NationStates Jolt Archive

Empress Jia Li has taken off, and it's probably my fault. Ji-ji found out about my priest training and she was estatic - that is until the Council of Twelve refused to make me a priest. In order to be ordained as a priest, all twelve of the Council members must agree. Many of them are attached to the old order and hate Jia Li's progressive stance. It seems that marrying me would be the last straw.

Jia Li's father, Ashram, is one of the priests on the Council. He voted for me, but that wasn't enough for Ji-ji. She wanted him to overturn the authority of the Council, which he could, but in turn, they could overturn him. So you see the problem.

I'm not sure how the argument went from there because I left to give them privacy. When I came back, she was crying and Priest Ashram was no where in sight. After talking to Ji-ji for a bit, she told me to leave her alone. When I came back after another half-hour, she was gone.

I searched the palace and came up with nothing. No one saw her even leave her room.

My katana is missing. She must have taken it from me when I tried to comfort her. I know this because she is the ONLY one who has ever been able to draw the katana without me knowing. This is the only object we know she has for sure. None of her clothes are missing and this includes the dress she was wearing today. The mithril, which I had sewn secretly into it, had been ripped out, so I hope that she took it with her.

I immediately sent out the foxwomen to find her, but they too have turned up nothing. This leads me to believe someone is helping her, quite possibly one of the foxwomen.

I'm not sure what she's trying to accomplish by running away like this. In fact, this is entirely out of character for her, but at least she had the good sense to be armed.

I believe she may be heading to Elvenwood or Fenwick to hook up with allies there and then transport herself to another country not on our border. I have closed the airports in the hopes of stopping her, but she may have already escaped that way.

Please, if you see any Demonessian woman, stop her. Most Demonessians look the same to outsiders, but Jia Li has elven ears. She carries herself in a regal manner, and she'll be carrying a katana marked with the High Guard's symbol. She should also have a ring bearing Demoness' royal seal, but she may have taken it off.

In the mean time, Priest Ashram is taking care of state affairs while I head up international issues and the search for my- our beloved Empress. Others are also scrambling to cover all the jobs that Jia Li does.

Pray for her safety.

Xel Nedia, High Guard, Advisor, and Priest-in-Training
Demoness - the Empress and her people are one

This is truly terrible indeed! :shock:
I will send my finest catgirl ninjas to search for her. They will turn the entire region upside-down searching for her. I can also send some abroad to search throughout your region.

Bah. Women. :?

~Holy Emperor Vladimir

Sounds to me that she went to go assassinate some of the priest council members, with mithril wire and a katana

Jia Li pulled the hood down tighter around her face as she passed the policemen. She was far from Demoness by now, but she had no doubt that Xel had sent an APB through the international channels.

Xel was a very capable man. She was very confident he would be able to handle running the country while organizing the search for her. He would not find her, of course, until she let him. Megumi the foxwoman would cover her tracks until her point was proven.

This is indeed disturbing news. However, as it is your empress that is missing, the implication is that she wishes to be- and we must respect her sovereign power in this matter. As such, if she turns up within our borders, we will feel responsible for not bringing about her return if she doesn't wish it...

As such, if she turns up within our borders, we will feel responsible for not bringing about her return if she doesn't wish it...

I am mainly concerned about her safety. If you find her, force her to communicate with us. That's all I ask. I'd love it if she came home, but when she's determined, she's impossible.

Xel Nedia, High Guard, Advisor, and Priest-in-Training
Demoness - the Empress and her people are one

If located within our borders, she will be granted safe passage, but I'm afraid that I would have to respect her wish for anonymity if she so desired.

I do wish to say to Jia Li, if she may be somehow hearing this, that the lush forests of Thud are a pleasant place to spend time in peace and thoughtful solitude. If you find your way to our land, I guarantee you time to ponder your troubles without interference or intrusion.

Pluto Nimbus
Regent of Thud

Should your Empress enter our borders, we will approach her and make every attempt to convince her to communicate with you as you have requested. However, being that she is an Empress, we can hardly use force to compel her to do anything that she does not wish to do (and in fact we would likely be obliged to render her whatever aid she requested). In any case, we will try our best.

-Queen Meliadoul of Angphlem

If you find her, force her to communicate with us. That's all I ask.

I understand your concern, and would advise her to send a message to you informing you of her well-being... But I would not force her to do so. Not only would it not be right, but I also wouldn't want to get on her bad side.

*sigh* Why even bother with a search? She seems a sensible sort, so I'm sure she has excellent reasons for her actions. I'm certain that she'll turn up when she's ready to. There isn't a doubt in my mind that she'll be perfectly all right. I imagine that she's made of tougher stuff than many would give her credit for. Though I can't approve of this sudden vanishing act, I will say again that I'm certain she has good reasons and a good purpose in mind. I for one, give her my full support. Although it's really none of my business or concern. If there's anything we hold sacred in Estavia, it is minding your own business, followed closely by keeping your mouth shut. Best of luck to you all, whatever your goals.
-Mordred Avernal, High Prince of Estavia

Estavia,

I am very aware of her capabilities. She was trained, after all, to defend herself if the guard ever failed, Mother forbid. I am concerned for all her well-being, such as her state of mind or why she would pull a vanishing act.

Perhaps "force" was not the right wording, but I would feel a lot better knowing she was safe. This is insane action and I don't know what she's trying to accomplish here!

Xel Nedia, High Guard, Advisor, and Priest-in-Training
Demoness - the Empress and her people are one

Advisor Nedia, it occurs to me that while you may not know what your Empress is up to, chances are she does. ^_~

Queen Meliadoul of Angphlem

Chief Diplomat's office, Ravenspire...

Alaric wearily set the communique down on the surface of the desk, where it joined a small but growing pile of its kin. One hand rubbed at his temple, then combed through his hair as his head sank forward. He had reached a decision. "Sakura. Find her."

"Already on it." The foxgirl's slightly pointed teeth flashed in a wide grin. "I thought you'd want more information, so I've got us ready."

The Chief Diplomat shook his head. "No... just you. This isn't a manhunt. And she's a friend."

"Hm." Smile faltering, Sakura eyed Alaric. "You don't want us to return her?" she hazarded at last.

"No." The man leaned forward, fingers steepling on his desk. "Not unless she wants to be returned, at least."

"Ah. Then...?"

"Do what she asks. Offer her asylum, if she wants it... you know how to get her into the country discreetly. But I'm not sure that's what she's looking for..." He trailed off, staring ahead into space, unseeing, as he often did when lost in thought. "At any rate, help her if you can. Go. I'll offer a statement of support to Demoness. Then..."

Coming back to earth, he chuckled as he realized he was the only person still in the room. "Typical..."

The screen switches on showing the grim face of Jia Li. She lowers the black hood of the cloak she's wearing. Xel's katana is across her lap. A foxwoman stands behind her with arms crossed.

"Attention all nations, especially Xel:

"I appreciate your concern, but I really must insist that you cease all efforts to find me. Right now, Emperor Ned of Fenwick has been so gracious as to let me use his communications channel, but I will soon be leaving Fenwick.

"Xel, give up the search. I will come home when I deem it necessary. I am leaving the nation in your capable hands and the hands of that greedy, backwards Council. If anything, the country will be run better without me.

"All other countries, please stop looking for me. You will not find me."

With that, the screen shuts off again.

To the country of Demoness-

The NWO has caught a suspicious looking lady just past our border gaurd. This woman fits the description of the Empress Jai Li from the Dominant Personalities topic. This lady was found in a tavern in the border town of Redding. She was easily noticed after purchasing the most exspensive liqour in the whole tavern, the 50 year aged Jack. We are not assured this is the Empress but we will gladly turn her over the Demoness authorities if asked.

Gabriel sighed softly, reading the dispatch from Demoness. This wasn't what the world needed on Christmas... but then again, one must always follow their heart, ESPECIALLY on Holy days. Perhaps Jia Li was just doing exactly that.

He pressed the comm button on his desk, "Kallana... send this dispatch to all of the NSDF and the local police forces... there is a Demonessian woman who may have fled her nation seeking asylum. If you are to see her, please approach her in a friendly manner and let her know that her presense in the Nisan Cathedral would be appreciated. Make no move to apprehend her or detain her. Let her be. She resembles the description I am entering now..."

He entered in Jia Li's description as best he could remember it from her viscom transmissions, as well as the information Xel had left.

"... Remember, make no hostile moves toward her. If found, tell her that she is a guest of the Holy Empire of Nisan, and that if she wishes to talk to someone, that the Holy Father is willing to lend a compassionate ear."

He cut the commlink, sighing. "... Poor girl. All she wants to do is love. My prayers are with you, Empress... wherever you are."

It seems you have located the true empress. This false will released.

See? No cause for worry. She's perfectly fine. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a long absent runaway of my own to welcome home.
-Mordred Avernal, High Prince of Estavia

In his Lavish Mountain Retreat the Vice-Regent ponders...
If I switch the satellite feed to the spectrographic sensors...
...and makes a phone call.

Haywood J. Blomie: Boox, you there? I need to know the spectrographic signature of mithril.
Seymour Boox: Mithril?
HJB: Mithril.
SB: I can call up some contacts and find it for you, sir, but it'll take some time.
HJB: Do it. And call me back the second you have it.
SB: ... Sir, didn't Jia Li just make an announcement to cease search for her?
HJB: I'm not doing it as a representative of Thud, but as an individual. Besides which, you forget I'm an @$$#*!e. I don't want to locate her in order to tell everyone where she is. I just want to know where the entertainment value is. :wink:

The civilian techie ran up the stairs and barged into the office, printouts still warm from the printer.

"Sir, we've been monitoring transmissions on the diplomatic channels, and we've found this. The Demoness Empress has recently been reported missing; a woman matching her description has been found by NWO authorities."

The response came swiftly. "Alert our intelligence assets in the area. Full mobilization. Break her out of prison if necessary, and bring her to the Polynesian Confederacy for questioning. If the woman they found wasn't her, put our agents worldwide on alert. Tell them to work all their sources. We will find this woman, and find out what she knows. Treat her with discretion; she is a powerful and influential world leader."

Location: President's Mansion, New Nagema, Meganekkonia

President Kim, V.P. Furukawa (in unison): Are you surprised by this? No, me neither.

Pres. Kim: Well, this is... gah... you know, life was easier when we just dealt with evil overlords and the occasional ornery invader.

V.P. Furukawa: Ah, the good old days, before we were called to our civic duty... you know, I still have my guns, we COULD just...

Pres. Kim: *glares at Yuki*

V.P. Furukawa: *clears throat* In any case, I still think she should have just slapped the old perverts.

Pres. Kim: ... I don't think that would have solved anything.

V.P. Furukawa: In any case, what do we do?

Pres. Kim: The only thing we CAN do...

V.P. Furukawa: *raises an eyebrow* Ahhh, gotcha. Like that time, with the princess, right?

Pres. Kim: *nods back* Yeah, now here's what we need to do...

*Vladimir nods slowly, turning to his chief military advisor*

"Call off the search. I guess. Damn woman."

