NationStates Jolt Archive

The chaos that followed the disappearance and presumed death of Ravelyn Shentavo and her council left the nation in disarray. Her son, Qui, was allegedly alive, though he has yet to be found. A new leader was needed in place of her. The public hated the idea, and would most likely reject anyone who attempted to gain control. The empires had been united under Ravelyn for as long as it has been recorded, and now that she has vanished, a leader must be appointed.
The only leading member rumored to still be alive was Qui, and he was no where to be found either. There was one, however, that had known Ravelyn long enough and well enough that she had trusted her with her life. She had been an alchemist and priestess for many years, and had earned respect in being one of the best in her line of work. Nikita Nonamura resumed where the Shentavo reign left off.
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http://hometown.aol.com/genesisversai/images/nikita.jpg

Nikita was quite a site. Her left eye was azure, and her right eye was a light green. Her skin was light, and her lips were a fleshy pink. Her hair was cut jagged, and still fell just above her waist. She was a young girl, only nineteen, however, she was a skilled alchemist as well as a leader. There was something in her that reminded them of Ravelyn. But there seemed to be a closer connection with the resemblance in Qui. Not in his strong frame of course, but in his eyes; his di-colored eyes.
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-something troubling you?
-I just had that dream again.
-you’re having the dreams just like she did.
-I guess I couldn’t escape.
-she kept dreaming until he came along.
-You mean Vaughn?
-Yes. Though I don’t know why you’re dreaming, I’m right here, aren’t I?
-You’re my father, not my lover…there is a great distinction.
-Indeed there is. But I never age, I never change, and look at me. Look at my eyes, and tell me that you don’t feel the least bit attracted.
-Your more of a pervert than I had first thought.
-It runs in my veins. I have thirst, we all do.
-What about Katarina?
-I’m pretty sure that after the whole incident at the bar, she won’t forgive me.
-Alexa?
-Too clingy.
-Christina?
-She pinned me last time, and—-
-Gah! Don’t want to know the details, Qui.
-Well, then she’s a no.
-Mariana? Wasn’t she a priestess in the temple of Shinra?
-*chuckles* not anymore.
-That’s really horrible, you know.
-Yes, I know.
-Ok, what about Hesione?
-Fire in that one. She’s got this---
-NO DETAILS!
-sorry…can’t help it, love.
-Apparently.
…So what about you?
-huh? Me?
-yeah. You seeing Michael tomorrow?
-I canceled.
-Tristan?
-All I can think of are triscuts…I can’t date a triscut.
-O_o; you can’t be serious.
-Listen, that may be all good for you, but I really haven’t found whom I’m looking for yet.
-fair enough. Neither have I. The only difference is, I don’t mind settling for a night.
-Good night, Qui.
-I won’t be back till late morning tomorrow.
-I figured.

That dream again. I’ve had it for so long. I’m walking down a pathway paved in grey gravel. There are trees with cherry blossoms, and small lakes and pools of water. And there are lotus flowers in them of all colors: White, crimson, pink; all accentuating the water in their own way, like jewelry. I feel someone grab my shoulder, and I turn around. I never see their face though. I always want to know why I’m there, where there is, and who is turning me. I never finish it though. I never do. Either I hear Qui with someone down the hall, or I hear him beating up someone down the hall. That’s an exaggeration, but while he is dependable, I would not be surprised if he had slept with every woman alive, except for me of course. And he never cares. He says he’s an ancient vampire. While he does have fangs, he looks too young to have lived for as long as he says he has. Ravelyn always looked beautiful. I suppose Qui will always be handsome, and will never change either. I spent a lot of time with Rave, and she never knew what to make of her son. I can’t really blame her either. I just wish I knew who my mother was. Qui said it was Azali, but that was impossible. After reading some of the journals around here…I think it was Genesis.
It’s a scary thought I know, but every year it seems more likely than the other options. I gave up looking a long time ago. After Gene died, there was no point in pressing the matter. I wonder if Rave ever knew that I was Qui’s daughter. Qui said he never told her he had a daughter.
But another thing I wonder about, is that I am not a vampire. I have it in my blood, but I do not have fangs or any desire for blood. This is what makes me question my heritage. But it is no use now that it is set in stone. I used to be a priestess at the temple of Shinra. I left during the war to aide Qui. After we were victorious, I never left. I had become a priestess to get as far away from my father as possible, but apparently Mariana brought him as close as ever. I never went back. I practiced my alchemy, and refined my skills. While my father might not be the most scrupulous of people, he is a hell of a guardian, I’ll tell you that much.
I do have to get ready for the inauguration tomorrow. I’m sure Qui is looking forward to the party afterward. I think that he can be so outrageous sometimes. Oh man, I can just see if two of the people he’s been with are there, and a huge cat fight breaks out as my dad tries to save his sorry ass. He just can’t hit a woman unless she’s trying to kill him. The only person he’d ever spar with was my grandmother, Rave. And she’d be the only one who could own him entirely. I wish I could have seen some of those spars.
It’s going to be a long day tomorrow, and I should get sleep. However, I know that if I sleep, I’ll dream again.

