NationStates Jolt Archive

OOC:

I am Anagonia for future reference. This is my puppet. I decided to try to make dramatic effect by posting as my long-lost love, Drekamythia. No maps, get used to it. ;)

IC:

Imperial Drekamythian Empire - Desert of Sorrow - 1942 After Unification

Drekamythia, Land of the Eternal Dragons.

There was a story that long ago Drekamythia had a God Emperor. So powerful was he that he could contort time and space to his will, create life and destroy it. In the time of the Seven Kingdoms, none stood in his way. He lead a benevolent Empire, caring for his people and his brothers in the other Kingdoms. This was the time of Prosperity, the event where all Kingdoms posed to unite under the banner of the Sacred Empire of Alatonia.

But these were just stories, past down through scrolls that had been dug up over the decades of archaeological digging. Chief Archaeologist Susan Many had been at the head of uncovering the secret of the Alatonian Time. Her team, as of date, had been chief among the History Buffs in discovering the long-lost history of Anagonia.

Before, only the events After Unification had been perfectly preserved. Now, with the technology of the day, they had discovered an ancient pyramid in the Desert of Sorrow. Digging had been going on for twenty years now. Susan had kept a distance from the site due to the legend involved, mainly because of her Reputation at stake. That all changed when a telegram came in describing ancient Dragon Runes about the God Emperor, and how this pyramid may be connected to his tomb. Of course they couldn't find the tomb, even with the translator on duty there.

The sand blew in a hard gust against her Jeep. Her equipment stored in the back for her uses were strapped down, so nothing to worry about there. A few bumps here and there didn't bother her either. Susan Many was used to this type of environment, she had been trying to discover the secret of the Pre-Drekamythian Empire era for many years now. Studying so much in the ancient language of the Dragon Runes, she was named Chief Archaeologist in the Field of Drekamythian History. Only Lord Emperor Yuri Agamemnon had an equal knowledge of Drekamythia, and that was saying something.

A four hour ride later, she neared the site and saw her husbands Transport Truck near the main tent. She smiled, having not seen him in a few months since her last expedition to the Soviet Empire of Nodea Rudav. She had uncovered much there, but that didn't matter here. It was already published, already done, and now a new challenged awaited her.

* * *

Chief Translator Bobby Many looked towards the horizon to see his wifes jeep head towards him. A large cloud of sand in her wake, and he could just make out her beautiful complexion from this distance. It had been too long for both of them. He smiled, and one of the Drekamythian Scientists noted it. Quite unusual for Bobby to smile, even for a discovery. The scientists only assumed he knew this person.

Twenty minutes later his assumption was confirmed. As the Jeep Parked beside Bobby's transport, a beautiful dark-haired woman stepped out. She immediately ran to Bobby and embraced him. They kissed, and then went inside the tent. The scientist followed.

"So, what is this discovery Mr. Many?" On duty they never called each other by their first names, even if they hadn't seen each other for a period of months, or even years. "Something fantastic," Bobby replied. "I think we found the God Emperors tomb! I can't be sure, because I'm not as experienced as you are." He gave her a sheet of paper, "This is what I translated so far."

Susan took the paper and read down it quickly. As a native Organian, she was naturally beautiful. Some Anagonians compared Organians to the mystical elfs, mainly because they had points on their ears. But those were fairy tales, and everyone was considered human here. "Through the Dark Times he led us, and through the Never ending Night he gave us Light. Here lies...." She looked over it again, "Where's the rest?"

Bobby shrugged, "The rest we got from the single runes and statues inside. They've been perfectly preserved somehow, which is beyond me." Susan scowled, she didn't like a lack of information. "The carbon date?" Bobby smiled, hugely. "Get this! The entire temple dates to Eight-thousand, two-hundred, and fifty six Before Unification! That places it DIRECTLY at the time of the legend of the God Emperor."

Susan looked at her husband with an arched eyebrow. Fascinating was the only thing that came to mind. She smiled, then looked back at the paper. "Okay, I'll bite. Let's go see the inside."

* * *

Anagonian Archeologists weren't ones to waste time. Whatever talking was done was during work or sleep, nothing else. The same went for the husband and wife teams of Mr. and Mrs. Many. Bobby was a hero of History in his native Province of Luunar. The Northstar Library was full of his accounts in translating Lunarian Language before the time of Unification. Standing at five-feet six-inches, he wasn't an imposing figure. But his cleanly cut brown hair and decent physique gave him the respect he deserved.