*The advisor nods accordingly, walking out of the Imperial palace*

"Too bad she didn't seek refuge here... I could have shown her some good old-fashioned Raevyn hospitality :wink:"

~Holy Emperor Vladimir

Drinking? I doubt that's her, but will you send a picture to verify if she is still in your custody?

Jia Li, I'm sure you'll read this soon. I am glad you're safe, but will you please tell me why you're gone? What happened between you and Ashram?

Xel Nedia, High Guard, Advisor, and Priest-in-Training
Demoness - the Empress and her people are one

It suprised the Leader, the 'Fuher' some would say, to hear of this news so late.

Then again, this nation of Xen is remote, and only recently decided to open channels with other nations in a planet forum.

"And discussing with Mr. Nedia about those exchanges... How could I not see this?" questioned Sovy.

He leaned back into his throne, the desk infront of him only lit with a table lamp. Information and pictures whizzed upwards on the flatscreen monitor infront of him. Folding the flatscreen monitor back down, which melded back into the tabletop, he called for his Internal Security Minister.

The red Drakon, wearing a military uniform was about to speak out in inititive, but whatever he was going to ask was cut short by Sovy.

"Don't bother finding her. We both know that she would be found in our nation in a matter of seconds, unless she fled to the Jungles to the north. Humans stick out like a sore claw. Not to mention, this international matter may not be the best thing to step into.

But, although this should go without say, if she is found, give her a safe haven until we have figured out what to do with her."

The Minister nods to Leader Kurosei, and steps back, and out of the dark office to relay the orders.

Our police and internal security forces have been instructed to keep an eye out for the Empress. However, they will take no active part in the search, as she requested.

If the Empress is, indeed, found inside our borders, she will be given whatever asylum or protection she requests. However, she will not be forced to return or communicate in any way, and will only do so if she wishes.

I wish for nothing but her wellbeing and her safe return home...whenever that may come.

Jia Li stormed off Fenwick's private chopper. She turned, bowed, and thanked the pilots before she left.

When she last monitored the international channels, nearly every nation had ignored her request. Earlier, she was sure she was being followed and sent Megumi to intercept their stalker.

Jia Li had several advantages as far as she was concerned. No one knew where she was; to most people, Demonessians all looked the same and she had covered up her one distinctive feature. She had mithril armor to protect her and Xel's katana to defend herself, if necessary. Best of all, she had Megumi to cover her tracks or set false trails.

Xel's katana was safely hidden away under her long black cloak. She lowered her hood to lower suspicion as she entered the capitol city of Meganekkonia.

I suppose controversially, the Empress is not in the right mind to leave the luxury she grew in... within 20,000 nations finding a loyal blood isn't a easy job. Rome wasn't built in one day...

Haha... the Empress and her people are one... why didn't the people disappear?

I don't like this one bit. *sigh* And this doesn't bother you at all?
-Reynard Vadasz, Estavian Prime Minister


Not particularly. Should it?
-Mordred Avernal, High Prince of Estavia


You're damn right it should. Instability in a prominent nation is bad for everyone. Wars have been started for less. Why in God's name are you so calm?
-Reynard Vadasz, Estavian Prime Minister


You shouldn't worry so much. Jia Li is perfectly capable of taking care of herself. Demoness is not going to go up in flames if she isn't there for a while. This little drama will play itself out soon enough. Everyone's favorite empress will be just fine and her country is in good hands. This little crisis hardly threatens Estavia in any way and it really isn't our problem. So stop fretting, you'll make your hair turn grey. As to why I'm in such a good mood, Cyrus is coming home tonight.
-Mordred Avernal, High Prince of Estavia


Cyrus?
-Reynard Vadasz, Estavian Prime Minister


Cyrus.
-Mordred Avernal, High Prince of Estavia


So, you're happy why?
-Reynard Vadasz, Estavian Prime Minister


One should always strive to spend the holidays with family. ~smiles darkly~ Besides, seeing my little brother always puts me in high spirits. In fact, I think I'll go wait for him now. Continue monitoring the Demoness situation if it amuses you, Reynard. We'll speak again later. ~walks off~
-Mordred Avernal, High Prince of Estavia


~sits in the dark and speaks to himself~ High spirits? Like the time you almost drowned him when he was eight? Or when you locked him in that closet for two days? Or perhaps that riding "accident" that nearly killed him? *smirk* Yes, I suppose Cyrus does tend to brighten your day a bit.
-Reynard Vadasz, Estavian Prime Minister

I suppose controversially, the Empress is not in the right mind to leave the luxury she grew in... within 20,000 nations finding a loyal blood isn't a easy job. Rome wasn't built in one day...

Haha... the Empress and her people are one... why didn't the people disappear?

It's not literal. It means that they come from the same blood: Mother Demoness, except the Empress comes from Daughter Demoness and the people literally have Mother's blood in them.

I'm not sure what you mean by Jia Li not being in the right mind to leave luxury. Are you insinuating she can't take care of herself? :evil:

Xel Nedia, High Guard, Advisor, and Priest-in-Training
Demoness - the Empress and her people are one

The United Gimps is rather busy with the nearing completion of our first intersteller Model 396 "Cyclone Fletcher", but would like to offer any assistance it can.

I suppose, in this case, that is nothing. I do, however wish Demoness speedy recovery of its Empress.

--Gimpious Anorhyanda
Watching over the United Gimps

The Leader Kurosei steps into the light.

"I believe he is saying that the Emperess, Jia Li, is crazy."

The drakonic form steps back into the darkness.

- Emperor Sovy Kurosei

OOC: Blah, I would have gotten more offended by that "The Empress and her people are one... why didn't the people disappear" remark, but thats just me.

The Leader Kurosei steps into the light.

"I believe he is saying that the Emperess, Jia Li, is crazy."

The drakonic form steps back into the darkness.

- Emperor Sovy Kurosei

OOC: Blah, I would have gotten more offended by that "The Empress and her people are one... why didn't the people disappear" remark, but thats just me.

::pause:: ^_^;

Crazy, no. Unstable, possibly. Dammit, but she's still able to muster support from whomever's helping her.

Update: One of our foxwomen is reportedly on Jia Li's trail.

Xel Nedia, High Guard, Advisor, and Priest-in-Training
Demoness - the Empress and her people are one

OOC: Eh, after that stupid signature got us into the Great Nations War... Yeah. Honestly, I don't understand the logic behind the people disappearing. It's not like Jia Li's dead or something...

OOC:

Great Nations War? Never heard of it. Care to fill me in on it?

OOC:

Great Nations War? Never heard of it. Care to fill me in on it?

OOC: The short of it: Nisan gave that name to the war against Akbar. The relavance of my signature is this: killing an ethnic Demonessian is an act of war because of aforementioned explanations.

I'm not sure who was hotter, Jai, or the foxwoman... I mean... uh...

I have no idea where she is... *ahem*

-
Emperor Ned
USSF
The Ressurected Soviet Union

I'm not sure who was hotter, Jai, or the foxwoman... I mean... uh...

I have no idea where she is... *ahem*

-
Emperor Ned
USSF
The Ressurected Soviet Union

::glare:: You better not have touched her...

At least she's safe. Is she still there? Intelligence says she's not.

Xel Nedia, High Guard, Advisor, and Priest-in-Training
Demoness - the Empress and her people are one

OOC: Pfft! Checking out other women, ne?

One must be concerned for the safety of a head of state who's intent is to avoid her own supporters. In the hands of a certain few nations she might be held in order to arrive at some political advantage by ransom. If she appears in Siletzia, she will be guaruanteed safe passage.

Ambassador Justin Lindron
Holy Empire of Siletzia

At least she's safe. Is she still there? Intelligence says she's not.

Relax, Xel. Your intel's right; she's not there.

I'll skip the usual flowery diplomatic speeches and just offer our condolences. And if it eases your mind at all, we've got our best woman on the job now.

Alaric Morgannan
Chief Diplomat, Ravenspire

The Queendom of Athair offers its lands as a refuge for the wayward Empress. If she so desires to grace our lands with her company. No questions will be asked. No one here will notice a stranger or two in our land. The Jedi keep the peace for everyone no matter who they are.


Her Royal Majesty Phenicia
Queen elect of Athair

Location: Somewhere in New Negema, Meganekkonia

President Kim: Empre... Jia Li. It is an honor to finally meet you in person. *bows, then takes her hand and kisses the back of it* Please, follow me.

Empress Jia Li: I am honored as well. It is nice to finally meet you, Pocky. Please, lead the way.

*Pres. Kim leads the Empress into an unmarked, relatively plain office building*

Pres. Kim: Empress Jia Li of Demoness, this is my Vice President, Yukina Furukawa.

*V.P. Furukawa bows to the Empress, who returns the bow in kind*

Empress Jia Li: It is a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Vice President.

V.P. Furukawa: *smiling* Please, call me Yuki. All of my friends do.

Empress Jia Li: *smiling* Very well, then. It's nice to meet you, Yuki.

*all three people sit down at a plain table, decked out with a pitcher of water and some glasses; Pres. Kim pours three glasses of water, and hands one to the Empress, then one to the V.P.*

Pres. Kim: So, how long can you stay? With the population of Meganekkonia being over 75% female, it would be very easy to conceal your presence here for a long time.

Empress Jia Li: *takes a sip of water* Not very long, I'm afraid. I feel it would be best for me to keep moving, to avoid lingering too long in one place. With all of the various people looking for me, it seems like the best plan.

*both the President and the V.P. nod*

Pres. Kim: Very well, then. In that case, all I can do is this - give you access to our latest aerospace technology. It is a small shuttle of sorts, but it is capable of just reaching Mach 5 at maximum speed, as well as being equipped with a radar cloak. Consider it yours until this all blows over.

Empress Jia Li: Oh, no, I couldn't possibly-

V.P. Furukawa: I suggest you accept, your highness; Rich doesn't take "no" for an answer in situations like this. *grin*

Empress Jia Li: Very well, then. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your generosity and your friendship. *smile*

Pres. Kim: *blushing* Err, think nothing of it, Jia Li. I'm just helping out a friend is all. *short, embarassed pause* Now, you'll need a pilot for this, so I've assigned one to you. She and I will-

V.P. Furukawa: Oh, no, Rich. You are NOT going.

Pres. Kim: Listen, I am NOT going to sit here and let a friend be hunted to the ends of the world with only one other person to travel with (with no offense intended to your companion, of course). You can handle things here while I'm gone, alright? Now, as I was sayin*POW!*

*THUD*

Empress Jia Li: Oh my.

V.P. Fur... Yuki: He'll be alright, I've been doing that to him for years. Come on, let's get to the airport. He's going to be MIGHTY annoyed at me for this when he comes to.

Empress Jia Li: Very well, then. But why did you knock him out?

Yuki: Well, for one, he needs to stay here in case the other big thing turns ugly, you know which one. Secondly, we can't afford to spare an experienced pilot in case the other big thing turns ugly. I can fly the LENS-3 as well as anyone in our air force.