((Very interesting. As usual one hell of a post heh...TAGGY))

There it is; the sound of the door closing as Qui brings in another. Down the hall, but I can hear. Sometimes I wish my father just looked different, like more of a father rather than a boyfriend. Many mistake us as a couple, and its not surprising. “You look great together,” they’ll say. I’ll then say he’s my father, and they’ll give me a look and laugh as if it was a joke. It’s ridiculous! I wish my grandmother was still around, but I’m not really sure what happened. I’m resuming her place in the government, and not many people are rebelling against a new leader. Perhaps that’s because we’ve given it enough time.
I lay in bed, unable to get to sleep because of the racket. Well, it wasn’t a racket, there was hardly any sound that should have been heard, but I could hear. My utter lack of things to do and being inept to sleep didn’t help me either. I lay there awake for quite some time before I could will my eyes to close. When they did, the flashes of that vision again. Startled, I let out a scream. I clasp my hands over my mouth. I don’t believe that it startled me again. I should be used to it by now.
A few minutes later, my door opens, and Qui is standing there. He has no shirt on, and I can see his skin moistened with sweat, accentuating every muscle. A few white strands of hair fall just above his eye, and he looks at me. He is wearing black pants as normal, though I can tell the leather belt has been put on quickly and carelessly. There is a chain around his neck. He says it used to be his mothers. It had a heart, a sword, and a pair of wings all in one.
“Are you alright?” he asked me, stepping toward me, and then sitting at the edge of my bed. I inhale deeply.
“I just can’t stop having these visions…”
“I can take them away if you want me to, Nikita.”
“No, I can’t have you live with them. Then you’d just bitch and complain about them all the time.” He chuckled at this.
“Well, get some sleep. You won’t have any visions tonight, I’ll work on it.”
“What about---“
“I sent her home.”
“You didn’t have to do that. I mean---“
“You’re more important than any girl I bring in here, you know that? I would gladly have them go home without play.” He stood up from the edge of my bed and stretched. “Now try to sleep. I’ll take care of the visions. You have a big day tomorrow.”

(OOC: Rave, I got your email, but I'm a little confused, since Jolt somehow garbled the message pretty badly... Who is it that you want me to RP as?)

taggy for now :) Good to see Rave again.

Hey Rave iT hAs been alonG time since I have seen you around, but this one looks good.

“Nikita wake up already!” I hear Qui say as he pulls the covers off of me and literally drags me out of bed. I keep my eyes closed. I like sleeping in anyways. “Nikita, come on you’ve got to get ready, with the inauguration and all…”

“Five more minutes.” I turn and grasp for my blanket, but it’s too far away. I feel Qui pick me up, my skin touches his bare chest, and it startles me for a moment, then I relax. He carried me away from the bed, and set me on my feet. Like any good daughter would do, I immediately run back. He grabs me around the waist.

“Nuh-uh. You’re not going anywhere. I swear to God if you get in that bed I will follow---“

“Alright, Alright. I’m up, ok?” I yawn and tilt my head back, getting the stray hairs out of my face. I look at Qui. He looked so strong. What was scary was that his mind was stronger. I then realize something. “Qui, I had no visions last night.”

“I know. I took them from you,” he smiled gently, and I can see a glint of his fangs. “So, who is this guy. Does he have a name?”

“What are you talking about?” I say, a bit flustered. I didn’t realize he had seen.

“I saw him, obviously. You don’t know who he is, or if he even exists. Well, we might as well give him a name.”

“That’s ridiculous. It’s a dream, nothing more---“

“How about Lotus?”

“What?”

“I mean, there were lotus flowers in the water all around you, and he was there. You saw the reflection in the water next to one. Plus, it’s one hell of a position you could get yourself into…” At this I slap him across the face. He smiles and mutters some half witted comment.

“Everything with you is about sex and blood, isn’t it?”

“More or less.” He chuckled, and walked toward the door. “If you need me, I’ll be in the library. There are a few things I need to check out. And hurry up, the party starts in three hours, and if you’re not ready, I’m dressing you myself.”

“I think I’ll pass on that offer.”

“Your loss,” I can hear him say as he makes his way down the stairs. It started in three hours? How long have I been asleep for? I look at the clock and it is five p.m. Without the visions, it was the first full sleep I ever had. Wow. What was I going to wear anyway? It’s not like I wore dresses all that often. ESPECIALLY with my father around. I had to wear something other than jeans for once.

I open my closet and see a white box tied in red ribbon on the bottom. I pick it up. There is a rose on top with a card. I open it.

Nothing to wear, eh?

Damn it. He always knew when I needed something. He has this way of doing everything somehow. I can’t get over it. I untie the ribbon and open the box. I pull out a beautiful black silk dress. It was sleeveless and tapered off on the back with a one inch trail. There was a silk sash around the center and tied in the back. It was a halter style top, therefore was backless. Along with a low neckline, but could I expect anything else.

“It’s very revealing Qui,” I yell down the stairs.

“But it will compliment you’re figure!” he yelled back. When a man knows what cloths work best for your figure, he’s either gay or well experienced. Knowing Qui, I think he had a little TOO much experience. I sigh. The party was going to last way past midnight. I knew it. People from other nations, our allies and possible alliances. I will have to speak with them, and I really don’t think I can live up to Ravelyn. I’ll try. Qui will also be there, obviously. He’ll be trying to pick up some girl the entire time. Why do they even respect him so much? Is it cause of his power, charm, wits, or wealth? Maybe they just feared him. I know I was if I wasn’t on his good side, or wasn’t his daughter.