Susan was no different. Her accounts were accordingly stored in the Organian Kingdom Library, even going so far as to have books in the Grand Republic Library. She stood an almost equal five-feet nine, with a well-shaped chest and finely tuned physique due to all her out-of-doors work she did. Most people would agree that when you saw the woman with long-black hair, you should stand aside and learn.

Yet when both Many's were in the same place at the same time, which occurred somewhat often these days, it was said to just lay down your tools and let them figure it out. Already their many accomplishments had went into two books, co-written and co-produced. They were quite famous, even more when standing together as a team again.

Bobby led Susan to the entrance of the supposed tomb. They entered through a large twenty-by-sixteen stone doorway, with Imperial Guards standing at both sides in Medieval Armor that could be compared to Demonic. Susan recalled the last Drekamythian mission she had gone on. In the history of the Anagonian Region, no army could match the imposing figure of the Imperial Guardsmen. No man could kill one, or so it was said. Looking up at the stone statues in person gave her a glimpse of just why. With that kind of armor, no wonder no one challenged them.

The long corridor that followed was filled with equally impressive and perfectly preserved Guardsmen, with stone archways leading to various rooms either still in the stages of excavation or being mapped. Susan saw many Archaeologists she knew here. Like old times, she reminded herself with a content sigh.

"Something wrong?" Bobby had heard her sigh, now looking at her. Susan shook her head, "Nothing. It's just so...impressive." Bobby nodded with a chuckle, "I agree. I have never seen a site to preserved or so well-kept. It's almost like something was here to take care of it." Susan smirked, looking at her husband, "Who knows. With the God Emperor supposable here, he might have done it himself."

Now they entered a room, so large and vast it covered at least an acre. The pyramid itself maintained a twelve acre perimeter. It was typical of Drekamythian Design. What kept it from being discovered was the fact of the sands, and time itself. Only recently, by happenstance, had a truck hit the tip of it to discover a structure there. That was twenty years ago. Now, after seeing the outside, so plain and smooth, and the inside that was so well-kept, no one would argue again that the Ancient Drekamythians had indeed conquered the ancient world.

Susan marveled for a few moments at the rune patterns running along the walls. The room itself was at least four stories high, half-oval shaped to the flat stone-walk floor. Preserved paintings lined the ceilings, hundreds of them. Most had the mythical Dragons having some interaction with humans, some even exposing what looked like humans riding the necks of the giant reptilians. In the enter was the image of a man, but it was too far up to see. One could only imagine how such a feat was possible. Looking around, she noted that there were no pillars supporting the oval ceiling. Usually, for something of this size, there would be. But she wasn't in the business of designing buildings, and surmised that it was possible. The only thing about the ceiling that bothered her was how they managed to paint it.

"The ceiling," she began before looking up at the image of the man again, straining. "Yea, Dragons." Bobby looked up as well, smiling. "No fossiles have been found, you know. It's a wonder they were such an intricate part of Drekamythian life in the past." Susan, lost in thought, looked around at the runes. "Maybe they didn't die."

Bobby looked at her puzzled for a moment, then shrugged. Anything was possible. Susan started to walk over to a line of runes, Bobby following. "These are the runes we found about six years ago, when this chamber was excavated. No pathways anywhere else, expect here." Susan nodded, running her hands across the runes when she reached them. "So well preserved indeed!"

Bobby took her enthusiasm as a good sign. "What does it say?" Susan shook her head, "I don't know, just a jumble of words describing events and things. None of it lines up, none of it makes sense. But this-" she pointed to a rune "-means passageway." She looked over at her husband, "Has your team found the tomb yet?" Bobby shook his head, "No. Never been able to." She nodded, "This might be why."

Susan pressed hard against the rune, the small block holding the inscribing going into the wall. The entire chamber rumbled, the center floor that once was empty suddenly split into three sections that folded into the stone floor. Masterful designing, though Bobby as he watched. A few moments later a platform made of pure Drekamythian Titanium Blue rose up. On it was a throne, and on that throne was a man. His Demonic Armor still on, and his helmet resting in his lap.

Both Bobby and Susan gasped in disbelief. The mans face! It was impossible!

* * *

After recovering from the shock, Susan led Bobby over to investigate. They had called a medic in to confirm he wasn't dead. The medic, wide-eyed, shook his head in disbelief too. He was dead.

