"You still accuse me of these wrongs, Alkanphel, and yet I have already apologized," Dantes replied. It is your choice to forgive or not." Edmund sneered, the hostility in his tone now painfully obvious."If you feel that your 'Honor' is at stake, then by all means satify whatever your twisted impulses may be. I will stand ready strike you down!" He cried, reaching deftly to his side and pulling a long katana from its scabbard, the flash of the steel illuminating Alkanphel's face as it was drawn.


Alkanphel's eyes widened as Dantes drew his weapon, and drew his lips up in a scowl. Slowly, calmly, he plucked off his leather gloves and tucked them carefully into his inside jacket pocket. His aura filled the room, and energy cackled around the Maiar as his rage slowly boiled. His eyes shifted to Natalya and he roared angrily, for it seemed to be her words that had finally pushed the Maiar and Dantes to their respecive breaking points. His voice filled the hall and consumed the mind. "Begone from this place Natalya De Grief, ere a premature demise find you! You've done enough harm for one day, and I need not the added strains of your company!"

Natalya rose from her knees slowly. Although a smile was on her lips, a fire raged in her eyes as she struggled with Alkanphel's aura. "I think not, my Lord Alkanphel, as I too have been slighted and insulted this day, and now the treacherous coward speaks of violence against me! This impudence will not stand! Honor must be retained!" she cried, striding closer toward Alkanphel and Edmund.

Alkanphel's eyes flashed suddenly, the light once again dominating the room for an instant, then suddenly the Maiar became a blur as he rushed headlong at his foe, weaponless. Blows appeared on Edmund's body seemingly from nowhere, as Alkanphel rushed about his foe with frightening celerity, punishing the dazed Exceutor with a murderous barrage of fistfalls and devastating kicks. Simultaneously, the doors burst open and the room was ablaze with gunfire. The Imperial Marshals had arrived in wrath, six of them there were, all men of terryfying combat potency and ages of war experience. Ranking just below Melkor's Imperial Warlords in the Military Caste, these men were dispatched only in connection with the most important matters, for their numbers are few. Four burst through the large set of double doors that dominated the far wall, sending the attendant Templar guards flying towards the walls with well placed shotgun blasts. The other two entered the room from the two lesser entrances, and moved at once to Natalya, dispersing the remaining dozen or so Templar behind what little cover still existed in the room.

The Incarnate of Kungshao the Dragon God, however, was not so easily vanquished. Though he reeled from Alkanphel's strikes at the onset, slowly Edmund came to adapt himself. Reality slowed steadily in Kungshao's perception, the effect intensifying as the fight continued. Eventually, Edmund gained the mastery and sent Alkanphel sprawling to the ground with a well placed uppercut.

Alkanphel was on the ground for a mere instant, long enough to roar in pain and rage against his enemy. He lept at once at Kungshao but was met with the steely kiss of the Dragon God's blade. The Maiar reeled, annoyedly investigating the spreading bloodstain on his shoulder. He growled softly and circled Dantes slowly as bullets flew past the combatants. Natalya floated leisurely about the room, artfully dodging the gunfire with sudden bursts of speed as she methodically moved from guard to guard, dispatching them in a brutal, bloody fashion much like the others.


Alkanphel and Dantes exchanged several blows that could not be computed by the human eye, such was their speed and potence. After a breif exchange, Alkanphel flew into a wall, cracking its structure with the force of his impact. He hunched over, and hopped out of the way of Edmud's follow-up swing.

Natalya had in the meantime paused in her work, allowing the Marshals to finish off the Templar. She stood in the middle of the carnage, calm and collected, and slowly wiped the blood from her face. She looked at the Menelmacari delegate, and smiled sweetly. "You're next, witch, stay where you are."


Edmund's expression grew even greater in rage as Kungshao began to pour more energy into the Shell of Edmunds body. He roared a terrible Dragonscream, and the strength of its sound shattered windows and pained even Alkanphel's senses. Flames wreathed his body, and the dragonflames were sent spiraling from his body, spewing dragonfire everyewhere. The room suddenly became an unbearble inferno as the dragonflame swept through it, forsaking most surfaces in favor of Alkanphel and Natalya. The flame dissipated after a short time, and quiet fell over the room as the three combatants paused. Alkanphel fingered his shoulder and hissed at Natalya again. "This plight is indeed the boon of your words, and I fight for you despite my lack of will. Begone, Natalya: this foe will be vanquished by me whether by your aid or not! There is no sense in your lingering, so make haste!"