I knew the guests would be arriving soon. It is being held at this mansion. The Shentavo mansion. It’s huge. I still get lost sometimes. It’s taking place in the ballroom. Qui is greeting everyone, and the women even more so. It’s a hopeless cause to try and stop him. I really couldn’t if I tried.

I look at the dress in my arms, and sigh heavily. Oh, it will compliment your figure… I mimic, and roll my eyes. I throw it on the bed, and collapse at the edge. I’m still tired.

((All that would be missing is Joshua poping up in here. Heh....broken bones...))

((Ya I got both. I'll TG you them. Besides you'd be surprized at Joshua's changes))

There was a knock at the door, and Qui stood up to get it. He cleaned up quite well in comparison to the unkempt scruffiness he usually had. There was still a rebellion in his character. He wore a suit and tie, and while the top few buttons of the shirt were unbuttoned, and the tie wasn’t tied as tight as it should be. It was surprising that he somewhat resembled Vaughn. Vaughn had always worn those Armani suits, but Qui just wore them differently. He still possessed an edge, and it wasn’t a surprise. Underneath his coat he had two daggers, both curved, one with a straight edge, and one with a serated edge. There was no other security apart from Qui…but all in all that was pretty good.
He shifted and opened the door. “My dear Nagi, how’ve you---“ His sentence was cut short with a quick slap to the face. He placed his hand to his cheek, and pretended to be hurt. “So, you’ve been good.” He then smiled, his fangs showing. They were old acquaintances apparently.
“You don’t look to bad yourself,” she replied, unable to hold her anger against him. “Where is the girl?”
“Nikita is upstairs in the GS,” he passed around her, “but I’m more concerned about where you are.” She simply passed him and began her decent upstairs. Qui sighed and threw himself back on the chair. After all that all she wants to do is make sure my daughter is alright. Oh man. Nothing is going to happen for me tonight.
The inauguration will start soon. Inevitably, I am wearing the dress Qui got for me. Go figure. I really did have nothing else that seemed right to wear. Well, not that this seemed right and all, but for some reason I felt like I had no other choice. I look in the mirror as I run a brush through my hair. I twirl the strands within my fingers, separating it into a zig-zag part. I deal with little makeup except for mascara and black eyeliner. Apart from clear lipgloss, I wore no other makeup. I grabbed my earring from the dresser and put them in. I had three piercings on my left ear and two on my right, but no others apart from the five. I admit that it did look kind-of good when everything was put together. I then heard a knock at my door. I turn my head, and then back to the mirror. Qui, of course.
“Come in,” I said with reluctance.
“Is that a way to greet an old friend?” I heard. I recognized the voice. I turned around from the mirror.
“Nagi!” I nearly yell, and walk to her, embracing her in a hug. “How have you been? What have you been up to?”
“The same old stuff. I have a new contract with Versa Corp to kill off a few problems in their government. After that I’m of to the Kilika Islands to take care of a few officials. You’d be surprised that they have more money than the government. Then I’m headed to the Enclave.”
“What do you have to do there?”
“Vacation.”
“Ah. I see,” I laugh a bit. The same old Nagi. She was striking, with black hair pulled back in twists and various beds and crystals throughout. Her skin was like porcelain, and her eyes were both a deep violet. She was a bounty hunter, or mercenary, whichever you prefer. She would work for whoever had the greater offer, which was smart on her part. She had tried to talk Qui into doing it with her, but apparently Qui declined after much drama.
“So are you ready for the inauguration?”
“I guess so. I’m just a little nervous, but these parties are all the same anyways.”
“I suppose…”

Hey Rave is this just invite, or may I have a character join?

tag, the forum ate my massive post... :mad: :headbang: :gundge:

same with mine... Just as I finished, somebody *curses at fellow summer program attendee* pressed the F5 button, refreshing the page and deleting my post... :headbang: :headbang: :headbang: :headbang: :headbang:

Foreign Minster Calin Inferno of Assington read over the elaborate invitation upon his computer screen. It seemed to regard the inauguration of a predecessor to Ravelyn Shentavo. It was Calin's responsibility to attend such important functions, especially with friendly nations.

Rave's nation wasn't officially allied with Assington, but the two governments were on fairly good terms and Calin had no intention of disturbing those terms. This would mean another long overseas trip, away from his wife. She needed him at home with her, and he wanted to be there. Unfortunately, his duty as foreign minister always seemed to intervene.

Karolyn hadn't been the same since the accident. She always kept up a cheery face in the public eye, but at home she was becoming increasingly depressed and angry. Being a proud woman, the loss of controlling her legs has left her in a disabled situation that she was not happy with. Being cared for made it even worse. Only Calin seemed to be able to calm her down, so the house staff would also suffer in his absence.

Calin sighed as he quickly keyed in a reply to the invitation. He would have to attend, it was his duty and he didn't want to offend the leader of a new nation they were friendly with.

One day, he'd have to quit this job...

OOC: Not quite what I had before, but it shall do...