"He looks like he just went to sleep!" Bobby crossed both his arms across his chest, "I just...it's...it's impossible!"

The medic attempted a chuckle, but failed. "I know, Mr. Many. Were not dreaming, I checked. This is real, and as real as it gets."

Susan, the only one without wide eyes, walked up and stared directly into the mans face. His face was middle-aged, long white hair resting on his armors shoulders and down his back where she couldn't see. Definitely some kind of important military figure, she concluded. Susan looked at the elongated shoulder armor that he wore, crimson black expect for a black tribal design that conformed to the pointed chest plate. Beside the Throne sat a sword, embedded in the Titanium Blue floor that the throne perched upon. It was there she noticed writing.

She knelt to read a tablet with rune writing on it. A few sentences in Drekamythian, but enough to make her own eyes go wide. Sitting before her was the God Emperor himself, somehow well preserved. Bobby knelt beside her, breaking her revelation. "What does it say?"

For a few moments she said nothing, then looking back up at the mans face she stood. "His name is Melkos Unchanos. The tablet proclaims he ruled for three-hundred cycles before ending up like this. When he died, they built this temple, this pyramid, in his honor." She looked at Bobby, "It says that he will return on the night of the Crimson Moon."

"That's tonight," Bobby said. "It only happens every, what, hundred-thousand years?" Susan nodded, "It is a time of celebration for all of Anagonia, past and now present." Bobby smiled, "Think we should stay for it?" Susan smirked, "So far I haven't been let down."

* * *

Bobby and Susan sat outside on the hood of the her Jeep, looking up as the stars shown down with such elegance and beauty. No atmospheric disturbances here. Just pure darkness, only taken by the occasional lamps and camp-fires for the native Drekamythians. Susan gazed at them, noting their celebratory mood. They had found the God Emperor, perfectly preserved, with a full written history inside the now-proclaimed Chamber of Dragons. A new day, a new discovery, and one more book. Susan kissed Bobby again, and they both looked up to see the bright moon reflect the mighty Sun's light.

"I wonder if they're right, the ancient Drekamythians?" Bobby shrugged to Susan, "I don't know, but we'll find out in two minutes."

Every One-Hundred Thousand years, when the Moon was perfectly positioned over Mount Atlas, did a certian event happen that was told time and time again in history. The Moon would turn crimson, to a point where it's light shown as blood on the surface of Anagonia. No one truly knew why, some scientists purposed it was perhaps a solar event. No known atmospheric cause had been calculated to even come near the mathematics and science that was needed to cause the event.

It was said that when this happened, Dragons could be seen flying. Two times in history had it been recorded. Once in an ancient stone tablet in Organus, now here in the Chamber of Dragons. This would be the third. The media and the Government would literally be playing this with a fiddle. It was proclaimed a National Holiday, to be enjoyed and celebrated. Scientists had calculated the exact time and date of the event by the Organus Tablet.

And so they waited, the Team that Discovered History, looking at the moon.

Two minutes later, to the exact second, the Moon started to flash with colors. Everyone around the temple looked up and started with awe. Bobby and Susan held each other close, watching with smiles. A feeling of happiness, of joy, of perfection flowed over both of them. The same could be felt by the Drekamythians and the Scientists. In fact, if one were to record it, everyone in Anagonia had stopped and looked up, feeling exactly how Susan and Bobby felt. It was like the Gods themselves had blessed this day in the name of harmony. Everyone would agree.

Susan pointed, seeing a reptilian figure with wings darting across the now-crimson moon. Bobby just missed it, but saw another one. The light grew brighter, and they made out reflections off what looked like scales. Dragons. Hundreds of them, thousands of them, circling the Crimson Moon. Bobby and Susan kissed then, embracing each other as the overwhelming feeling of joy and happiness led them to tears.

* * *

The moment was broken as an envoy from the Drekamythians ran up screaming in Native Draconic that the man in the temple was awakening. Immediately the Married Team rushed off the jeep and followed the envoy in, running as fast as they could. Nearing the Temple Bobby could swear he felt great gusts of wind. There wasn't supposed to be any tonight. He looked up just in time to see one of the strange reptilian beasts landing on the side of the pyramid.