*for a moment, Yuki checks inside of her business jacket for something, smiles, and pats something metallic just underneath both of her arms*

Empress Jia Li: Ahh, I see.

Yuki: AND because I've been needing to get out. Being the V.P. is nice, but it's kind of boring. *snicker*

Empress Jia Li: *snicker* I think I can understand that.

*Yuki leaves a note on the President's chest, then leads Jia Li out of the building*

Yuki: Once you're ready to go, we can head anywhere you need - if you'd like to stay for a bit, I know where we can go to hide from everyone... including Rich.

Empress Jia Li: Very well. Shall we?

Yuki: Let's shall.

*as the two women step out of the room, Jia Li turns and whispers, "Sorry..." As they head down the hall, Yuki's voice can be heard saying, "By the way, do you know any cute, smart, and slightly bookish women? We need to get that boy a girlfriend..."*

*a few minutes later*

Pres. Kim: (@-@) Oh God, my head... what the... Yuki...? Jia Li...? YUKIIII!!!!!

--

OOC: If I wrote you wrong, I apologize... ^_^;

If the Empress Jia Li requests asylum within the borders of the Federation, her request will be granted. If she even steps foot into our borders seeking such aid, rest assured she'll be safe, as the Federation citizen/national animal Great Wyrm Gold Dragon Velus and his brood will protect her with furious rebuke should anyone try to harm her or take her against her will within our borders.

Currently, however, she is not within our borders, nor do we expect her within our borders at anytime. The Federation just wishes to announce, should she seek refuge in any nation throughout this world, she may find it here. Concerns about her safety within the borders of Xalanzian will be at rest, knowing that Great Wyrm Velus and his brood are natural defenders of the oppressed, the weary, and the oppressed.

The Federation would also like to express its stance that, in the instance the Empress of Demoness requests asylum within our borders, we will promptly advise her to open channels of communications with her nation, in order to establish a peaceful concord between the Federation and Demoness. We do not wish to become involved in any military conflicts, and rest assured we will not tolerate any such aggressive actions taken towards our nation should she seek such asylum within our borders.

The Federation is fully aware of the religious formalities of Demoness, as well, and we will not interfere in such matters.

The Federation's position is finalalized on these matters of the disappearance of the Empress Jia Li of Demoness.

Superior President Outworld, Federation of Xalanzia.

Chief Diplomat's office, Ravenspire

Returning to his office, Alaric sighed. True, he hadn't technically lied; Sakura was the best ninja in Ravenspire today, maybe the best ever. And she was on the job. It was just that the job wasn't to bring Jia Li home.

Still, it felt like lying, and he had to do quite enough of that already, without deceiving Ravenspire's friends as well. Maybe this job was starting to get to him. Maybe he should challenge Kyria or Loryn, next election...

He glanced over a coded communique from Sakura. Megumi, eh? He hadn't realized she'd been among the emigrees. And so loyal already. It seemed Jia Li was every bit the ruler he'd hoped. She'd chosen her escort well, too.

After burning the document, he sat down behind his desk and stared at the awaiting paperwork. No sense in transmitting anything to Sakura; it would only draw attention. He'd trust to her discretion and hope Jia Li received her well. Although, at the rate the empress was moving around, that could take some time...

Well, there was nothing more he could do about it without acting counter to her wishes, and he wasn't about to do that. Well, no more so, anyway - but it wouldn't hurt to remind her she had friends. She could probably use the support.

Meanwhile, he had paperwork to attend to.

OOC: You did fine. ^_^

IC:

The screen flicks on again, showing Jia Li minus the cloak. She is indeed wearing mithril under a black leather suit (as seen in most spy movies). It is obvious she is on a small plane, but the darkness conceals all else. She traces her finger up and down the katana's blade as she speaks.

"Xel, I know you won't give up, but you really should. Megumi caught one of our foxwomen spies and left her at our embassy in Meganekkonia. She is unconscious, but otherwise unharmed."

She looks directly at the screen.

"I have heard people question my sanity, but I assure you that there is a method to my madness. I am still legally sane or Megumi would have dragged me back to Demoness. I have not had another stress breakdown, either, Xel.

"Take this time to consider Demoness' heirarchy and your place in it. You are a slave to the system, as am I, but the system needs to be changed and the old order torn down. I am not suggesting we forget our roots, but we must think of why these traditions exist: to give the priests and myself absolute power over the people. It must be stopped.

"To the nations that have offered me asylum: thank you. I may or may not need it. I am quite content with what my friends have provided me with.

"To the nations that seek to help Xel: I thank you for your concern, but I really must insist that you stop searching. I will be found when and only when I want to be.

"Demoness, I will return to you when my point is made."

The screen goes black again.

The Emperor sends his extreme condolences. If she is located within our borders, we will attempt to capture her and return her immediately. However, the Emperor has suggested that you not force her to stay.

Nevertheless, the Emperor, a man with a huge sense of sovereign responsibility, believes that it is HER RESPONSIBILITY, as an empress, to at least supply her people with reasons for her departure. To that end and to that end alone, will she be returned. Any further consequences of this action are not our intent.

--Imperial Envoy

*sigh* I suppose it really isn't our problem. How about that? Mordred was right. *smirk* Pretty little wretch.
-Reynard Vadasz, Estavian Prime Minister

Location: Medical Wing, Presidential Mansion, New Nagema, Meganekkonia

President Kim: *rubs his jaw* I swear, this is the LAST time I let Yuki sucker punch me.

Minister of Science, Technology and Information Jahena: *giggling* That's what you've said the last thirty or so times.

Pres. Kim: In any case, at least Jia Li is in good hands. If anything happens, Yuki can punch the threat in the jaw... ow.

M.S.T.I. Jahena: Well, they're in the LENS-3, our newest stealth transport. They should be fine, wherever they are...

--

Location: Inside the LENS-3, Somewhere, The World

Yuki: Oh, your highness, please take this.

*Yuki hands Jia Li a backpack, which contains several pairs of stage glasses and two dresses*

Yuki: In case we need to disguise you and Megumi. *smiles*

Only at such a request for asylum shall we grant it as necessary. The Federation only wishes to state that should the Empress Jia Li step foot onto sovereign Xalanzian soil, she will in no way be harmed, as the Federation has an extensive protection force for such national dignitaries.

Not to mention the Gold Dragon citizens which inhabit our lands will surely provide their services should the need arise.

Seeing that the Empress is among friends, and is well and healthy, the Federation's borders have been alerted to any possible entrance of the Empress to our nation, no matter what means she enters the Federation. Immediate protective services will be granted to her to assure her safety.

That is all.

Federation of Xalanzia Security Councilor Gregory Stills

A large silver dragon flaps its wings, its rider sitting astride with their head held high, eyes gazing out at the world's turbulence calmly. The rider bows their head, seeming to consider their next action carefully.

The rider draws a telecommunicator out of the folds of their toga, opening it with ease and dialing the frequency of Demoness.

"I wish to speak with Xel Nadia, please," Iulius says when the request goes through after a long period of wait. "I am the Ritesmaster/mistress of Bad Faith, and I am currently hovering over the international waters nearest to Demoness. I request clearance to land in Demoness."

A fleeting, worried look crosses Iulius' face as Xel answers. "The people of my country have expressed concern over your Empress and your country, and so I have come to offer moral support and anything else your populace and government may desire. May I enter your borders aerially, and remain there until such time as she returns? I merely wish to be able to deliver accurate, first-hand news to my people."

-Ritesmaster/mistress of Iulius

OOC: Hope you don't mind my entering this little bit of intrigue. ^_~ And I also hope I got the name of the High Guard right. *frets*

The Leader Kurosei stood by a window, looking out into the dark, stormy sky. It was omnious, and as the rain pelted against the glass, Sovy talked quietly to himself.

"I think I understand now. She is looking for change within her nation, and for her people, for something that she believes in."

But he shook his head.

"But I don't get it, why would she run away, instead of not confronting those that object to her?"

He placed his claw on the cold glass, the rain turning to a barrage of artillery shells made up of water.

"Running away... It solves nothing. You can't kill the weed by ignoring it until it dies out... It infests itself in the garden, spreading its evil and bringing blight."

The blue Drakon took a step back, and then returned his medieval throne overlooking the rather small, but modern desk.

Xel sits in front of the communications screen with a confused look on his face. "I'm a slave..."

As he thought, he realized that Jia Li was indeed right. He had not left the Empress' side in 7 years and he never had a vacation or even sick leave. He had never been given a choice; the job was hereditary. His father had been a High Guardsman so he had had no choice but to become one as well.

"But what are you planning, Ji-ji?"

A High Guarsman entered the room. "Sir, you're requested by some lady on a dragon."

Xel sighs and punches the conversation up on the screen. After a few minutes of talking, he says, "You may enter. It might be interesting to see this situation through the eyes of another." Click.

OOC: It's Nedia, but don't worry. Even my boyfriend spelled "Jia Li" wrong. ^_^;

IC:

Elsewhere.

Jia Li takes a pair of glasses out. "Glasses? Honestly, I don't see..." She turns and looks at Megumi, who sits next to her. "I don't think it will work for Megumi. Foxwomen with glasses?"

Yuki smiles. "You'd be amazed what a pair of glasses will do." She smiles.

OOC: It's only one line, but I still hope I got it right. ^_^;

OOC: Oh yes, that's fine. ^_^

(I'm sure you know, but for those who don't, "megane" is Japanese for "glasses", and "meganekko" is pesudo-slang for "girl in glasses"... yes, yes, I'm a freak, I know. ^_^;; )

In any case, all native Meganekkonians, male or female, wear glasses... and all immigrants are given glasses (stage or prescription) for free. Meganekkonia has the best eye care plans in the world. ^_^

OOC: Oh yes, that's fine. ^_^

(I'm sure you know, but for those who don't, "megane" is Japanese for "glasses", and "meganekko" is pesudo-slang for "girl in glasses"... yes, yes, I'm a freak, I know. ^_^;; )

OOC: I knew megane, but I wasn't sure if the "kkonia" part was something else. I meant to ask you. ^_^;

OOC: Oh yes, that's fine. ^_^

(I'm sure you know, but for those who don't, "megane" is Japanese for "glasses", and "meganekko" is pesudo-slang for "girl in glasses"... yes, yes, I'm a freak, I know. ^_^;; )

OOC: I knew megane, but I wasn't sure if the "kkonia" part was something else. I meant to ask you. ^_^;

OOC: No problem. Ah well, this is what I get for being a translator... low income and an increase in my 'meganekkophilia'. ^_^;;;

~sits alone at his desk~ Of course she ran away. What choice did she have? When faced with an unacceptable situation, you have to react. How else could someone so bogged down in tradition and custom make a large amount of change? Overthrow her own government? Not likely, and possibly dangerous. But if my God told me that He didn't like the way I was doing things and was going to leave me high and dry until I cleaned up my act... Well, I might just consider paying attention. Looking at it that way... Doesn't seem like she's running away, so much as forcing their compliance. Sort of like holding herself hostage. Still, it seems a little risky to me. Of course, if they hadn't forced her hand in the first place... *sigh*
-Reynard Vadasz, Estavian Prime Minister

OOC:

Oops, my post was supposed to be myself in my own thought, not to be publically shared with other people, but rather, just to put my characters own opinion about the situation.