“Qui got this for you, right?” Nagi said in reference to the dress. Nikita nodded in reply. “Well, at least he can do something right---“
“Is he your escort for this evening?” Nikita asked, and tilted her head.
“Me and Qui? Oh no, we’re not getting into that again. It would never work out. I mean…” Nikita smiled at Nagi’s slip up. “I don’t particularly care for him.”
“You know I can tell when your lying. I am his daughter after all,” Nikita smiled. After a while, Nagi departed downstairs. Nikita stood in front of the mirror and fixed her hair. Tonight was going to be a long night and as boring as ever. It was different though. She would now be the leader of the nation. How could she live up to Azrael? She was related to her by blood. She possessed the same lean, but shapely frame. Perhaps if her hair was different, she would have resembled her more. She dragged herself to the door and began her decent downstairs.

Qui looked at Nagi, pretending to be hurt. He looked down to her with puppy-dog eyes. And she shook her head in frustration. “Oh no, don’t you give me that look Mr. Shentavo!”
“But I don’t have anyone to accompany me for the beginning of the night…”
“I’m sure you’ll find one by the end…” Nagi said, and walked away to get a drink at the bar.
Qui smiled to himself. “You never change, do you?”

Quietly Phoenix looked through his wardrobe to find the proper outfit. As he searched he felt something was amiss and turned around to see Joshua leaning against his beb post. "So you're going back there now. After all those years. Though what bothers me is you decided not to tell me," he said in a slightly mocking tone. "You know why you arn't going back there. We can't have another incident where you are nearly killed in that pissing contest you and Qui have going. And if I told you all you would do is take the place of the represenitive," Phoenix replied not even phased by the mocking by Joshua. "You know if I realy wanted to go I could just easily smack you around and take your place. But I have no wish to go. There is nothing left for me there anymore. I was killed there, I was reborn there, and I lost everything there. I still have things to do before I return," he then said before walking out of the room. Phoenix shook his head and continued to search for his outfit.

((Cool, Rave is back. Maybe I can come up with some crafty way of getting into this, if she lets me. *hint hint*))

Twelve hours on a plane had left Calin stiff and weary. The crew had just informed him that the aircraft had entered airspace of the destination and would soon be setting down.

Calin had been on so many flights in his relatively young life that he was ready to forsake air travel for the rest of his life. Of course his position in the government aquired him first class seats and treatment, but that was never a concern of his. Like his brother, Calin was far more practical than most wealthy individuals. He had indeed learned to fit in with the upper class of society, but over the years the tediousness and impacticality of such had worn away at him, allowing some of his infamous teenage cynicism to emerge once again.

Suddenly awoken from his daze as the plane bounced along the runway, Assington's foreign minister jumped and almost rammed his head ito the asortment of buttons implanted upon the ceiling.

"This is your captain, we have now touched down at our final destination and will be unloading within minutes. Please remain seated until we are fully attatched to the aircraft terminal. Thankyou for flying with Assingtonian Airlines."

Waiting patiently as the crowds surged forward in an attempt to escape the motionless aircraft, Calin pondered the possibility of meeting someone that wasn't a stuck up aristocrat and grinned, there was usually at least one at every party. Whilst he would have to speak with all the important representatives, it was the simpler people he desired the company of.

Finally the crowd subsided and Calin slowly made his way off the plane and towards the luggage terminal.

*bump*

OOC: Shall I just drag Calin straight to the ceremony?

Tamara von Dreger-Wolfjäger hated the weightlessness. She hated what it did to her hair, to her dress, to her nerves ... and to her stomach. But what she hated most was that the crew of the shuttle, all of them had been in space for at least four times before, didn’t have these problems. This made her feel even weaker and more voulnerable ... and younger than she actually was (though 19 wasn’t very old at all, but try to explain this to a 19 years old girl that thinks of herself as the Queen of the world).

Yes, she HATED it. And, to make her problems even bigger, she wasn’t on the way to Earth for shopping or anything like this; she was here to be the representative of the Empire of Nova Empyrea at one of those silly nations on stinky Earth.
If her father, a cousin of King Benjamin IV, hadn’t had to visit the Landsherren meeting and if her older sister Katharina hadn’t had broken her leg last friday, she, Tamara, would now be lieing in the sun aboard her yacht (actually it was her father’s yacht but who cares?) at Salona Beach near the equator of the Enclave, drinking a coctail and enjoying her life (maybe together with Alex von Berg, her actual boyfriend).
Instead she was now on board of an imperial shuttle that brought her from the satellite, that connected the Enclave to the homeworld of the human race, down to earth‘s ugly surface.

One hour (and too much of weightlessness) later the shuttle overflew the wastelands of the area that had been claimed by the Empire before it had been moved to the Enclave. Tamara was glad that the Empire had left this small and dirty ball of rock years ago. Things on the Enclave were so much better than anything Earth could offer to her.

When she felt the first pull of gravity when the shuttle entered the athmosphere, she sighed; finally the torture was over.
Then she remembered the reason she was here for and sighed again. This would be long days.

The limo ride hadn't been too long and had unforunately not given Calin much time to recover from his jet lag. As the limo pulled up outside the palace, Calin sighed and straigtened his clothes as he stepped outside to view the splendour of the building before him. It was indeed one of the many great buildings he had come across in his work, but he could still appreciate such things, each unique to their respected nations.