Natalya's eyes flashed. "I will not be denied revenge by you, Alkanphel." she cried as she jumped back away from him, and removed a long blade from a scabbard at her hip. Her eyes became slits as he peered through the corner of her eye at Dantes, who stood grimly some distance in front of them, his eyes burning with a long forgotten flame. Natalya sneered at Edmund and continued softly. "This blade was a coronary present from Wretchengard, Mister Dantes, and it shall be the instrument of your demise!"

Vibrant golden energy seemd to collect around Alkanphel, small dots of light turning to streaks as the energies gathered about his hands. His rage empowered him, and his voice roared through the Four Cities Plaza. "Leave, now! This foe is beyond you!"

With that, the Imperial Marshals scurried out of the room as quickly as they came, knowing full well their weapons would do little good against Kungshao. They were disciplined soldiers, and despite their almost inhuman combat prowess, they knew their limits. They moved quickly to herd the Metus dignitaries to safety, periodically exchanging words and short phrases in the Black Speech.

"I am Tzeentch of Change." Natalya said defiantly. "There are none beyond me." With a wink at the Maiar, she sailed through the air, blade raised high, prepared to strike Edmund's death blow, and to Alkanphel as well were he to stand between her and victory.

Alkanphel halted Natalya's deadly advance with a well-placed fist. He grabbed her by the shoulder as he fought off Dantes with his free arm, keeping him at bay as he spoke, this time much more quickly. His aura returned in force, and the Maiar spoke as if he had mastery of the earth. "There is no sense in endagering yourself further, Natalya. Your part in this fight has reached its end."

He stopped his speech breifly to address another flurry of flashing steel. "Get your men out of here and make haste for Griefsgrad. I will contact you upon my return to the Imperium." He roared in pain and rage as Edmund's katana made its way through his midsection. There was no ignoring his command. "Go, now!" he screamed as he delivered a punishing haymaker. Dantes flew through the far wall, the plaster crubling around the vaguely man-shaped hole. Alkanphel knew Dantes would come flying through it at any second, and lent his gaze to Natalya for but a moment.

Natalya looked into Alkanphel's eyes, and her lip trembled. "Will you truly deny me my rightful wrath?"

Alkanphel took the woman's hand, and his pupils disappeared under a pale light. Pulling her closer, his face twisted into a wicked grin as a finger was lifted to tilt her chin upwards to meet his gaze. "I am your wrath," he growled, relenquishing his grip on the woman.

With that, Natalya left the room, for nothing more could be said. A pair of Imperial Marshals followed her as she departed.

Dantes suddenly sailed like a bullet through the opening in the wall, bearing down on Alkanphel like a raging freight train, toppling the Maiar over easily. The two wrestled for dominance in the middle of the room, and Dantes's katana was quickly relenquished in the ordeal. The two men battled thusly for what seemed to be hours, filling the sky above the Four Cities with fantastic flashing lights as day slowly gave way to the tapestry of darkness. The fight cut a swath of destruction through the Four Cities Plaza in particular, as the two dieties battled for dominance amidst the grwoing field of rubble and ash. Neither man could for long establish dominance over the other, as blows were exchanged at a relatively equal rate. Kungshao had the greater share of physical strength and fortitude, but Lord Alkanphel possessed a quickness and presence of mind unlike any foe Dantes had ever seen.

Melkor, Lord of Darkness
He who Arises in Might
Emperor Eternal of the Imperial Dominion of Melkor Unchained, Lord and Master of Arda
http://people.vanderbilt.edu/~darion.c.smith/melkor.jpg

[ooc: disclaimer: this post was witten by Tersanctus, Presgreif, and myself [mostly myself :P]. It represents the beginnings of a plotline that Tersanctus and I would like to see played out and not screwed up. If anyone wants to do something to us while this is going on fine, so long as it doesnt betray the original vision of the post, dig?

Its just I'm sure some people still have guards in the area and so on, do what you will with them but the six Imperial Marshals who stomred the conference room have to live, as they've already appeared in a thread that takes place after this.]

In a power plant not too far from Four Cities Plaza, a worker was grabbing a cup of coffee, he set it down for a moment. And noticed that it was shaking a bit, the center giving off ripples through its dark brown texture.