OOC:

Oops, my post was supposed to be myself in my own thought, not to be publically shared with other people, but rather, just to put my characters own opinion about the situation.

OOC: I knew that. I took Estavia's post to be Reynard thinking something along similar lines. ^_^

OOC:

Oops, my post was supposed to be myself in my own thought, not to be publically shared with other people, but rather, just to put my characters own opinion about the situation.

OOC: I knew that. I took Estavia's post to be Reynard thinking something along similar lines. ^_^

OOC: Heh. Yeah, except Reynard can't seem to do the internal monologue thing, he has to vocalize it and sadly enough his dialogue is usually at its best when he's talking to himself. Unfortunately for him, he talks to himself a great deal.

Xel read the intel report from the foxwomen. "She was indeed in Meganekkonia," he said. "So close, and we lost her."

He leaned back in his chair. "How does she plan to tear down the old order with her absence? If anything, she needs to be HERE to change it. Running away doesn't accomplish anything."

An older gentleman enters the room wearing white robes. He is over twice Xel's age, but he moves with the same agility and awareness the High Guard does. Xel rises, bows, and greets him. "Priest Ashram, it is a pleasant-"

"Xel, have you found my missing daughter?"

"No, sir. She was last seen in Meganekkonia, but she's completely disappeared."

Ashram nods. He sits down in a chair across from Xel. "You're a skilled warrior, trained in the martial and metal arts, but you are helpless when it comes to De- Jia Li." He smiles. "You've never left her side, even during those Church services you and she declare to hate. You've also strived to become a priest just so she could be happy."

The old man stands. "What the hell..." He shrugs and places his hand on Xel's forehead. "You are now ordained as a priest of the Church of Demoness with all the rights and responsibilities thereof." He removes his hand and lets Xel kiss his ring. "If the Council doesn't like it, they can kiss my ass." He smiles.

Xel smiles back. He rises and then hugs Ashram.

"You'd better make my little girl happy when she comes back or I'll kick your ass," Ashram warns.

"I have no doubt."

OOC: I'm sleeping now.

(OOC: DAMN! Sleeping! GAH Sleep is for the WEAK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

We in Darkskye just heard. Thanks for the UPDATE Hack...anyway are not "Officially" looking for her.

Were gonna have to tell you...Mei Ling went out on her own to look for her. Be on the look out.

-Athena, Sub-Leader of The United Socialist States of Darkskye

Xel,

We hope that the Empress returns to your soil safely. Since she has specifically requested that we not try to find her, we will respect those wishes. If she does come here, you can rest assured that we will do everything in our power to ensure her safety while she is in our land.


Empress,

I'd like to offer just a bit of advice, even though I'm sure you have likely thought of this yourself: New Dixie is the last place you want to come if you want to move about in secret. Humans and human-like persons, even disguised ones, stick out like sore thumbs, as most of our citizens can smell the difference right away. Be well on your journeys, wherever they may take you.

Benjamin Hofossen,
Prime Ambassador, New Dixie

The Regent watches Jia's latest transmission and sits, struck silent...
"She's holding herself hostage to lessen the hold and control of her government. And here I sit, a supreme ruler of a nation, just watching. Am I doing wrong in keeping absolute rule?"

The Vice-Regent glances from where he lounges on a vast sofa to his Regent seated pensively in a nearby recliner as they both watch the Wall Screen, and seems to blink behind his ever-present dark glasses.
"Don't be a dumbass. It's a completely different situation. Her government's entrenched in order. Yours follows the ways of holy constructive chaos. Even though you're the Land Holder, and your people are tenants on your private property, you give them every freedom you can."

"But the UN says I'm the corrupt dictator of a police state."

"The UN can go collectively shove it, sit, and spin. Their reports are obviously biased towards democratic systems."

"True, true. As always, you're absolutely right Haywood. You give better advice than my advisors."

"No doubt about that Pluto, no doubt. Your advisors are just there to run opinion polls. Any machine could do that. Why don't we replace them all with robots?"

"Too expensive. Besides, they're good for PR, even if they're glorified bean counters."

We are most distressed to learn about the current string of events that have taken place. While we would normally offer to lend as much support as possible to aid the search I have no intention of going against Jia Li's wishes.

Some things just need to be done alone. If she hasn't given a reason then it must be a very good one.

While I will watch the developments closely, and intervene if I feel the need to, I will also remain neutral throughout. Why search when it will be futile and take up a nations valuable resources?

[In Paseo's Control Tower, 'Nei' chuckles to herself.]

So, it would seem the wayward empress has taken to the skies. My, I certainly hope she isn't planning on passing by Motavian airspace. With the Aero Tanks having orders to shoot incoming aircraft down on sight... wouldn't that be unfortunate? Ah well, no skin off my back...

(OOC: Is the boards going very slow for anybody else...like...load wise? Its annoying! Darn it =P)

As Jia Li, the lost Empress wandered down the crowded streets of an unknown country, she looked left and right. People passed her, yet didnt recognize her. She pulled her cloak tighter and continued walking.

At the same time, on the top of the building next to her, a dark figure dressed in all black watched her. The figure knew who she was. On her left shoulder was a red patch, it was the patch that signified "Red Cell".

As the Empress passed, Mei Ling watched from the top of the building. She then hooked up the rapelling line to the building and climbed down the side, into a dark alley. She trailed Jia Li on foot...without Jia Li noticing.

She was determined to see where the Empress was going...and to watch her back.

Iulius stepped off of Draco's back and onto Demonessian soil for the first time, marvelling. Travel was one of the few joys Iulius indulged in, and even when such a serious matter was at hand, admiration was required for the landscape that surrounded them. After a few moments, Iulius stroked Draco's scaly head and sent him flying back to Bad Faith. Darcy would come collect when Iulius needed to return.

The Ritesmaster/mistress strode into the Embassy, wasting no more time on frivolties. The people of Demoness needed aid, and the people of Bad Faith wanted answers. Resolutions should be decided upon quickly.

Iulius learned at the Embassy that Xel Nedia had been ordained as a full priest while they had been landing. Perhaps a good thing, but trouble seemed to be brewing, and Jia Li was only the eye of the hurricane...

((OOC: I can't wait to say it. ENGLISH NEEDS A FREAKING GENDER NEUTRAL PRONOUN! *foams at the mouth* ^_-;;; Maybe I'll just start alternating he and she... 'they' sounds like Iulius has a split personality. *worries*

Apart from that, three things:
Isn't megane a type of fetish in Japan? ^^* *laughs*
And, exactly how is Jia Li pronounced? I'm inclined to say it the way it looks, but if it's Chinese, I can't be sure.
And three, Iulius is going to have hell trying to explain to people why they are not female... *shakes head*))

[edit]

OOC Boo. Forum's being dumb. :P And boyfriend's keyboard is stupid. Raagh.
Boyfriend: It's magic!
Me: Magic missile!
Boyfriend: That makes no sense. I love it.
Me: Go to sleep, t00b...

Gabriel sighed, standing on the balcony of the Cathedral of Nisan, overlooking the town square. He idly swished the wine in the glass he held, finally sipping it. He looked out at the starry sky, the ground below still well-layered with snow from Christmas Night. "... I remember what it was like for her, Father."

Yes, the Holy Father had been following the continuing saga of Jia Li, the Empress of Demoness. His heart went out to the girl... in more ways than was readily apparent. During Nisan's War of Foundation, there was alot of pressure on him to marry a woman who was tied in with the various other peoples of Nisan... to unite the broken land through blood. But he refused, stalwardly. He wanted to marry Chiyo, his life-long love. And he did, and had a beautiful, charming daughter with her. But there were still some on the Council of Bishops who did not care much for Mother Taisen...

Gabriel sighed once again, leaning forward onto the railing. "... You stood by me, Father. You kept Nisan together... and now, it's well on its way to becoming a powerful, wonderful nation...." He closed his eyes, feeling them well up with a surprising burst of emotion. "... Please, God... what grace has given me, give also to that girl.... let her love. She'll do wonderful things for her country, and for the world, if she's allowed to. This is my prayer...."

Gabriel sighed, standing on the balcony of the Cathedral of Nisan, overlooking the town square. He idly swished the wine in the glass he held, finally sipping it. He looked out at the starry sky, the ground below still well-layered with snow from Christmas Night. "... I remember what it was like for her, Father."

Yes, the Holy Father had been following the continuing saga of Jia Li, the Empress of Demoness. His heart went out to the girl... in more ways than was readily apparent. During Nisan's War of Foundation, there was alot of pressure on him to marry a woman who was tied in with the various other peoples of Nisan... to unite the broken land through blood. But he refused, stalwardly. He wanted to marry Chiyo, his life-long love. And he did, and had a beautiful, charming daughter with her. But there were still some on the Council of Bishops who did not care much for Mother Taisen...

Gabriel sighed once again, leaning forward onto the railing. "... You stood by me, Father. You kept Nisan together... and now, it's well on its way to becoming a powerful, wonderful nation...." He closed his eyes, feeling them well up with a surprising burst of emotion. "... Please, God... what grace has given me, give also to that girl.... let her love. She'll do wonderful things for her country, and for the world, if she's allowed to. This is my prayer...."

[Edited out, accidental repost.]

Xel was nodding off to sleep when the screen suddenly came to life again. Jia Li's face appeared and stared at him a moment, as if she were seeing through him. She looked physically tired, as if she hadn't had much sleep, but she looked just as determined as the day before.

"Xel-"

"Ji-ji, I-"

"I can't hear you. This is a recording sent from a beacon no where near my location. This is an imperial order: you will send the following broadcast over all Demoness frequencies and over international channels."

Her face softened a bit and her green eyes appeared to lock on his. "Xel, I know you're worry, and I'm sorry it has to be this way. This is the only way I know how to accomplish what Demoness needs."

Her image vanished.

----------

People of Demoness and the international community: the following message is from our beloved missing Empress. I received it an hour ago over a private channel. The signal emanated from a beacon over Region of Thud airspace, but we have not been able to ascertain her current whereabouts.

Thank you again for all your concern.

Xel Nedia, High Guard, Advisor, and Priest
Demoness - the Empress and her people are one

::he presses a button::

-------

Jia Li is still dressed in her leather jumpsuit, but she is more presentable. She wears the gold make up she normally wears and her hair is neatly tied back to reveal her elf-like ears.

"This is Empress Jia Li. For the past twenty-four hours, Demoness has been able to function without me, beating its previous record of twenty hours when I- I was ill. You have adapted wonderfully and you make me proud with every passing moment.

"Now, my dear people, I am going to reveal every last one of Demoness' dirty little secrets."

She smiles almost predatorily as she removes her ring, which bears the royal crest and the symbol of the Church of Demoness. She shows it to the camera as she continues.