Calin spun as the driver popped the boot and began to help with removing his luggage. There were only a few bags, none which were particularly heavy at all. Calin had learned to tavel lightly yet still bring all he required, making things much easier for himself and those carrying his luggage.

The pair began moving towards the palace, hoping to find someone that could direct them to a room.

"The Gate is opened, Mrs Blake."

The Sotek Marine stepped back. Cassandra could now see the portal, illuminated as it was, a water-like surface pulsating where, seconds before, nothing was.

She blinked.

It was a hot day on this side of the Enclave. Far too hot. It was nearly mid-day. The gigantic ball of fire that was the sun of this system was the only feature to be seen, a blindening hole in a perfectly blue sky.

"Mrs Blake?" the marine insisted.

What was his name again? Cassandra had hard times remembering names lately. Doctors had told her her memory would recover progressively. It was a nightmare, as if everything she was being told was to vanish in a matter of hours.

"What is your name again?" she finally asked.
"Dereck, Second Class Terence Terreck, M'am," the marine replied probably not for the first time.
"And where are we to go?
- To earth, m'am. Shentavo." The marine looked puzzled, worried rather.
"Oh, yes, yes..." she muttered with a very tired voice.
"Do... do we go now?" Derreck asked with as kind a voice as he could.

Cassandra glanced at him for a few seconds

http://www.paulandcompany.com/red-head.jpg

Then she looked back at the gate.

"It's... it's dangerous to let it opened too long," the marine continued.

Cassandra scratched her forearm, nervously.

"Yes, yes, it's dangerous. I know." she said to herself while her nails were going up and down her tattoo, a rose which formed the number '7'.

"So... shall we... like... go now?" Derreck said again.
"Yes... yes... we go now."

(Obviously the representatives from the Enclave are not the best ones for this job, eh? :) Good to see you back Underaloz)

The shuttle rocked when it crossed a zone of turbulences and Tamara closed her eyes and hardened her grip around the arms of her seat.
If this would have been a private shuttle, the shok-absorbers would have suppressed the worst of this rolling, but the army models didn’t have such luxury. And so Tamara‘s stomach, still mad about the weightlessness before, followed every single move the ship around her performed.
Then, finally, it was over. Gently the shuttle slowed down and began to hoover over the landing field before it touched the ground.
The sound of the engines faded away and the marine Sergeant who was the head of her security team for this journey, opened the hatch.

„Mylady.“ He pointed at the stairs and Tamara, still a bit sick, followed him and two other marines.
Tamara took her first breath of the air of this planet and sniffed. Even the air was unpalatable
A limousine parked in front of the shuttle. This car would bring Tamara to the small manor the Empire had prepared for her and where she could refresh herself before she would go to this –once more she sobbed- „party“.

No one really liked going to these parties except for me. Well, I didn’t actually request for them, but I didn’t mind it. I’m an easy going enough for them all though. Most of the people I work with are high strung and you could bounce a quarter off all that tension. I leaned back in the leather seat of the limo. So much formality? And was it all necessary? Well, an inauguration of a new empress other than Ravelyn Shentavo was quite a stir, so I suppose it was. Not much choice do I have now.
My name is Scott Masterson, I’m about 6”1 with pale grey eyes and rather light blonde hair. I’m not really the person who starts a fight, but I always finish them. I took martial arts of various kinds for about nine years. My favorite was Shaolin kempo. I am more then proficient in their black tiger techniques. My knuckles still have scars on them from the drills we had to do. Kempo is the most aggressive martial art in the world, which lies within me, but as I said earlier, I do not like fighting that much. I’m more of a pacifist really. Kempo artists are usually accused of overkill, because once we start, we don’t stop. That’s why I always finish a fight. We’re known for the quick handwork, and many can see why.

I’m twenty five years old. I was born on August 2nd in the town of Summerset. My mother was a Verakai, or a dream walker. She had the ability to enter peoples dreams. Some of the blood passed to me, and there are times when I feel lost as I day dream. It’s because I enter others dreams. I don’t mean to, it just happens. Someone has always seemed to find me, but I never know who it is.

Anyway, this should be interesting. I had only seen Ravelyn once when I was much younger. She was a wonderful leader among other things. I had heard many things about her, but I never knew which ones were true. Nikita Nonamura is taking her place. She’s supposedly an alchemist, and that fascinates me. But it will probably be the same old thing.

http://www.ffshrine.org/ffac/wallpapers/01thumb.jpg

_______

~The brother empire of Northern Halo~

"Mrs Blake?!?
- Yes?
- We... we just arrived, Mrs Blake."

Derreck looked at Cassandra, puzzled. She hadn't moved since the plane had landed... half an hour ago. She had just reacted while he had been calling her name for ten minutes.

I'd like to know what I've done to be in charge of such a peculiar lunatic.

But he couldn't find any reason for him to be punished. He had always served the Sotek, and hence the United Corporations, flawlessly. He could have been proud indeed, but he wasn't one to brag about himself.

"I think we should get into the limo now, miss." he added as Cassandra seemed to be about to dive in some kind of awaken dream.
"Yes... yes sure," she answered, getting up at last!

This promises to be a tiring day, Dereck thought as he was following her.