Something was happening, something huge. Everyone rushed inside the Temple as the winged beasts came to make their perch on or near the Temple. They didn't seem to want to harm the humans, just content to watch the hundred or so people rush into the Temple to escape what they thought was hungry dragons. Susan looked back in time to see them come in, all of them. She concluded that the news of the event had spread quickly.

Minutes later they entered the Chamber of Dragons to see the man still on the throne. The difference now was that a Blood-Dark light seem to engulf him. A stream of light spouted from the top of the oval chamber down to the man. The God Emperor seemed to twitch as Susan came up, with a Medic rushing to stand beside her in disbelief. Slowly, surely, his chest heaved, made known by the armors movements. Fingers moved, and his face seemed to come to life again.

"Dear God, he's not dead." Bobby stared in disbelief also, "He's not dead."

Susan looked to Bobby, then to the Medic, who placed two fingers at the exposed neck. A pulse for sure. The medic almost went about with checking the other vitals when the eyes shot open. They were crimson red, brightly glowing with an intense energy unknown to mankind. Everyone moved back, since now there were about a hundred present looking at the man. The God Emperor gasped in a deep breath, then clutched the thrones arms as his body heaved to life. His head shot up and a light burst from his open mouth to the ceiling. Then, he collapsed, still breathing, but heavily.

The medic, now acting on instinct, check all the vitals. Eyes were opened, pulse checked, and all the other random stuff medics do. Bobby didn't take notice, he was too shocked too. He came closer, leaning down almost to a kneel, and came level to the mans face.

"Melkos Unchanos?"

Then man opened his eyes slowly, looking at Bobby. His iris was blood crimson, with a reptilian slit for retina's. Dragons eyes. The slits turned to a normal human configuration, the iris going a deep blue. He took in a steady breath, raising his gauntlet to rub through his white hair.

"Where am I," came a deep, authoritative voice. It sounded almost like a whisper from here. Maybe because Bobby was still in a state of shock. "What time is this, what age?"

Susan took the initiative and stepped forward, easing Bobby back a bit. "It is Nineteen Forty-two A-U. After the Unification of the Seven Kingdoms." She looked him over, then took in a breath. "Are you the God Emperor Melkos Unchanos?"

The man smirked, then closed his eyes to stretched. He groaned at what seemed like the physical aspect of moving the armor. He tried to make himself stand, but couldn't. Looking directly at the medic he waved him over to help. The medic, and a few other native Drekamythians, responded in kind by assisting him to stand. The man nodded, giving a smile to each one, making sure to recognize them. "This armor is too heavy for me right now," he said in the same tone of voice.

Everyone watched as he went about the process of taking it off. The gauntlets, the shoulder plates, the chest plates, everything. When he was done, with no interruption from anyone, he wore an elegant Drekamythian Clothe garment with leather armor and chain-mail. Bobby looked in disbelief at the weight this man must have to had to carry. If all Imperial Guardsmen wore these series of armor, no wonder no one could kill them.

After stretching again, he looked at Susan, smiling. "I don't know who I am, unfortunately. I just know I'm supposed to be here."

OOC:

Basic image of the armor, closest thing I found to it anyway.

Linkage (http://www.rpgonline.com.br/images/galeria/2_mu_warrior_003.jpg)

Sword looks the same too.

TAG so I can continue where Ze Puppetz left off.

So Three days passed after the reawakening of the supposed God Emperor. The man, now called John Doe, still didn't know his name. He remembered himself being called here for a purpose, but as for the purpose itself he couldn't recall. Susie had led him around the chambers, let him spend some time trying to recall his life or, as she put it, past life. But nothing came. He spoke perfect Ancient Drekamythian, though. He could read even the symbols that Susie couldn't. That was a plus, and a sign of hope that he could be what the tablet showed. Bobby, however, expressed that so far he was just another Drekamythian from the past. Susie concurred after a long conversation with her other half.

When they left the temple, the Crimson moon was gone and it was daylight. No sign of the reptilian dragons that had perched the night before. Time had seemed to go by so fast. Everyone, including the native Drekamythians, expressed awe at how fast it went. Bobby even swore it was just an hour before that the event took place. Alas, science trumped over illogic. The sun shown, the day clear, and the normal flights of B-17B Flying Fortresses making their rounds across the entire Anagonian Republic.