"You all recognize this. The symbol for both the Church and the Empress. Did you ever wonder why they are the same? It's simple: they are the same thing, but you already knew that.

"A month ago, only 53% of you still belonged to the Church of Demoness and only Mother knows how many of you actually believed I was a living goddess. Then suddenly, the attempted coup by Nerran IV makes you change your mind and it jumps to 75%. Hell, even I converted. Why? There was no change. You were merely manipulated by events to believe the legends* were true."

She puts the ring back on. "When you think about it, a theocracy is the perfect form of government. You can do anything you want and justify it, especially if you are a living incarnation of the religion's god.

"The Church sought to rule Demoness through the Empress. If she would not comply with their demands, they would seal their power to her by making her wed a priest. The Empress, of course, would be indoctrinated by the Church from birth to obey everything they said.

"In the beginning, they wanted weak Empresses who could easily be cowed by the priests - like my grandmother - but then they sought to expand Demoness' borders by warfare. For this, they needed strong Empresses. What they got was the 200 Year Virgin** and when she failed to bow to their wishes, they endangered the country by forcing her to obey the rule.

"I do not intend to be a weak Empress, nor do I intend to be fooled by the Church any longer."

She picks up Xel's katana from her lap and shows the camera the High Guard's seal at the bottom of the handle. "This is another well-known symbol - the symbol of slavery.

"Did you ever wonder what the High Guard went through? He inherits the job - the same amount of choice *I* have over his future. He trains with the other High Guardsmen, being brainwashed into the perfect servant. Then at 13, when he succeeds in defeating all other High Guard candidates, he never leaves the Empress' side again. Not for sickness, not for a vacation, only for death.

"The system the priests devised was perfect. The High Guard would either hate the Empress and be relieved of his duty or fall in love with her and assure that he would protect her life at all costs. There was the risk that the Empress would return those feelings, but the priest could use him against her if she disobeyed them."

She lowered the katana. With obvious sadness and a little regret, she continued. "Xel Nedia fell into this trap, and so did I. I freely admit I love him. Many of you may have heard this is why I have left, but this is only part of the reason.

"Demoness, I want to tear down the old system of control and manipulation. I want Demoness to become a democracy, and I know she's capable of it. You've survived this long without me and I know you can last longer.

"I don't expect Demoness to change overnight, but I'm not coming back until my point is proven."

The screen goes black.

OOC: ::ahem:: The asterisks from last post. ^_^;

*The legend she refers to is the belief that if the Empress dies before she bears a female heir, she'll be reincarnated. This literally meant that she'd be conceived by another at the time of death, but some people believed that Jia Li had died in her palace and was reincarnated immediately. She also refers to people's belief that Mother protected her.

**There was a period of approximately 200 years where the Empresses did not marry. She is believed to be the same woman born over and over again and she was very rebellious to the priesthood. The danger Jia Li refers to is this: Demoness was in a war for about 90 of those years, which was Demoness' fault, but the Empress planned on making permanent peace with the other country by marrying its leader; the priests nixed it, but peace occured anyway.

IC:
Jia Li was no longer on the plane with Yuki. She suspected that intelligence had figured out what had happened in Meganekkonia, so she'd left the plane and sent Yuki off as a decoy.

She had also not detected Mei Ling, but she was well aware that she or Ravenspire's Sakura would come looking for her. Luckily, Megumi had picked up Mei Ling's scent and alerted Jia Li. For the time being, she let the Darkskye Red Cell leader to follow her because she knew Mei Ling would watch her back, but she'd sent Megumi to lay decoy trails in case someone less inept had also picked up their trail.

She walked through the gate and into the night and still no one suspected who she was. With the help of Megumi's friends, she had been able to get Xel's katana through airport security, but she had to reveal herself to some of the security in order to do so. As she boarded the plane, she smiled. She was going the last place anyone would look for her.

"... Shit. Make sure the people of Raevyn do not hear this message. Just put a basic summary of it in the papers, or something."

"Er... sir, it has already been broadcast on TV and the radio..."

"... SHIT."

"Should I increase the guard around the palace, sir?"

"Damn straight."

Double Post...

Sovy Kurosei, the Dictator of Xen, sat in his chair. He was in his undisclosed location in Xen, due to the threat of a nuclear attack.

"A theocratic state holding the poor girl hostage. Yet she strives to give her people a democracy. Is a democracy really that great? Is a dictatorship really an evil thing, even if the dictator loves his people, and the love is mutual?"

His dragonic snout pointed upwards, looking at the dank dark ceiling.

"Or am I deluding myself, not wanting to release my power, and drifting off into paranoia to secure my position."

His blue scaly fist hits the table infront of him hard.

"Damn this war with Necron! I have too much on my mind."

- Emperor Sovy Kursoei

As Jia Li, the lost Empress wandered down the crowded streets of an unknown country, she looked left and right. People passed her, yet didnt recognize her. She pulled her cloak tighter and continued walking.

At the same time, on the top of the building next to her, a dark figure dressed in all black watched her. The figure knew who she was. On her left shoulder was a red patch, it was the patch that signified "Red Cell".

As the Empress passed, Mei Ling watched from the top of the building. She then hooked up the rapelling line to the building and climbed down the side, into a dark alley. She trailed Jia Li on foot...without Jia Li noticing.

She was determined to see where the Empress was going...and to watch her back.

Someone else had noticed, however. Someone who appeared like a wraith from the transient shadows, without ceremony or flair, simply there, as though she had always been. "I think," she said, in a voice that would have made a whisper seem deafening, "that we may need to talk." She hadn't even looked in Mei Ling's direction, but the words were clearly directed to her. A tail flicked idly through the air, as soundless as everything else about the pair.

"Usually I surprise people with that entrance," Sakura said a moment later, as a faint smile passed across her lips. "But not you. Sensed me coming, ne? Then you're as good as I've heard."

Someone else had noticed, however. Someone who appeared like a wraith from the transient shadows, without ceremony or flair, simply there, as though she had always been. "I think," she said, in a voice that would have made a whisper seem deafening, "that we may need to talk." She hadn't even looked in Mei Ling's direction, but the words were clearly directed to her. A tail flicked idly through the air, as soundless as everything else about the pair.

"Usually I surprise people with that entrance," Sakura said a moment later, as a faint smile passed across her lips. "But not you. Sensed me coming, ne? Then you're as good as I've heard."

Mei Ling wisked around to the direction of the voice. Concealed, she leveled a silenced pistol at the figure, keeping tabs on Jia Li. Two thoughts crossed her mind...

One was "Jia Li...where are you going...?"

The other was "Who the hell are you..."

She spoke only one...













"And you are?"

******Several hours earlier******

A figure in a dark cloak entered the throne room of Dinosia, where the Daedin had recently named himself king. Sure enough, no one was sitting in the throne, as the Daedin had a flair for not being where people expected him to be. But Tarrell expected this.

"From the shadows comes the truth," a voice said behind him. Tarrell turned around to see the Daedin. None knew his true name, except Tarrell.

"For the shadows conceal the truth."Tarrell gave as a reply. "Hello again Th..." Tarrell was cut off by a wave from the Daedin

"No, don't even speak my name here," The Daedin said, "For our enemies may be listening."

"I assume you have a reason for your summons?"

"Aye, I do. The Empress Jia Li is missing. I believe that our friends in Darkskye may know of her wherabouts. Follow Mei Ling, as best you can. I know she's good. Probably even rivaling your abilities, but I need to know what is going on. Besides, there are others who may wish Mei Ling harm. Or even Jia Li. Do what you can." The Daedin commanded.

"Yes lord."

"Usually I surprise people with that entrance," Sakura said a moment later, as a faint smile passed across her lips. "But not you. Sensed me coming, ne? Then you're as good as I've heard."

A third figure stepped out of the shadows, sword drawn.

"Yes, she is that good. As am I. What are your intentions here? I'm sure the leaders of the Nation of Ravenspire would be most distressed if their best spy was found dead in this place."

Slipping into Sacred City hadn't been easy. To other Demonessians, Jia Li was as distinct as any other individual in a mixed country, though to outsiders, Demonessians all looked the same.

After leaving Demoness' main airport, she adopted the guise of one of the royal handmaids - after all, it was their job to look like the Empress.

From the airport, she slipped past the palace guard and into the palace's basement where the entrance to the sacred catacombs lie. This is where the Empresses were buried. The Bible also told that Mother Demoness' bones and her Daughter's preserved body. Jia Li was going to find out.

Staying in Sacred Catacombs was the last place they'd look and the best place for her to hide. She would have food and water as often as she could sneak into the palace and access to the international channels whenever she needed to deliver her messages. She also had untold miles of a natural maze to hide in.

As Jia Li entered the darkness of the caves, the weight of Xel's katana was noticeably absent from her side.
----
Elsewhere.

Quote:
"Usually I surprise people with that entrance," Sakura said a moment later, as a faint smile passed across her lips. "But not you. Sensed me coming, ne? Then you're as good as I've heard."


A third figure stepped out of the shadows, sword drawn.

"Yes, she is that good. As am I. What are your intentions here? I'm sure the leaders of the Nation of Ravenspire would be most distressed if their best spy was found dead in this place."

A katana appears at the third figure's throat. Tarrell (OOC: Forgive me if that's the wrong name) turned to see a face very similar to Sakura's. "Do you mind sheathing that?" the newcomer asked and Tarrell complied.

Megumi removed the katana from his throat and it was obvious she had Xel's missing weapon. "Sakura, what are you doing here?" She nodded to the human woman. "Mei Ling."

"I knew that two of the best agents would be on our trail, but I'm not familiar with you." She nodded pointedly at Tarrell. "If you want to hear what Jia Li's up to, you're going to have to familiarize yourself with me."

"I knew that two of the best agents would be on our trail, but I'm not familiar with you." She nodded pointedly at Tarrell. "If you want to hear what Jia Li's up to, you're going to have to familiarize yourself with me."

"Well met, Megumi. I am Tarrell. I am one of the best agents of Dinosia. Obviously, I could learn a few things though. Don't be alarmed, my nation is allied with Darkskye, and I mean none of you any harm. I merely was following Mei Ling for reasons of my own. If you will allow me to activate this device," with that he indicates one of the bracers he is wearing, "then we won't be overheard at all."

Megumi gave a curt nod, and Tarrell pressed a few spots on the bracer. "Now, please go on, pretend as if I'm not even here. For I am very interested in what it is you have to say"

"So..." Mei Ling steps out into the dim light..."Now that we are all here...now what?"

Iulius remained passive as he watched the transmission from Jia Li. It was all too common a story; the corrupt theocrats taking over from the inside, manipulating and pushing until the leader was just a figurehead. She applauded quietly as the transmission ended. Congratulations and good luck to you, Jia Li, he thought. You will save your country yet. She admired the strong Demonessian empress. It took a lot of intelligence to realize you were being conned, even more willpower to do something about it.