I get out of the limo, and see the mansion ahead of me. It really is a grand place. There are flowers and stone walk ways and gazebos, really beautiful things. I make my way to the door. I really am indifferent about parties, but this should be different I suppose.

I ring the doorbell, which seems like a heavenly tune almost. The door opens, and I am greeted by a young man with a rather intimidating disposition. I feel strong vibes off this individual, and would not like to get in a fight with him.

"Scott Masterson, from Northern Halo," I say rather relaxded. He seems to look at me peculiarly, and then I enter. I look around and see a woman standing at the other side of the room, getting a drink from the bar. There was people everywhere, as well as music. It was wonderful. I smiled, and proceeded in. Maybe this wasn't going to be as normal as I thought. I thought I heard the man at the door, whisper something under his breath, but I couldn't hear it really.
____________

Northern Halo
Lotus Ryouko

Qui was more than suprised to see this man standing at the door. "Lotus..." he whispered, and watched him pass by. Could Ryouko really have forgotten him? That was quite strange. Nikita didn't know him, but Qui did. Well, indirectly.

Nikita...come downstairs...there is someone you should see..

Dereck stood at the door. Cassandra was by his side, standing still.

"Should... should I ring?" he asked.
"... W... What?" she answered getting out of her lethargic state. "Oh... yes... yes... proceed."

Dereck rang the doorbell of the mansion, not knowing what to expect exactly.

Qui answered the door, his short white hair falling in different sections around his youthful face. His left eye was blue and his right eye was a deep brown. "Welcome," he said with a smile. He always like seeing another female guest.

"Cassandra? If I am correct. It's such a pretty name." He opened the door. He always liked teasing them. "Make yourself at home."

Cassandra stared at Qui, not moving. Then, all in a sudden, she stepped inside the mansion.

"Thank you, Qui," she replied passing past him. Her voice was warm and confident as if she had known the Mind Breaker for a long time. "I hope I'm not late."

She turned back and looked deeply at him.

"I... I need to refresh myself." Then she smiled at him, perl white teeth, crimson lipstick. "I think I know the way. That won't be necessary." she added as if she was answering a question. Then, without any hesitation, she headed straight to the toilets.

Derreck followed her, clumsily, smiling at Qui as to apologize for Cassandra's peculiar attitude.

"No no...no apology necesary," his expression darkened. "She just interests me more and more." A cunning smile slid across his face, and he lit a cigarette. Just interests me more...and more... :cool:

Qui's sentence had Derreck stop, for the marine didn't know about Qui's psychic abilities.

What the Hell is this guy talking about?!? O_o

Realizing how stupid he looked, here, in the entrance, staring at the man who had opened the door...

... probably a servant of some sort...

... Derreck turned back. But Cassandra had disapeared.

Yeah, right... I make the perfect bodyguard.

He turned back at Qui.

"Errrrr...."

„Mylady.“ The Sergeant entered the room. „It’s about time to leave.“

Tamara sat on a chair in front of a dressingtable and turned her head to face the marine. She stared at him for a second or two before she nodded. He left the room and Tamara fixed her angry look on her picture in the mirror.
This trip was a nightmare!
The so called „manor“ was nothing more than a small town-villa and the domestics were earth-borne and didn’t know anything about the empyrean way of life or social standarts – Good God, she had had to make herself up by Herself!
Her pale cheeks turned red and she closed her green eyes and took a deep breath. Slowly she exhaled and opened her eyes. Calm down, Tam. she told herself and struck a strand of her fair hair out of her face.
She took a last deep breath and left the room.

Let’s show them, that a Wolfjäger can handle every situation. she thought, while the limousine left the „manor“.

http://www.whatsbetter.com/static/images/53.jpg

Qui raised an eyebrow. The flash of the nations chest on his chain told of being other than a servant. "Good day to you," he said, and closed the door in the body guard's face. He had too much fun at parties.

Cassandra, my dear... he thought to himself, and followed in pursuit. He gave a wicked smile to Nagi.


No...somethings never change.

Nikita decended from upstairs, and looked at the people that were there. There were quite a few. Qui was going off somewhere, probably chasing some girl again. She sighed heavily, and walked down. People greeted her, and she smiled, and put on all the pleasantries she was supposed to. Then she saw him. Her eyes widened.

Calin casually rung the doorbell, his two bags on the ground beside him.

OOC: Sorry for the short post... don't have enough time... :confused:

The limo’s wheeles crunched on the gravel walk as it pulled up. Through the window Tamara could see the front of the building. Like most buildings outside of the empire, and, due to the new architecture style, unfortunately even at some imperial cities, this mansion didn’t have anything of the stronghold character she felt comfortable with*.
Then she had to laugh.
„That’s typical for these guys from Underaloz. Don’t know that they have to enter the house before closing the door and not the other way round.“ This comment was aimed at joke about Underalozians that was very well known across the whole empire and Tamara’s body guards chuckled while they watched the puzzled Sotek Marine.
The Sergeant opened the door, still smiling, checked the surroundings and let Tamara get out of the limo.
Nearly unhearable she whipered: „Now we’ll show him how to do it correctly.“, stepped next to the man from Underaloz, gave him a short and cool smile (that hid her amusement) and rang the doorbell.