An Earthquake? he thought.

Than suddenly alarms went off on a computer, the man rushed too a screen.

"Holy shit!" he yelled, the other technicians turned in attention.

"Four Cities Plaza building is down! Everything in four blocks, just went out!" he said in suprise, typing a few commands into the computer, red-lines of power failures came up one after another.

While typing, the other men heard a strange sound..was it screaming?

If they were outside, they would have heard it clearly...a Dragonscream. And it seemed too carry for miles.

At a nearby Templar Military Base, a Rapid Reaction Force quickly gathered and took off in three Helicopter Gunship/Transports. They had lost all contact with the forces, and the Executor was there. It did not look promising.

As the Helicopters pounded through the air, lights seemed to come forth through the dark hole in the middle of the city lights.

Flames....

Golden lights...


and Screams.

Inhumanly Loud Screams...

The Helicopters rushed forth, and than Hovered from about half a mile from the epicenter..there was rubble and buildings damages, even this far.

Then ropes fell from the Hueys, and Ten men dropped from each one, rappelling to the street below. The teams made their adjustments with there equipments, and signaled the Copters that they were ok. The thirty men made their way to Four Cities Plaza, Main building. The earth shook, and from this closer perspective, they saw figures in the sky seeming too move faster with every passing second.

One of the men tried to get a lock on with his Thermal Binoculars and managed only too get passing glimpses, they were moving too fast for the onboard computer too locate.

"Its definitely two people...what do we know"? asked one, as a large ball of flame landed a block from them, obliterating a car.

"Executor Dantes, and number of Delegates were here...thats about it...might be that tall fella from Melkor..." said another.

"What do we do?" asked a Team leader.

"What can we do? We have too stay back, and try too help out any innocents..check for survivors" said the next Team Leader.

The Wretchan delegation had stuck around slightly longer than most of the other delegates, hoping for an oppurtunity to talk to some of the remaining representatives about trade arrangements or otherwise improving relations; at least then it wouldn't have been a complete waste of their time to come to Tersanctus. Things soon turned sour, however, and Arman Grimwald and Vogan Stormcrow began to wish that they had left earlier.

They watched as the Templar guards seized Natalya d'Greif, and each of the Lords knew that things were going to get worse before they got any better. Predictably, the situation erupted into violence as the Empress of Presgreif dispatched each of the guards that had attempted to detain her. As Alkanphel closed with Executor Dantes, the Lord of Foreign Relations and the Lord of Trade and Finance rose to their feet, eyes glued to the battle that had begun.

"Perhaps...perhaps we should leave now," Stormcrow said, backing away from the combatants slowly.

"I think that's probably the smartest thing you've said all day," Arman Grimwald replied.

The two Wretchan Lords made for the nearest doorway, calling their guards over the tiny communicators that they both carried. Eight Wretchan bodyguards met them at the door, each holding an assault weapon.

"Milords Stormcrow and Grimwald, I advise that we make a hasty retreat," the captain of the bodyguards said in a grim tone. "There is nothing more we can do here."

The Lords nodded, and the bodyguards formed a circle around the Lords, covering them as they made their way outside. Lord Grimwald looked back with some regret, knowing that their allies inside were still at risk. Unfortunately, there was nothing that they could do. Grimwald was a decent swordsman, and each of the guards were skilled warriors, but what good could they be in a battle of supernatural beings such as Alkanphel and whatever the hell the CEO had become? The sound of the Wretchan gravshuttle touching down took his mind off of those thoughts, and the Wretchan Lords and their bodyguards quickly boarded. They lingered for a while, broadcasting a message over a loudspeaker; if any Metus delegates were still in the vicinity, then the least they could do was give them a ride to safety.

As the Wretchan Lords waited to lift-off, one common thought was running through their minds: The Overlord isn't going to be happy about this...

OOC: I think it would be safe to say that the Vrakians left before the rumble began. That is, right around where Natalaya smoked a few Templars.

IC:

Seeing how no one bothered to reply, the Chief Vrakian envoy and his entourage left. The King's Own, Vrak's elite fighting unit, formed up and watched the other delegates warily as they departed. Anyone who came too close would get a taste of Vrakian bullets but it seemed that most wished to depart, save Alkanphel, Dantes, and Natalaya.

...