Still, that broadcast was going to cause uproars, if not in the nation itself than certainly within the government. The people might panic; the priests might insist Jia Li was hypnotized or threatened or worse. The fate of Demoness balanced on a tiny thread.

Iulius hoped that Xel Nedia hadn't been kicked out yet. As an ambassador of Bad Faith, he would be required to meet with the government, and she wasn't sure she could convince any priests of the validity of Jia Li's words without some backing from the inside.

Still, in the interest of democracy, Iulius had to try.

---

"Sir?" A secretary said, approaching Iulius from behind.
He turned. "May I remind you," she said mildly, "that the Ritesmaster/mistress has no gender?"
The secretary flushed. "Of course, er... Ritesmaster/mistress." She glanced into Iulius' face to assure herself that this was appropriate. Iulius nodded encouragingly. The secretary continued, "You've been scheduled to meet with the government in four hours."
He nodded. "Thank you." The secretary scuttled away. Iulius stared at the broadcast screen a moment longer, shook her head, and went into the study. It helped to write things out beforehand.

((I'm not sure that's not more confusing... Oh well.))

Jia Li's message didn't exactly have the results she was hoping for. During the night, the people rioted and rose up against the priests, and many churches were burned down.

Yet membership to the Church of Demoness rose, jumping from 75% to 83% of the population. When surveys of the people were taken, it was found that many of them didn't want a democracy, but to be ruled by Jia Li alone.

Xel Nedia shook his head as he paced the floors in the communications room. Thus far, the palace had not been attacked, nor had the Sacred Rock Cathedral next door. He wasn't sure if it was because the people respected the ancient structures for more than their ties to the Church.

Early that morning, Priest Ashram spoke to the people of Demoness. He had stated that Jia Li had suffered a stroke yesterday and was returned by unnamed friends of Demoness. The woman they saw was in fact one of Jia Li's handmaids. He claimed that the Church did not know why the woman decided to keep up the charade of the Empress fleeing the country as it made Jia Li sound nothing more than a spoiled brat.

Xel knew that it had hurt Ashram to lie, especially about his own daughter, but it was necessary to keep the order in Demoness until they could work something out or at least find her.

He wondered where Jia Li was. He had given up the search after the last message when he realized it was useless. Better to let Darkskye and Ravenspire find her.

He also feared for the future. The Council had threatened to take away his priesthood, but when Jia Li's announcement had come over the air, they had had worse things to worry about. Right now, Xel was worried that Jia Li's plans would have the opposite effect. The people were so used to the old order that without Jia Li directly there to lead them, they might blindly follow the priests in order to have security again.

If Jia Li didn't make a move soon, she might lose.
----

"So..." Mei Ling steps out into the dim light..."Now that we are all here...now what?"

"I'm sure you've all heard Jia Li's message by now. She wants to create a democracy in Demoness by forcing the priests to step down. Frankly, I don't see how this is going to work, but I'm still going to help her," Megumi said.

"I sent her to the catacombs under the palace. There are several miles of tunnels under there and many entrances. If they ever did figure out she was under their noses, they'd have a hell of a time trying to find her.

"However, I need your help. As far as I can tell, Demoness has stopped searching, but other countries haven't, yourselves included. I can lay false trails, but I also need to keep up the charade that Jia Li has no intent to go back to Demoness."

OOC: Ah, too much to catch up on... Too many THINGS going on at once... ^_^; I also enjoy the fact that I am now a "Father Knows Best State". ::sigh:: But only because I allow public punishment! Holy shit! My political freedoms were wonderful and now they're rare? That's it, I'm ignoring whatever the bloody UN has to say about my country! ::pause:: Then again, I can blame it on the priests. :wink:

Xel stormed through the palace's grand hallways. Things were going from bad to worse. The riots had increased, but some of the populace was siding with the priests and there was free fighting in many cities across Demoness. The police had problems maintaining order. Things had remained sane in Sacred City, but he hated to find out what would happen if the city's population of nearly 1 milion decided to riot.

To top it off, the country of Polynesian Free States had decided to take advantage of their situation and declare war on Demoness. Then again, he had declared war on several of Demoness' allies and a few other nations for no reason other than the fact that they didn't speak German. Xel sighed; at least this war wasn't their fault.

He didn't notice the handmaid and nearly bowled her over. To keep her balance, she grabbed onto his waist as he caught her. As he righted her, he noticed she was one of the elf handmaids. "Sorry," he apologized, and they continued on their separate ways.

Something sharp poked him in the back and when Xel reached back to find out what it was, he discovered a note. Quickly, he unfolded it.

Xel,

Meet me in the catacombs tonight at 6. Come alone.

He looked back to find the handmaid, but she was gone. He smiled; Jia Li was back.

OOC: I think I wrote myself into a corner here and not with this post. As far as I see, Demoness is going to have a civil war. The older priests will not give up their power and Jia Li won't rest until she has democracy and her freedom. Any suggestions on how to solve this peacefully? ^_^;

OOC:
Well, while the game has us listed as a dictatorship, Nisan is really a constitutional monarhchy, in many respects. The Holy Family makes all of the 'big' decisions, as well as leads the church, but the day-to-day government is run by the Council of Bishops, who are democratically elected by the congregations they serve. If Nisan were ever to come to a civil war, most of the 'proletariat' would side with the Holy Family, and most of the business and wealthy would side with the Bishops. Thankfully my nation is content and does not have that issue. ^^; Still, perhaps the same model can be used in Demoness?

OOC:
Well, while the game has us listed as a dictatorship, Nisan is really a constitutional monarhchy, in many respects. The Holy Family makes all of the 'big' decisions, as well as leads the church, but the day-to-day government is run by the Council of Bishops, who are democratically elected by the congregations they serve. If Nisan were ever to come to a civil war, most of the 'proletariat' would side with the Holy Family, and most of the business and wealthy would side with the Bishops. Thankfully my nation is content and does not have that issue. ^^; Still, perhaps the same model can be used in Demoness?

OOC: I was thinking about a constitutional monarcy, but I wasn't sure about a parliament - namely, who was on it. The other problem is that the old order priests wouldn't accept it, but the new priests might. I'm going to wait a bit more for suggestions before I decide, but your model sounds good. It just takes a little time. ^_^

And what is with UN labels? They're all wrong. First they tell me I took away all political freedoms (which I didn't) and then the people beg for them back. :?

OOC:

*Pat, pats*

Don't worry. Look at my country, and look at my character ^. .^;;;

You'd see that my character is more benevalont, rather than psychotic. Well, he can get psychotic at times, but thats a whole different other story.

Although, I might step down my dictatorship to a democracy. The history goes that there was this big unification war, and we need a dictator to get everything back in order. Oh well.

And what is with UN labels? They're all wrong.

I'd have to agree wholeheartedly. The People's Republic of Wohlstand, the capital nation of the Triunal Republic is categorized as "inoffensive centrist democracy". While I have an idea of what this means, I would assume that a socialist capital nation in a union would need to set an example for the rest, in that it would need to be the most socialized and equal before all others. But the PR of Wohlstand is the last in the Triune for these things! The Triunal Republic's newest nations enjoy greater social and economic equalities than the Homeland does! I must say this isn't right.


Anthony Moss,
National Representative of the People's Republic of Wohlstand: First Congress of the Wohlstand Socialist Labor Party.
http://members.lycos.co.uk/ccrg/wohlstand3.jpg

"A theocracy dictates that secular power is derivative of religious power. Historically, these two aspects of influence have been largely at odds with one another, as each demands the full attention of the people. Should different parties head these respective institutions, these parties must be willing to share power, or else a rivalry ensues for the people's favor. If that rivalry in unacceptable, either the church or the state must hold power uncontested. Avoiding this decision is the responsibility of the heads of church and state in choosing unprecedented cooperation, or the responsibility of a single party who embodies both paths to power."

Justin Lindron, On the State


OOC: I know how you feel. A teensy increase in military spending and all of a sudden I'm executing political opponents. The U.N. is full of it :? .

What springs to mind is that, in spite of her efforts to reduce the power of the Demonessian church, Jia Li is a greater religious authority than the priests, and may appeal to the nature of the state religion to reduce power through changes to the nature of the religion itself. Should this be of any advantage to less powerful priests, it could potentially be done with their assistance.

**A high speed interceptor jet detailed like an eagle and a large transport plain approach the country of Demoness from international space**

"We are a detatchemnt sent from Gundor under the guide of the scientific council currently led by Dr. Hazuki. We would like clearance to land on your soil and to speak to the current government head about rendering aid with your political turnoil. Do we have clearance to land and discuss this with a representative of your government?"

OOC: Yeah, the UN labels are really on the fringe...Heheh, although I have worked my way back to a Demo Soci...which I am proud of LOL.

As for peaceful...well...Im not really sure about this. Maybe you really NEED a civil war, I dont know LOL.


IC:

Mei Ling peered down the different pathways with her NVGs, holding her silence pistol in one hand.

She then looked at Jia Li, "No matter what happens, I support you. Darkskye supports you."

She saluted Jia Li, "If there is a civil war, I will die before harm comes to you. If Xel would do this for you, so would I."

"So..." Mei Ling steps out into the dim light..."Now that we are all here...now what?"

"I'm sure you've all heard Jia Li's message by now. She wants to create a democracy in Demoness by forcing the priests to step down. Frankly, I don't see how this is going to work, but I'm still going to help her," Megumi said.

"I sent her to the catacombs under the palace. There are several miles of tunnels under there and many entrances. If they ever did figure out she was under their noses, they'd have a hell of a time trying to find her.

"However, I need your help. As far as I can tell, Demoness has stopped searching, but other countries haven't, yourselves included. I can lay false trails, but I also need to keep up the charade that Jia Li has no intent to go back to Demoness."

"So that's why she's going back... clever. There aren't many who could find her, after all she's done, and four of those few are standing right here."

Sakura shrugged. "Anyway, to answer your questions... Of course I can help. Al asked me to, and anyway, I like Jia Li. It'll be nice to finally meet her." Nodding to Tarrell, she continued, "I suppose that answers yours, too. You might want to try a more polite approach next time, though. I don't die very easily."

Finally, she bowed to Mei Ling. "Sakura Kitsuki. Your counterpart, more or less. I'm not sure whether I should be humbled or proud that you didn't recognize my face."

Mei Ling peered down the different pathways with her NVGs, holding her silence pistol in one hand.

She then looked at Jia Li, "No matter what happens, I support you. Darkskye supports you."

She saluted Jia Li, "If there is a civil war, I will die before harm comes to you. If Xel would do this for you, so would I."

OOC:This assumes that both Tarrell and Sakura followed, for their own individual reasons

IC: Tarrell loved these catacombs. Nice and dark, and he could move just about anywhere in the city in secrecy. But that wasn't his goal today. He had spent the last few hours patrolling the catacombs, ensuring that what scant few guards were down here had no idea that he and his new friends were also here.

He turned a corner, and quickly ducked back, silently listening to the conversation beyond.

"Yeah, I know this sucks, but orders are orders. And we gotta search down here anyway."