*OOC: just assuming as I don’t know what it really looks like

The door was opened by Nagi, seeing that Qui abandoned his post for Cassandra. "Hi...welcome.."
(ooc: short post..got to go)

Scott looked at Nikita. She...she is the new empress? His jaw hung open a bit, until he got the common sense to close it. He had seen her before, when he was dreaming. He had seen her turn around...it was her. Wasn't it?

He stepped toward her, drawing in a short breath.

Nikita walked toward him as he approached her. She looked at his piercing grey eyes. They were inches appart. She could hear his heart beating, and feel his warm breath upon the exposed skin on her neck. She couuld hear him take in a breath.

Your the one I saw...in my dreams... She thouhgt silently to herself.

The two looked at each other. Their hearts screamed out for them to form words, but neither had the collectiveness or clarity to form any. Their eyes burned for something to be done. It was as if something had been reconnected. The two then passed each other, Nikita looking over her shoulder to steal another glance.

Derreck smiled back at Tamara.

Empire people and their strange manners, he thought for people of Underaloz were always joking about them.

But as soon as the door opened, he rushed into the mansion, looking for Cassandra.

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

She was staring at the mirror, her eyes wide opened.

"You look awful, my dear," she said out loud to herself.

She took the box of pills doctor Konaki had given her.

No more than 5 a day, she remembered him saying.

She took the 6th in her hand and plunged it into her mouth.

"F--k it," she muttered after having swallowed the red cilinder.

Her face looked pale for a second, as if the medication was already active. But she dismissed the thought immediatly. Stupid, it was for nothing would work that fast.

she ckecked her make-up yet another time. Where was she again? Oh yes, Qui's house. Qui. Qui Qui Qui.

"No wait," she whispered. "Shentavo. Shentavo's mansion."

She shook her head. Images were passing behind her eyes. Faces she didn't know. Faces she couldn't recognize.

The pills will help, that's what Konaki used to say.

She scratched her forearm, passing her nails up and down her tattoo. This day, the rose seemed smaller to her... but was it?

Then she woke up, or at least, it felt like she had been sleeping for quite some time.

No... not a blackout again.

She turned violently and opened the door... to end up face to face with Qui Shentavo.

The door was opened by Nagi, seeing that Qui abandoned his post for Cassandra. "Hi...welcome.."
(ooc: short post..got to go)

A warm smile spread across Calin's face as Nagi appeared at the door. He hadn't met her before but she appeared to be a nice person from first glances.

"Hey, how are you? I'm Calin, the representative of Assington."

Calin extended his right hand towards Nagi.

Nagi shook her hand, though she was no representative of any sort. She was just...well, her occupation wasn't one lightly talked about. "Lt. Nagi Oraki," her dark eyes deleved into his.
__


As Qui turned the corner, Cassandra bumped right into him. He placed his hands on her shoulders to steady her. "A person who already knows my name is of much interest to me, because its usually the other way around Cassandra." He tilted his head in observance. She was not like Skadi, and he knew that. But he found there to be reason to pursue.

Cassandra''s face turned pale.

"Oh, I'm sorry Cougaji. I... It wasn't polite. I... I dunno."

Her eyes flickered slightly. She seemed lost for a second as if her soul had left her body. Qui could see how weak she seemed. She looked like a creature that had been plunged into life far too quickly. Everything in her smelled rushed, unfinished, potential.

She finally looked deeply into Qui's eyes and simply smiled at him. Was it that she didn't want to answer? Somehow Qui felt she truly didn't know the answers.

"Are you allright, miss Blake?"

Derreck had just appeared at the corner. He was staring at them, puzzled to see Qui's hands onto Cassandra's shoulders.

"How do you know my true name?" Qui's eyes widened. Lotus, Kaos and Azrael were the only people who had ever called him that. The four had always been together until both Azrael and Cougaji decended to this earth, leaving Lotus and Kaos behind. However...Lotus was here...Qui had seen him. Lotus Ryouko.

He looked and saw her body guard enter the hallway. Qui tilted his head. "You weren't invited Derrek..."

Saria...there is a toy for you to play with...in the crevens hallway....

Qui smiled. "Goodbye, Derrek." A pannel from the wall turned, and clicking into place to cut off the hallway between Cassandra and Qui, and Derrek.

A woman slipped from one of the doors, and looked at the baffled guard. "Hello Derrek."

__________

The inauguration was beginning and everyone started to take their seats. Nikita's eyes searched out Scott's from on the stage. She saw them and their icy grey glow. She felt a chill run through her. He's...the one...that...

Derreck drew his pistol out.

"What the..."
______________________________________

Cassandra didn't seem to be surprised about what had happened.

"You have your manners with newcomers," she simply stated, taking Qui's grasp away with a gentle movement. "But we will miss the inauguration... I think."

She stepped forward then stopped and turned back at him.

"How come you're not alone?"

"I don't like uninvited guests," he joked, and she continued.

"Because my glorious mother hasn't had the decency to return so she can get them out of my head, you see...but yes, the inauguration should be interesting." He led her around back toward the room.
_____________________

Saria's claws extended. She looked human, but she was changing. A jewel appeared in the middle of her forehead. She had a tale at that, and had ears which resembled those of a cat. Her fangs extended. A half beast.

"You weren't invited."

Derreck pointed his gun at Saria.