As the hypersonic transport screamed during takeoff, Kwarliu composed a quick, highly encoded message to his superiors

[code:1:f2e557c8c4]
ICEP conference a failure. Doubtful it can be salvaged. Will try to initiate contacts with other nations that did come. Arrival in two hours.
[/code:1:f2e557c8c4]

OOC:Sorry if this is a bit off Melkor, TG and let me know if you want an edit.

IC:

Eighteen long years had passed.

Eighteen years since the battle with Edmund/Kungshao and Alkanphel, which was more of a turning point for Tersanctus than any could fathom.

That night, lighting and fire rained from the skies, and destruction met the city. Lives were lost in the thousands as the two Demi-Gods clashed.

The battle seemed to rage for years, though only hours had passed.

But eventually, Edmund's mortal limitations took hold, and the battle turned too Alkanphel's favor, the power of the Dragon waivered.

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

Eighteen Years later; Kungshaoist Temple, Sanctus.

Christopher Dantes. The son of Edmund slept in his bed. He had been raised as a Templar, spending his entire life in the ways of Kunghshao.

War, Wisdom, and Power raged through the youths mind. He had accepted his incarnate status years ago, and lived in his dual nature for that time.

This night, he dreamed. He dreamed of a memory two decades old, a memory that belonged to his father.

He was aloft in the air, bloodied and bruised, his throat in Alkanphels vice-like grip. Rain poured alongside them, and Edmund felt his end.

Alkanphel reached back into a final blow, and Edmund spoke.

"I.....will...return....Demon..." he vowed with his final breath.

Alkanphel pushed forward, the blow making contact, and than....blackness.

Chris woke, the room around him cloaked in black.

Tersanctus was in a dark age, since that time, the nation had been torn, leaderless and divided.

Since that day, tempers had raged. Anti-Melkor, and Anti-Menelmacar sentiments had raged, elves had been attacked for thier heritage, and Embassies burnt.

Isolationism had closed the borders, and Tersanctus left the United Emirates. Edmunds death had truly been a blow.

Now....it was time.

Christopher got up, and went to into the shower, the hot water invigorating him.

"It is time that the Dragonflame reemerges." He said to himself.

"Their are many in the darkness, that must be shown the way. For now it is the dawning of a new day."

Four Cities burned. Citizens ran hystericaly through the streets, clutching what few of their belongings that they could carry, desperate to flee the wrath of the raging gods downtown. Screams filled the air as smoke filled the darkening sky, rendering it nearly as ebon as the skies above Dor Daedoloth itself. With the power largely disabled, the city was illuminated by firelight.

It was a grim sight. Templar guards strode hastily through the streets towards Four Cities; the active garrisons had arrived. There was little the body of them could do to subdue an enemy so elusive as Alkanphel, so they set themselves to seeing over what little of the Four Cities Plaza hadn't been destroyed and escorting citizens to safety.

The Templar in Four Cities was a fearsome and determined force; subdued in the Plaza conference room perhaps by nothing more than an incredible stroke of luck on the part of the Imperial Marshals, who apparently had escaped without a casualty. What few of the Tersanctan Elites knew the details were eager to avenge their fallen comrades, and restore the name of the Templar for that apparent defeat. But they could do little more at the moment than pray for Dantes to win.

He certainly seemed to be winning now, at any rate. Apparently, Dantes had reclaimed his katana and could now demonstrate the extent of his prowess to the apparently skeptical Ainur.

The fight itself was certainly a spectacle to behold. The two men were of similar power, and though they struggled mightily for the upper hand, neither could fully subdue his foe. One would assume that Dantes' blade would afford him a considerable advantage, Alkanphel was not an easy man to hit by any stretch of the imagination. Very frequently Dantes' blade would sing through the air instead of flesh, much to the annoyance for the Dragon God.

The two of them halted breifly due to mutual exhaustion, and exchanged a grim glance. The twisted wreckage of the Four Cities Plaza was arrayed chaotically around them, glowing red with reflected firelight. With a hiss, Alkanphel drew back into the shadows and was gone. The force of his presence seemed to dissipate, and he could no longer be discerned amidst the rubble of the Plaza.

Edmund peered into the night in search of his foe. Rustlings were heard echoing off the buildings behind him, then suddenly they seemed to be coming from everywhere, overwhelming Dantes' mind. Suddenly, edmund's nostrils flared, and his eyes widened. Twisting to one side, he turned suddenly and began to lash out, but realised suddenly that Alkanphel was not there. Panic crept into his mind, slowly. He had no idea where Alkanphel was. Furthermore, he knew he was being toyed with; guided perhaps by the force of his opponent's will.