"But you know the Empress isn't down here. Why the hell would she come back to the very city she escaped from?" A second guard asked.

"I agree, this is a waste of time. She's not here. And while we're down here searching, our mates are topside fighting rioters. Where we should be," came a third voice.

"Aye, we'll just make a quick sweep of the area. We need to search the various catacombs, particularly the old temples. The Council demands it," said the second voice.

"I thought we took our orders from Xel Nedia and not from the Council," spoke another voice.

"The Council has taken control of the military and police forces in an effort to quell the riots. They are effectively in control of the Nation. And I don't believe that they want Jia Li to return," said the second voice again.

"So what do we do if we find her?"

"We report it."

*I must tell Jia Li and Mei Ling* Tarrell thought. *This is not good...*

as he turned to head back to his friends, he knocked over a small stone, and the thud of it's impact on the floor echoed down the halls.

"What was that?" One of the guards asked as they rushed to the corner.

Tarrell had only one option. There were to many to fight, and he had to inform Jia of the church's plans. He quickly pulled out a concussion grenade. It would stun the guards long enough for him to get away, but surely they would realize that it meant that Jia was down here. But he had no other choice. He quickly twisted the device, activating it's timer, and sprinted down the hall.

When the device exploded, it was heard for miles all around. It was loud enough that Tarrell, even from sixty feet away, was deafened.

********Elsewhere*********

A long, loud explosion rumbled through the chamber, startling the two who were present.

Mei Ling looked up, her eyes narrowing, and said just one word. "Tarrell"


OOC: I had to take some "artistic freedom," but perhaps this will give you a good way out of this corner you say you backed yourself into... Besides, from your previous posts, I never saw the council as being all that good...

*shrugs*

OOC: Nani? Jia Li's in Demoness... Um...I guess we can flash forward so you're all there in the catacombs too. ^_^; If not...well, I'm just going to wait to post your wearabouts.

I'm running on suggestions here, so if it doesn't work out... ::shrugs:: Hopefully it'll work.

IC:

Screen flashes on.

The Council of Twelve appears with a subdued Jia Li. She is dressed in the normal palace garb and she's oddly demure. Her ears are also covered by her hair. Ashram and Xel are noticeably absent from the scene.

Jia Li stands. "People of Demoness, everything you've heard is a lie. I never left Demoness. Instead, I was kidnapped by Xel Nedia and my father Ashram, who hoped to gain the throne of Demoness through manipulation of one of my handmaids.

"I was held in the basement until I was discovered by Priest Kensuke early this morning."

A young man wearing a priest's robe steps forward and bows. He is an ethnic Demonessian with blue eyes and long hair. In fact, he resembles Xel Nedia a lot.

Jia Li continues. "My father was consequently executed without honor this morning for crimes of treason. Xel Nedia is still in the palace. He's managed to hole himself up in the catacombs, but we'll find him soon, regardless of how his palace friends try to hide him."

The Empress' eyes narrowed. "We are also still searching for the handmaid. At first, I thought her cooperation was coerced, but it appears that she went willingly with the charade. She will die for treason as well."

She turned and placed her arms in an awkwardly loving way around Kensuke. "I'd also like to announce that Priest Kensuke and I will be married next week. All countries are invited. Now, if you excuse me, I have traitors to find."

The screen goes blank.
---------
A few hours earlier.

"Gundor, you have clearance to land and refuel, but we must decline your offer of aid. It would only sow seeds of resentment in the people. You may still discuss it with me if you wish, but I probably won't change my mind. Xel Nedia out."
-----

Xel entered the catacombs precisely at 6 and alone as he was told. A figure jumped out of the shadows at him and he nearly kicked Jia Li in the teeth before he realized it was her. "Ji-ji!" he exclaimed.

"Shhh," Jia Li replied as she led him deeper into the catacombs. "Don't call me anything. These ancient walls have ears."

Xel smiled, but she frowned. "I'm serious," she said. "I've been down here a long time and I keep hearing voices, but I've yet to see anyone."

She led him on for a few mintues, lightly stepping so that she wouldn't make any noise. "I think that's far enough from the entrance." She sighed. "Did you see the broadcast? Who the hell IS that?"

Xel shook his head. "A handmaid. She has to be. Do you have the imperial ring?"

"Of course!" She flashed it to him before concealing it again under her disguise. "I've been monitoring the situation. I need to make a reappearance before the Council takes full control."

"You know this is going to start a civil war."

"I know, but I have no choice now." She pressed Xel's katana into his hand and he smiled. Then she started down the hall.

Xel stopped her. "Jia Li, your father's dead. You know the Council wouldn't have taken the chance that he'd tell the truth."

Sadly, she replied, "I know. I haven't been thinking about it." She paused. "We have more important things to do right now. We've got to find the others."

"Others?"

Jia Li smiled. "You'll see."

OOC: Wow, it took me TOO long to type this up. I missed two of your posts. Um, it's fine, Dinosia, but don't use too many of grenades. The whole cliff the palace and the cathedral sit on is riddled with tunnels.

Yes, the Council is pretty much evil. The only non-evil person was Ashram, but he's dead. He wasn't technically on the Council either. Strange thing was that you thought the same thing I did. ^_^

OOC: Wow, it took me TOO long to type this up. I missed two of your posts. Um, it's fine, Dinosia, but don't use too many of grenades. The whole cliff the palace and the cathedral sit on is riddled with tunnels.

Yes, the Council is pretty much evil. The only non-evil person was Ashram, but he's dead. He wasn't technically on the Council either. Strange thing was that you thought the same thing I did. ^_^

OOC: Don't worry, I only use stun grenades... and thats just to escape... I don't use em unless I have to... the whole noise thing is against Tarrells style...;) Think flashbang with a pressure burst, and thats about what they're like

IC: Gods, but would these guards stop following? It seemed that dropping that grenade alerted the entire city to his presence, which it probably did. He wanted to get back to Mei Ling and Jia Li, as the patrols were most likely closing in on them as well. He turned a corner, and quickly leaped, grabbing an exposed pipe pulling his body to the ceiling. Fortunately, the guards ran underneath, none of them looking up. He quickly dropped and turned back out the hall he had come down, heading to where he had left the other trackers and the Empress.

"Apparently...Xel has lost his "Skill" in the last few hours."

Xel turned around, face to face with Mei Ling. He was a little suprised, this being the second time meeting her face to face. Both times he was snuck up upon (OOC: Although last time she shot him LOL =P).

"Jia Li," she continued, "There are patrols looking for you down here.". She pulled out her silence pistol and inspected it, "Tarrell ran into one. He had to use a concussion grenade."

"What happened afterwords?" Jia Li questioned.

"They attempted to follow Tarrell. I subdued them."

"How?" Xel looked at the Mei Ling, still holding the pistol. She put it back in her hip holster and looked at them.

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

Tarrell made a break for it in one direction, while, unknown to him, Mei Ling was headed in the oppsite direction. She heard the explosion and dissapeard into the darkness.

The three guards lay on the ground. The first got up and shook his head. "What...the...". The second guard slowly stood up and pulled the third guard up.

"I...I think he went that way..." the second guard pointed.

"Lets go get them then..."

The guards took off in a hurried pace in the direction Tarrell ran off in.

Light was very scant, it was here and their, but the underground tunnels were very dark. They came upon a narrow passage with walls on both sides. There was nothing but darkness on the other end of the hallway.

"Alright." the guard at the point position stated, "Lets move down. Follow me".

The three advanced down the tunnel, peering around the darkness. The pointman looked down and noticed a small opening to his right. He stopped to look at it, then dismissed it and moved ahead. The second guard looked around and missed the opening. The thrid guard walked right by it. As soon as he cleared the opening, a dim set of three "Eyes" from a set of NVG *Night Vision Goggles* was seen in the opening.

The guards walked a while more down the tunnel and found an opening. It was dimly lit. The room was bigger with only one opening on the oppsite side.

The second guard turned around, and didn't see the third guard. "Hey...where did he go?" he turned, looking at the first guard.

Suddenly, the first guard dissappeard.

"Where the he..." he never finished his sentance as a figure swung from the ceiling, smashing into him. He went flying back and smashed into the wall of the room. He attempted to get back up, but the figure with the three glowing "eyes" bent over him and stuck him with a small needle. He let out a gasp and instantly fell over, knocked out.

Lifting her goggles, Mei Ling looked around. "Sorry boys. Try again next time ok?"

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

Mei Ling looked at Xel.

"Does it matter?"

OOC: By "room" I'm going to assume you meant Jia Li's comm room.

IC:

"Ah, Tarrell, there you are. This is the infamous Xel Nedia." She smiled lovingly at the High Guard for a moment before returning to business. "Tarrell, we know the Council knows we're here and they want to kill us. You just missed the statement by the Council proclaiming that I am a fake and Xel is a traitor. They've got some woman masquerading as me." :evil:

She snaps her fingers and nearly 30 people - including handmaids, catgirls, foxwomen, and High Guardsmen - file in. "I'd like to introduce you to my royal guard. All are loyal, as I am sure several of the palace guards still are. I have ordered the doors barred by the loyalists and they are working on gathering up the priests' allies.

"The Council would never dream to attack the palace. It's nearly as sacred as the Cathedral. They'll try to starve us out or invade through the catacombs, but we're still the safest here. Now, if you excuse me, I have an announcement to make." She sits down at the communications desk.

OOC: Another post with her speech will follow, but I don't want to miss posts while writing this. ^_^;

*Whoops! Hehe looks like we posted at the same time. Well...least she took care of the guards LOL*

*OOC: Hehe ok im wating for it before I post anything*

OOC: Dammit, I knew I should have followed the Evil Overlord's handbook and made sure to train the guards NOT to look quizzically around a corner when his or her partner disappeared! :P

Uh...now speech is next post. ^_^;

"Well, this can't be good."

- Emperor Sovy Kurosei

"Of course it is not good news. I predict this situation will degrade before it gets any better."

- External Security Minister Aido Rakaen

OOC: Dammit, I knew I should have followed the Evil Overlord's handbook and made sure to train the guards NOT to look quizzically around a corner when his or her partner disappeared! :P

Uh...now speech is next post. ^_^;

OOC: Blame the Counsil...it was their guards LOL =P

The screen comes on again. Jia Li is back in her black jumpsuit and she looks very pissed.

"See this?" she asks as she shows the camera the Imperial ring. "I've shown this to you before. I ask you, if I were not the real Jia Li, would I have this? The only way I could have gotten this was to kill the Empress and know where she keeps it since I don't wear it on my finger."

The ring goes off camera. "Council of the Twelve, I know you killed Ashram. You killed my father so he couldn't expose your lies. My father was a great man. He loved me and he loved my mother and he would never have hurt either one of us. You killed him because of fear." Tears gathered in her eyes.

"No matter. I have exposed your lies for him. The people will rally behind ME because they know *I* am the true Empress and the true leader of the Church of Demoness. I have always held more power than you and that is why you couldn't let an "outsider" like Xel marry me. You would lose your power forever.