"I came her on duty," he said, quite lost. "I mean no one any harm but I will use my weapon if that proves necessary."
________________________________________________________

Cassandra followed Qui.

"I can hear..." she kept on muttering to herself. "I can hear them talking."

"I hear it all the time..." he admitted..

++++++

She reached toward the gun, and it flew into her hand. "Telekenetics instructor..." she explained. She took out the bullets, and walked toward the only way out, behind her. Then, a wall closed behind her, leaving him in a box. Nothing happened. He was left with his bullet shells.

"Great!" Derreck said between his teeth. "15 years in an elite team and played like a little child."

The door was opened and the Sotek Marine didn’t even take notice of the one who had opened it but rushed into the house and Underalozians lost some more points at Tamara's imaginative list of respect (she doesn’t gather that he may be a body guard like her marines). The other guy was different, though a bit naive as it appeared to Tamara.

Assington? she thought when she heared his selfintroduction. Do I have to know Assington? once more she cursed the unfairness of life that had sent her to this place. Nagi’s words made her only feel worse. Great, another soldier. Due to her dad’s money she had been able to avoid military service that was obligatory on empyrean nobility; and now every where she looked there were soldiers. Yes, this Will be long days.

Now it was her turn to introduce herself, or, to say it in other words, it was the sergeant‘s turn to introduce her.

He stood at attention and saluted (closed fist to the heart).
„Lieutenant, this is Lady Tamara von Dreger-Wolfjäger, daughter of Crown Prince Wilhelm Eduard Wolfjäger and Anna-Katharina von Dreger-Wolfjäger, official represantative of His Highness King Benjamin IV, Emperor of the Empire of Nova Empyrea.“ (ooc: this sounds a bit stupid, doesn't it)

Now that she heared it spoken out loud official represantative of His Highness Tamara was on the brink of either collapsing and loosing her consciousness or running away. However, she managed to do neither the first nor the second but listened to Lt. Nagi’s reply.

Nagi shook her hand, though she was no representative of any sort. She was just...well, her occupation wasn't one lightly talked about. "Lt. Nagi Oraki," her dark eyes deleved into his.


"Ah, nice to meet you Lt."

Calin pulled out his invitation, just to verify he wasn't some imposter attempting to get into such a classy event.

"As you can see, I'm no stranger off the street. May I put my bags somewhere?"

Nagi raised an eyebrow. "I don't know why you would have brought so many things if the inaugration is only tonight, unless you plan on sleeping over, there are a few hotels nearby." Nagi chuckled a bit.

She realized things were starting, and found a seat.

Calin smiled.

"Actually, I did intend on staying here for a few days, to enjoy the sights and all. It has been a long time since my last visit, so I thought I'd take full advantage of it. If I could just store my bags somewhere for the night and collect them as I head off for a hotel, I'd appreciate it."

Nagi smiled. "Yea, there is a spare room down that hall to the left, but you better hurry, cause its starting soon.

"Thanks, I'll only be a few seconds."

Calin picked up his too bags and quickly but gracefully hurried down the hall and deposited his bags in the room without any trouble before returning back to Nagi. He took a few seconds to admire the fine building he was standing in before getting back on task.

"So where is the ceremony being held?"

"The grand ballroom. Straight ahead throught the double doors." Nagi seemed to be a bit nervous, but she dismissed the feeling as quickly as possible.

Calin shot Nagi one last smile before moving through the double doors and into the populated ballroom.

"Thanks."

The first thing he looked for was a drink, preferably alcoholic. Calin had developed a taste for vodka over the years and enjoyed trying what each nation had to offer. He didn't recall ever having any vodka in Rave Shentavo, and so he was hopeful in finding a bar within the room.

(ooc: Zum Geburtstag viel Glück, zum Geburtstag viel Glück, zum Geburtstag liebe Rave, zum Geburtstag viel Glück! Happy Birthday Rave! *presents birthday-cake*)

*grins* thank you! :-D

-Mylady, I think we need a Bump.
A what?
-A Bump.
Errr...Ok Sergeant. "Bump" it.

Qui entered the room and looked at all the faces. A lot of people had shown up, and every seat was occupied. A few people were standing at the back. Nikita was inducted as the new ruler of the three united empires. With Qui behind her, it was unlikely that there would be a revolt. He made the induction, and whether it was out of fear or approval, everyone kept silent.

Nikita could not take her eyes off the man in the second row. Lotus.

Scott looked at her. Had he seen her somewhere before? He knew that he had. And that man, Qui? Didn't he bare a striking resemblence to someone he once knew? Cougaji....the name entered his mind, but he couldn't recall. He couldn't recall.

___

Northern Halo

Calin leaned against the bar quietly as he watched the happenings around him. A cold beer lay within his grasp, putting him at relative ease. So far he had had a nice conversation with the bar girl and a few delegates he recognised, but none of the hosts, besides the woman at the door.

Content with his beer, Calin brushed a strand of his brown hair out of his face as he continued to watch.

Qui was suprisingly eloquent for being, in layman's terms, a bully. He inducted his very own daughter into leadership of the three vast empires, over billions of residents, all to this one girl. The first ruler who wasn't acknowledged as one of the shentavo clan members. No one really knew that Nakita was his own blood. The first ruler who wasn't Ravelyn...