Edmund found his attention drawn to a courtyard of stone that had once been the centerpiece of the Four Cities Plaza, and the fire raging through the attendant facilities intensified greatly as Alkanphel revealed himself at last. Dantes could hear Alkanphel's footfalls echoing in his mind as he watched the Maiar stride confidantly from a flaming doorway. Rafters fell and embers cackled behind him as he halted outside the flaming walls of the Plaza complex. He tucked his hands into his pockets and hiked his chin ar Dantes, a grin slowly spreading across his face. Despite the distance between them, Alkanphel's shadow loomed huge, dominating the area between the two combatants with a void of blackness that not even the inferno could illuminate.

A flash of blinding white light washed over the void between them suddenly as Alkanphel's voice rumbled through the surround, echoing in Kungshao's mind eerily. 'Your final hour is upon you, Edmund Dantes. Come and meet your reckoning.'

Dantes closed slowly on his adversary, stepping slowly and deliberately over what fruits of their destruction lay in his path; mostly fractured masonry and scattered impliments from within the damaged buildings. As he finally came to the courtyard, Alkanphel was standing exactly as before, his hands in his pockets, grinning devilishly.

The time for words was over. Dantes gathered a great inferno about him once more, greater in scope and raw power than any attack yet unleashed; and he screamed a great Dragonscream, which shook the earth with its reverberation. Dantes' eyes flashed brightly as he unleashed the full brunt of his power on his nemesis.

The blast flew at Alkanphel like a bolt of lightning, searing through what little distance sepearted them in a comet-like streak. A good third of the building flew apart in a violent explosion, and the sky rained destruction.

Apprehension filled Edmund's mind as he tightened his grip on his katana, levelling it in front of him as the final pieces of rubble fell in place around him, and the dust began to clear. He searched desperately for signs of his enemy, very much hoping to find Alkanphel broken and destroyed in the midst of the wreckage.

Edmund froze as he came to a clearing amidst the flaming rubble, where he found Alkanphel struggling to lift himself from the ground. Parts of his body were still aflame, and his clothing was charred and torn, and blood dripped profusely from numerous wounds. The Maiar tightened his jaw and glared bitterly at the Dragon God, clutching his side in pain. Dantes coldy began to make his way down into the basin of the main crater where Alkanphel was struggling with his wounds.

At last they were almost eye to eye. Dantes' face contorted into a twisted, enraged visage as he sent Alkanphel sprawling to the ground with a sudden and murderously powerful left hook. He drew his lips back into a satisfied grin as he raised his blade high and swung it down on Alkanphel with all his might.

Kungshao barely had time to change the expression on his face as Alkanphel clapped his hands around the descending blade, forcing it away to Alkanphel's right as he twisted left, wrenching the sword from Dantes' hand with a flick of the wrists. Edmund had just begun to bring himself into motion as his sword flashed brilliantly through the air in an arc, passing end over end, the hilt landing seamlessly in Alkanphel's palm. Edmund was halted by the point of the blade, and he stared at the Maiar with equal amounts surprise and hatred.

Lord ALkanphel wasted no time. His sword whirled through the air like a tempest of red steel, lashing into Dantes' reeling body relentlessly. Edmund had evaded to the best of his ability, but Alkanphel was just too fast. One, two, then three lacerations appeared on his chest in a flash of red, and Alkanphel drew back as Dantes fell slowly to his knees, staring at his bloodied hands. Tears welled up in Edmund's eyes as he forced himself to meet Alkanphel's gaze with defiance.

Time seemed to slow for Edmund as Alkanphel prepared to run him through with his own sword. Alkanphel paused and cocked his head as a low growl welled in Dantes' chest, progressingly slowly but steadily into another of his famous Dragonscreams. The Final Dragonscream of Edmund Dantes it was; and it ripped through the skies like a thousand freight trains, its sheer power rattling the foundations of even the largest buildings, and echoing evermore in the minds of all who heard it, from Four Cities to Sanctus.