That was then that Bobby and Susie, while helping the then weak Ancient Drekamythian down the steps, saw the Lord Emperor himself with soldiers and infantry dressed in the most sacred of Drekamythian Armor. That was when they all were invited to the Emperor's Palace, and thence taken. That was when Bobby exchanged a look to Susie and knew that their normal plans had been changed. No books, no records, no nothing. They already knew the drill by now.

And so here they sat, in a extravagant room with Drekamythian Crimson Silk draped over a beautiful queen-sized bed. A beautifully craved dresser and desk for their storage and down-time, and a radio for the outside world. They could only wonder where John Doe was right now.

***

Lord Emperor Yuri Agamemnon sat upon his throne, gazing at the reborn Draconian before him. Drekamythians in this time commonly referred to their forefathers as Draconian, for the simple fact that they lived with and shared life besides the mighty Dragons of the Ancient Times. Yuri himself could sense this one was old. All Drekamythians had this sense, every one of them. Yuri smiled down at his son, Havok Agamemnon, and nodded in approval at his custom Battle Armor that had been fitted for him by Yuri's personal Armor Smith. Draknith Blue with a hint of Titanium Red, instead of the usual Titanium Blue used by the Draconians of the past. Well styled, especially for a young lad such as Havok.

His gaze returned to the Draconian, remembering once again his purpose here. Yuri enjoyed telling how Havok would one day rule. But that day was not today, and such truths could not be expressed in court without due process. Now was the time for questions, and answers.

"What is your name, man?" Yuri's voice had a hint of Rudavian Russian in it, telling a sign of his parents. "You come by the Ancient Ways of Rebirth, and you arrive with the blessing of the Dragons! Surely you can remember after such a display of power."

The man, who did not kneel when requested to as a sign of respect, stood his ground with a respectful shake of his head. "I am sorry, Lord Emperor. I do not remember. I cannot even recall anything before this 'rebirth'."

Interesting. The archaeologists had said they found him in the Temple of the Crimson Kings. Surely this was the God Emperor! But, then again, maybe he wasn't. "I see," Yuri put a gauntlet to his beard and stroked it while he thought. "No memories at all?"

"None, Lord Emperor." The man knelt this time, showing truth in the Ancient Ways. Yuri nodded with respect, beckoning him to rise with a simple wave of his hand. "Even for such a lack of history, I do not wish you to bow. You are Draconian, and I should be bowing to you."

The man shook his head, "No Lord Emperor. You rule, I do not. Your People love you, mine if they existed are not here to express such love. I am but one of the forgotten."

Such respect, such honor! Yuri liked this stranger. "I am pleased by this honor, but I cannot accept it! You see, the People I rule over are overjoyed at your appearance. While you say you have no name, they have already given you one."

The man seemed to look closer at the Lord Emperor, standing straighter. "What is that, my Lord?"

"You are called Melkos Unchanos, God Emperor of the Drekamythian Empire." He nodded, with a slight smirk. "That is the name the People have given you."

The man smirked in return, but shook his head. After a few moments, he sighed and nodded. "I am honored, but I am no God."

Yuri really liked this stranger. Honorable and showing respect. All the traits of a General, a Leader, a King. Even if the man didn't remember whom he was, Yuri had now given him the highest honor awarded to any Drekamythian. The respect of the Lord Emperor himself. Yuri sat straight upon his throne and sighed, looking at his son for a few moments. His son did not return the gaze, his dead-set upon the strangers. No wonder he respected the man so much, he had the traits of his son. Looking back, he stood, and the Imperial Guards that were beside his throne came forward and slammed their pikes into the marble floor creating an echo. Yuri waved them off, and they returned to the shadows. Loyal to the end.

"My friend, since you have no name, I shall give you one." His two gauntlets came together, with a slight bow of his head as he stepped down the marble steps towards the stranger. "As Lord Emperor of the Imperial Drekamythian Empire, I now Decree the following."

The man stood at attention. Yuri noticed it was the way of the Guard, and let a slight yet unseen smile escape his stern face. Out of the Throne Rooms shadows came a man in Leather-scaled armor, holding some kind of clipboard with paper. In his hand a Royal Imperial Eagle feather with ink-line at the end. He knelt respectfully, then stood, now writing everything that transpired.