Alkanphel pushed his brows together in a show of immense annoyance. He paused but a moment, and hissed at Dantes as his eyes flashed at Dantes one last time. The Maiar scowled as he sent the katana sailing once more through the air, pushing Edmund's' sword almost effortlessly into his opponent's chest. Blood sputtered from Dantes' mouth as he fell to his knees.

Alkanphel took a knee and sneered at the dying Dantes, the firelight dancing in his eyes. "Too weak." He snickered. "Just as I thought." The Maiar gently took hold of the katana, and wrenched it quickly from its resting place in Edmund's chest.

As Edmund's vision began to give way to darkness, he watched as Alkanphel wiped the katana off on the Executor's own tattered shirt. The Maiar gave a push, and Edmund fell to the ground, lifeless.


Lord Alkanphel
High Warlord of Lord Melkor's Imperium, First Counselor to Melkor Himself, and CEO of the Chronos Corporation
http://people.vanderbilt.edu/~darion.c.smith/alkanphel1.jpg

It had not taken the Melkorian Marshals long at all to whisk Natalya into a helicopter which waited on the roof of the Four Cities Plaza and fly her to the starport. They let her out there, and flew off in a general western direction, she knew not what their destination was to be. For a few seconds she watched the helicopter quickly move up and away from her, shielding her eyes from the setting sun with one hand, going over recent events in her mind. A scoule crossed her face as she turned around, giving the Hooded pilot of her Transport the signal to start the craft's engines. She did not plan to stay there and contemplate her lost vengence further. It was done, and she had other matters to attend to.

As the Hooded briskly made his way into the Transport, she turned south, to watch the battle which ensued between Edmund and Alkanphel. Even from so many miles away, she could see and hear the signs of their struggle. Great flashes of light, explosions, tearing and screaming. The entire area within a mile's radius had been completely devestated by their battle. This was truly a battle of Titans. She heard the Transport's engines weeze in their first colossal effort, then hum steadily, and in her own mind, beautifully. She loved that sound, it was the sound of a powerful, tamed beast. Natalya looked herself over. Finding that she was covered in blood and soot, she quietly cursed to herself. Her fine white tunic was completely destroyed. She removed the garment, revieling a fine cut and tanned upper body covered only by a sleevless undershirt, and tossed it carelessly away. She chanced one more glimpse toward the ensuing battle, sighed heavily, and spun on her heel toward the Transport which would take her home.

She began to slowly walk toward the craft, and suddenly had the urge to smoke. She chuckled to herself. After all this, all she could come up with was filling her lungs with nicotene. She dug into her pants pocket and pulled out a badly crinkled pack of cigarettes. She put a cigarette between her lips, and lifted a lighter to it. As she inhaled her first drag of smoke, she felt a sudden, intense heat on her back. Before Natalya had time to turn around, a great ball of flame screamed by her and crashed into the Transport infront of her, obliterating it. Her only reaction was to shield her eyes from the brilliant light of the explosion. Debri sliced through the air in all directions, but she managed somehow to go unscathed. Luck was on her side. She slowly drew her arm away from her face, and looked upon the steel flaming carcass which had once been her ticket home. All the other craft had already left, and it slowly sunk in that she was stranded in this hostile place. Natalya took one drag from her cigarette, then let it drop from her fingers to the ground. She let out the smoke in a slow stream, and licked her lips. "You've got to be F---ing kidding me." she said aloud to herself.

She turned back toward the battle, and was filled with hate, and rage, and discust. "You bastards!" she screamed. "I really liked that boat!" She lept from the tarmack, and screamed through the air toward the battle, covering miles in seconds. As she neared the sight of the struggle, she realized that it had suddenly ended. One of the two had prevailed, that was clear. But which one? She reached the sight, and saw, to her imense relief, Alkanphel standing over Edmund's dead body, gloating. She landed a few feet away from him, and wiped some soot from her face.
"I see you killed the snake," she said to him. "Bravo, cudos for you. Unfortunatly, you also trashed my craft in the process. Now, we are stranded. Bravo, cudos for you. So...I don't suppose you have any thoughts as to how the hell we are going to get off this god damned rock!?

Edmunds eyes saw only darkness now. He felt the last sensation of his body being kicked too he ground by Alkanphel, and drifted into.....nothingness at first.

Than it became clear that he was still conscious.

He looked about him, he was surrounded by a great nothingness...the void.

Here he was,...The Great Dragon-God Kungshao, trapped within the void. Sent to this place by the evil Lord Melkor, so many millenia ago, and now, sent back once more by one of his servants.

Edmund and Kungshao were one in the same, there was no difference between them.

And Kungshao realized that he would never leave this place again, Edmund was the last of his bloodline.

Or was he? Kungshao could sense...another gateway!

What was this? He pushed his mind about, it was faint, very faint....Alyssa was pregnant!! So, he had left a child nonetheless,...this was why he was so willing to fight Alkanphel even with certain death upon the horizon.

He sent a message to her, as well he could from this place, his immnense power kept very much in check.

Flee Tersanctus Alyssa, Save your Child, and yourself. I will return one day.

He left it at that and he waited.

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

The Templar Teams rushed throught the streets, evacuatiing as many as they could, AMV's rushed through the streets, and Firefighters and Police, fought too save as many as they could through out the Four Cities.

Eventually, they came upon the Plaza.

The dead body of the Executor, and the Maiar atanding above it became a horrible sight indeed. There was a seemingly attractive blonde, standing with them. The Templar knew that this was not something to be taken lightly.

The men adjusted their Threat 5 Lightweight Spiderweb Tactical Armor, affording them much more protection than metal or ceramic, at a fraction of the weight.

They made signals and and surrounded the trio, one of the men in the whisper-mics, called for Air Support and Back-up.

As the Helicopters sounded off in the distance, The teams burst out of the flames, some with battleswords drawn, others with their automatic weapons.

"GET DOWN ON THE GROUND!!! YOU ARE UNDER ARREST!! They yelled at the two.

The Helicopters came in, and spotlights illuminated the two of them.

Could the Templar really be doing this? Though one of the men.

2323 Zulu
Grand Praetorian Palace
Drako Throne, Drakonian Imperium
Royal Bedroom

"Praetor, Sir."

Augustus Drake, Praetor of the Drakonian Imperium, woke up with a gasp, clutching his side as if gravely wounded. He the sword wound had seemed so real, but now he only realized he was clutching the still painful bullet wounds that had nearly succeeded in bring about his death. It had seemed so real, almost as if it had been.

"There has been an incident in Tersanctus," the man who had woken him stated. He was the night shift liaison to the Drakonian Intelligence Agency and it was not necessarily his job to wake the Praetor, but he deemed it his duty. "The ICEP conference was a failure and the building was apparently ripped to peices by several massive explosions. Intelligence is sketchy, but--"

"Arkanphel," Augustus spoke low and absently. The dream still held with him, or rather the reality held with him.

The Intelligence Officer was surprised, but responded nonetheless. "Yes, Sir. We believe he and your adopted brother battled to the death in the wreckage. As I said, our people are not total sure about the details. Our representatives--"

"I know." And indeed he did. His brother was dead, killed during a duel with a warlord of Melkor, and he knew it.

It seemed almost as if Augustus' dark mood awoke his wife. Jolené Sutherland, beautiful Queen of Trinidad and Drakonia, rolled over and sat up. "What is it," she asked softly.

"Edmund has been killed." The low cold voice with which Augustus convened the information chilled the Intelligence Officer to his very core. It spoke of more than just information, but also deep pain and suffering.

Instantly, Jolené knew her husbands thoughts, and fealings, and tried to confort him. Everyone he loves, dies. It was a terrible burden to him. His parents had been assassinated by Tersantan Radicals, when he was a teenager. His adopted parents (Edmund's Parents) had also died early on, before he became Praetor. Now his adopted brother...murdered. And, with the recent attempted on Augustus' and Jolené's lives, it seemed death had a personal vendetta. All she could do was put her arms and him as he sat forward, turned slightly to an empty section of wall. He almost sluffed her off, but such a knee-jerk reaction had dulled with her long companionship, even if recent events had re-opened that old wound.

"Arrange a personal meeting with Sirithil," Augustus ordered, his voice unwavering as he held back the torrent of emotion. "I will also be personally be contacting Arda, so arrange for that as well." He stifled a sigh, which ended in a small shudder. "...and Tersanctus," he added as an afterthought. "Recall all Auxillaries and put the Shinzo Golanus and Oregius Legions on stand-by."

"Yes, Praetor." The man left the married couple alone.

Hand still to his healing and suddenly pained wounds, Augustus only stuggled with his sadness, his anger, his frustration, a moment longer. "If only I had done more." And then the battle was unwinable.