"I, Lord Emperor Yuri Agamemnon, King over the Realm of Dragons, Sovereign Leader of the Drekamythian People, do hereby-" he unshethed his Imperial Sword, making an arch to place it on the mans shoulder, who then knelt and bowed his head "-with Honor, Respect, and utmost Duty, with recognition that the Dragons themselves came to your rebirth, with Honor that your ways are of Good, and with Respect that you desire nothing of recognition for yourself, therefore Knight you in the name of the first Dragon of the Seventh Rebirth, therefore knight you in the name of the name of the Sovereign Lord Emperor of the second age, therefore Knight you in the name of the first Demon Knight of the first age."

A silent hush as the man took in the words. He knew the meaning. Every knighting dealt with a rebirth, a new name, a new identity's. He didn't know how he knew, he just did. It was the highest honor, even for the People. All he knew now, all he felt, was that whatever purpose he had changed forever from this moment forth. He took in a breath, awaiting his new, true name, feeling the Lord Emperors sword weighted on his shoulder, then the next, as he spoke.

"I, Lord Emperor Yuri Agamemnon, do hereby Rebirth your soul into the new name of Ramaiel Judus Nemesos." Yuri finished the Sword Honor, and beckoned him to rise. The man did, and stood before the Lord Emperor. Yuri placed a hand on his shoulder, and actually smiled. "Now you have a name, and now your purpose is clear. Arise and stand firm, First Knight of the Dragon Clan, for you have given our Nation purpose."

Ramaiel understood. He was the first, and hopefully not the last, of the new clan of People now created and named by the Lord Emperor himself. He didn't know how he understood, but he did. He was Leader of the Dragon Knights, founded as a Clan by the Lord Emperor, and blessed with purpose to continue. Obviously the Lord Emperor wanted to recreate the Demon Knights, but he would not dishonor their sacred name by recreating them without a proper heir. Again, how he understood was beyond him.

He knew now his name, he knew now his purpose. Ramaiel gave a proper bow of respect, and retrieved his stance of attention with a nod. "I thank thee, Lord Emperor, for bringing purpose into my life."

"No, Imperial Knight. I thank you for bringing purpose into mine." The smile remained with Yuri, and he waved a hand towards an exit. "My Palace is your palace. Go, train and forge your Clans honor. Bring my decree your best."

With another bow, Ramaiel left. The Lord Emperor gazing at his son, who now returned it. Havok gave a nod of approval, then went to leave himself. The scribe left afterward with a respectful bow. Yuri, all alone, returned to his throne, sitting. Perhaps he had been to quick, or misunderstand and went beyond his bounds. Yet what he did felt right by the Gods themselves. Inside his soul, he felt harmony once again. He felt peace. He felt he led a man to his destiny.

Ramaiel Judus Nemesos.

Even though he still had no memory, nor had any recollection of his real name, Ramaiel accepted his role as the Leader and Heir to the first Dragon Clan. So many things had transpired in so less of days that his mind could hardly keep up. First his awakening, or his rebirth, at the Temple. Then being taken to the Lord Emperors Palace, then being given a new name, and now. Now, he just stood in the shower, taking in the warmth. It was all too much.

Ramaiel stroked both hands through his white hair, making sure to get the oil out. Strange how he hadn't noticed most of the scars on his body before. He knew, somehow, that it wasn't like him to forget. Maybe something had happened. Something did happen, he corrected himself. He just didn't know what.

After finishing his well-deserved shower, he placed a towel around his waist and looked at himself in the mirror. The first thing that struck him was that his hair was silver, and not white. Was he the only one that noticed this? He placed a finger on a scar on his forehead, feeling no pain from it. An old battle scar, perhaps. Although his eyes, he finally noticed, weren't their normal dark red.

He stopped for a moment. How did he know that? He shook his head, confused.

Taking his time drying up and taking care of hygiene, Ramaiel dressed in the clothes provided by the Palace Servants. A uniform of some kind, black with red stripes down the middle where the buttons of the coat came together. A mixture of gold, red, and black. He knew it to be a symbol of authority. He sighed, he was getting tired of knowing stuff and not knowing how he knew it.

Taking one last look in the mirror he noted he stood about five-feet eleven-inches. His shoulders were broad, more to make way for the armor he wore. His silver hair, he corrected himself by his discovery, went down to shoulder-height and looked well maintained. He smiled, and noted his canine teeth were longer than normal humans. After a few moments of thought, feeling satisfied, he left his personal bathroom and went to his extravagant bedroom.

He looked it over again. A single king-sized bed with silk-everything. A dresser that stood easily as tall as he did, now containing his past battle armor/ His sword was held in a case beside the dresser, along with a few weapons that he didn't recognize. The Lord Emperor had told him they were a gift, and were used by men today to do combat. Somewhere inside him a sigh had came through, his thoughts to how men left honor so quickly. Besides the dresser and case, there was a desk with a lamp, paper, and pen for personal writings. A telephone, as one Imperial Servant described it, sat on the desk also. He had inquired about it and discovered that it sent voice over a line to another person very far away.

How technology advanced, he shook his head.

The walls were painted a dull-gray to not hurt the eyes. The ceiling having a fan on it with light in the middle, and the floor a crimson red carpet. A nightstand on both sides of his bed, with the addition of an window, finished the scene nicely.

Looking at the foot of his bed he saw a chest, which he hadn't noticed before. He went over and carefully opened it, discovering an Imperial Sabre with belt. He smiled, how the Lord Emperor knew proper attire. Placing this around his belt, and standing beside the mirror once again, he decided he looked well enough. He left the room and headed down the hallway. His black dress shoes finishing his attire off nicely, especially since he noticed the many looks he got from passersby.

Chapter 1: The Beginning of Rebirth

Bobby and Susie had graciously accepted the week-long stay at the Imperial Palace, enjoying the quiet nights and the elegant dinners with Imperial Leaders. They had participated in Imperial Rites, walked in the Imperial Gardens, and engaged in sword-fighting practice with a few welcoming Imperial Guardsman. Imperial was making their heads spin, the word resounding end over end. So after enjoying the nice distraction they had left for other ventures, all the while forgetting almost completely their previous encounter with the Reborn Emperor.

"Shit," said Susie as she sat in the passenger seat of Bobby's transport truck. It had been a few days since they left, and already they were engaged in an excavation of another site. "I think we forgot something."

Bobby looked at his notepad, shaking his head. "No, we got everything checked." He was some sort of perfectionist, Susie had found out. Always cataloging everything, always rechecking. If he had been enlisted in the Army, they would have loved him. "We got everything."

"I know that!" She "hmpfed" and crossed her arms, looking out the open window. "I'm serious, Bob...we forgot something."

For another hour they sat in silence, then when it hit them they both looked at each other and shouted, "The Emperor!!!"

***

Ramaiel had just finished the routine walk around the court when he witnessed a B-17 fly over, obviously to the Imperial Airfield some miles away. These new technologies that no memory knew, in which he felt for a fact that this was something new, inspired him to wonder what it would be like to fly one. Having seen something you haven't seen before is rather interesting, especially since you only feel you know the Dark Ages. With only feelings themselves to guide him, Ramaiel somehow knew this was something of this Age, and not the age his memories and reflexes kept going back to.

Keeping the thought to himself he wondered around the Palace again, aimlessly this time, going about greeting people and introducing himself to the new ones. It seemed that most people never called him Melkos, or whatever the name that woman had called him when he woke. Everyone called him Ramaiel Judus Nemesos of the Dragon Clan, or just Lord Ramaiel, or Ramaiel. Nothing of a fantasy nature and no hint that anyone worshiped him. He liked it, in all actuality. This lack of attention gave him freedom, and something from his past told him it was right. And with that feeling, he started becoming someone new.

It was then that after introducing himself to someone called "Frunty", that he ran into an Imperial General. From the looks of his uniform he looked like someone from the Republic Navy, and from the look on his face whatever he had been to before made him agitated. The General seemed to recognize him instantly and stop him, giving a respectful tap on the shoulder to signify interest in conversation.

"Yes?" Ramaiel turned to meet the respect given. "How may I help you?"

"I saw you looking at that bomber, Lord Ramaiel. You looked like you wanted it." The General had a harsh voice, as if worn by yelling too much. Ramaiel tilted his head a bit and gave a confused look. "Do I know you?" The General smirked, extending a hand which Ramaiel took. "I'm Admiral Gurnstan, Sixth Fleet Republic Navy." Ramaiel introduced himself per procedure and let the now-corrected Admiral continue. "I think I can help you explore this new world a bit more than the Airforce could. Come see me tomorrow in the Imperial Court, we'll talk then."

Before Ramaiel could reply the Admiral left, going about his business with the same look as before. Ramaiel stood there for a moment, then continued on. If this person could help him understand this new world better, he supposed he could take the offer.