"Council of Twelve, I ask you one thing: do you want to start a civil war? You have already lost your power, but with the system I seek to create, you will gain it back. Do you crave power so badly that you would tear this country apart?

"I will wait one hour for your answer. Send a priest to the palace gate at that time."

The screen goes black.

-----

Jia Li turns from the screen. "How was that? A little too forceful? Too confident? Shit, this is going to start the war..." She buries her head in her hands.

"You did fine, Ji-ji," Xel says and massages her shoulders.

The Council of Twelve Chamber

The false Jia Li stands up and paces. "Lies! You said you would kill her before she got to the comm. You said she couldn't possibly be in Demoness!"

"Now, Empress-"

"Now Empress nothing. That's what you are going to be if you don't bring me Jia Li's head on a platter! Do you know what that speech just did to my image?"

"Hikari-"

"DON'T ever call me that again. I am Empress Demoness, the true inheritor of the throne." She got up into one of the Council's faces. "If you had just let me tell the nation who I was, I could have taken the throne! But no!"

"Empress, we couldn't tell them Jia Li had a twin. Not even Ashram knew about it. The nationw would think that we were lying."

"And what do you call our message now? Happy fun time? We should just go on air and admit the truth."

"Admit that you kept secret in case Jia Li wouldn't bend to our will? That you were trained in secret as a priestess? Yes, that's good press."

Hikari smiled. "Fine, I'll make a statement. My way." She stormed out of the room.

OOC: Okay, so theres no confusion... Tarrell, Mei Ling, Jia Li, Sakura, and Xel are all in the same place... Now and for the time being at least...

IC:"Good speech Jia." Tarrell stated with a grin. "However, after a speech like that, I wonder if even the council will respect the sanctity of this place. What is your plan. I know that the Daedin would provide a military backing to you, if you so need it. I give you my word as his highest of servents, and closest friend."

"You did fine Jia Li." Mei Ling looks at her.

"I dont know and I hope you never have to use them, but I want to give you both these."

Mei Ling reached into a black bag and pulled out two silver with gold trimming .45 pistols. They were elegant in design and on one side branded the motto of Darkskye in Latin, Virtute et armis, and on ther other the motto in English, Valor and Arms. She handed them both the pistols.

"Watch out, they are both ready to rock."

As they inspected the pistols Mei Ling continued, "Those pistols are hold the highest respect in Darkskye, they are only given to people of the utmost respect. It is a sign that we back you."

Jia Li was about to open her mouth when Mei Ling cut her off, "We need a plan. How are we gonna go about this? Are you going to meet the priest at the gate?"

"If so..." Mei Ling pulled out a case from the bag. In seconds she flipped it open and assembled a black sniper rifle. "I can give sniper cover. First person to pull a weapon on you if they do will go down. Also, I havent told you this but I have operators from Red Cell in the country. They can storm the palace or anywhere you choose in minutes."

"You did fine Jia Li." Mei Ling looks at her.

"I dont know and I hope you never have to use them, but I want to give you both these."

Mei Ling reached into a black bag and pulled out two silver with gold trimming .45 pistols. They were elegant in design and on one side branded the motto of Darkskye in Latin, Virtute et armis, and on ther other the motto in English, Valor and Arms. She handed them both the pistols.

"Watch out, they are both ready to rock."

As they inspected the pistols Mei Ling continued, "Those pistols are hold the highest respect in Darkskye, they are only given to people of the utmost respect. It is a sign that we back you."

Jia Li was about to open her mouth when Mei Ling cut her off, "We need a plan. How are we gonna go about this? Are you going to meet the priest at the gate?"

"If so..." Mei Ling pulled out a case from the bag. In seconds she flipped it open and assembled a black sniper rifle. "I can give sniper cover. First person to pull a weapon on you if they do will go down. Also, I havent told you this but I have operators from Red Cell in the country. They can storm the palace or anywhere you choose in minutes."

Tarrell gives a quick grin to Mei Ling. "Would a kiss get me one of those pistols?" Quickly, he steps away and looks to Jia and Xel. "I also have some friends in the city. I will order them to link with us at the gate. I will personnally stand at your left side. My life, for the time, is yours to command."

Mei Ling looked at Tarrell and shook her head.

Jia Li wasn't sure what to say. "Listen, guys, I really appreciate the support, but-"

"We can't allow others to intervene," Xel finished.

She nodded. "If we win using a foreign power, the people will resent my rule, even if it is for their own good. Likewise if the Council wins that way. Our honor would be tarnished."

Jia Li experimentally aimed the pistol. "I was never trained to shoot these things."

"I was," Xel said and Jia Li nodded; she expected that.

"I would appreciate any help you can offer protecting myself or the palace, but please refrain from actually engaging any of the priests or their backers.

"As for the priest, I will send one of the handmaids and she'll bring-"

One of the elves enter. "Empress, you need to see this."
-----
A woman who looked exactly like Jia Li appeared on the screen.

"She must've been a great decoy. Why don't I remember her?" Xel asked.

"Shh..."

"My name's Hikari," the woman said. "And I have as much right to be Empress as Jia Li does. I am her twin and these-" She holds up some papers. "-medical records prove it."

She took off the scarf concealing her ears. She had elven ears too, but they were not as developed as Jia Li's. "One of the signs of the true heir of Demoness are the ears, which are pointed slightly. I was born with only a partial point and I stumped the priests. They went with Jia Li only because she was born first.

"To keep the stability of the country, the priests hid me in the Cathedral and raised me as a priestess. Many priests did not even know I existed because they feared I was unlucky - and for you foreigners, twins are unlucky; the weaker twin is always killed."

She stood. "I hereby claim that I hold the divine right as I have kept with tradition. I have kept with the Church and I am even now following its decree by marrying a priest. What has Jia Li done that was so great? She has broken our international silence and invited countries to war with us. She allowed a coup to be staged, got us dragged into the Great Nations War, and has attracted more warlike countries. Where will it stop?

"Jia Li, give yourself up or I will fight you."

The screen went blank.

"Fuck."

"Damn it." Mei Ling whispered after watching the transmition.

"What do you want me to do?" she said, turning towards Xel and Jia Li.

"Jia Li, give yourself up or I will fight you."

The screen went blank.

"Fuck."

"Well, this is certainly going to complicate things." Tarrell said, shaking his head. "These games of political intrigue always frustrate me. That is why I leave that up to others. Again, my sword and my life are both yours to command."

"I don't suppose either of you can turn back time and make this whole thing not happen?" They both shook their heads. "Didn't think so..." She went silent again.

"Ji-ji, what are you going to do?"

Jia Li stood and drew Xel's katana. "The insanely stupid thing."

"Not again, Empress," Xel replied.

"Again."

Xel cursed. "Send a message to the Cathedral. Jia Li wishes to talk to this Hikari personally." He looked at her. "You're insane."

"But you love me anyway."

"Are you sure thats a good idea?" Mei Ling stated, still holding her sniper rifle. "It could be a trap...".

Mei Ling looked directly at Jia Li, "They killed your father Jia Li...they are going to want to kill you also."

"Are you sure thats a good idea?" Mei Ling stated, still holding her sniper rifle. "It could be a trap...".

Mei Ling looked directly at Jia Li, "They killed your father Jia Li...they are going to want to kill you also."

"I know. It was a stupid idea before and it's an insane one before, but this time, I have you guys backing me. If she accepts the duel, you'll make sure they don't try anything."

"Empress, channel open."

Jia Li nodded and sat in the comms chair. It was fairly odd looking into Hikari's face. What was more disturbing was the fact that Hikari kept mimicking her movements as if she were indeed a reflection.

She cleared her throat. "I feel that the only way to solve this is to have a duel." She held up the katana.

"To the death?"

"Not to the death. When I win, I will need you for my new government."

Hikari smiled evilly. "What makes you think you'll win?"

"I have divine right." Jia Li motioned to the room behind her. "And if you accept, I expect you to not try to pull anything. I have insurance against you any move you priests make."

"Very well. Tomorrow at dawn in the courtyard. Martial arts only." Hikari smiled again before she disappeared.

Jia Li sighed. "That might be a bad thing." She turned to Mei Ling and Tarrell. "If you can, give me sniper cover. I don't trust her either."

"Are you sure thats a good idea?" Mei Ling stated, still holding her sniper rifle. "It could be a trap...".

Mei Ling looked directly at Jia Li, "They killed your father Jia Li...they are going to want to kill you also."

"Could be? It will be a trap. Thats how things work. But never fear, you have Mei Ling back covering us, and me and Xel at your sides. If they truly wish violence, the blood will run. If we go down, we will go down among the bodies of our enemies. But I would be more than happy to watch your back"

"Sniper cover..." Mei Ling grinned, "You got it. Any of them try anything funny ill take care of them".

"Before you duel, Ill make my way to a place overlooking, probably on one of the roofs of the buildings surrounding the courtyard. They wont even know I'm there."

(OOC: What do the Guards/Priests use for weapons exactly?)

(OOC: What do the Guards/Priests use for weapons exactly?)

OOC: ::cries:: Nationstates sucks. Somehow it just erased my message!

::ahem:: Guns are basically nonexistent in Demoness. Handguns only exist in law enforcement and other guns are military only.

The palace guards at the gate would have handguns, but swords as well. (Doesn't matter now that they're on our side.) Many of the guards, both priest and palace, would carry bows or swords or other medieval weapons.

The priests would carry staves or nothing at all, but they are trained in Demoness' form of martial arts (yet to be determined :P ).

What Xel carries is classified. :P

I need sleep now.

OOC:

Roger that =)

Have a good sleep!

Gah try not to start without me!! =)

"Could be? It will be a trap. Thats how things work. But never fear, you have Mei Ling back covering us, and me and Xel at your sides. If they truly wish violence, the blood will run. If we go down, we will go down among the bodies of our enemies. But I would be more than happy to watch your back"

"Let's not be too quick with the 'bodies of our enemies' thing," Sakura suggested. "The commanders might be corrupt, but that doesn't mean the footsoldiers are. They probably have no idea where there loyalties should lie, by this point, and in that state, people tend to react against change." Frowning, she ran one hand through her hair. "As far as the duel... hmm. You won't need a third person right next to you, with these two there, and I'm less the sniper than Mei Ling is. If you don't object, I think I'll stick near the other side -- maybe blend in as one of your immigrants, maybe just hide. Either way, from that close, I can try to intercept anything obvious before it reaches you."

In a dark chamber, far away from the crisis, a figure in a deep grey robe stands before what can only be described as a huge eye. In this eye can be seen an image of the chamber where the Empress of Demoness and her allies are conducting their council of war.

"Remarkable genetics." The robed figure traces the outline of Jia Li's face. The figure turns to the darkness of the chamber.

"Officer."

A man in grey steps from the darkness into the cone of light projected by the image from the eye.

"Yes, my Lord Architect?"

"How many Politicals do we have in Demoness?"

"12, my Lord."

"12? I ordered a full unit of 50 to be sent."

"You did my Lord. The other 38 were unsuccessfully inserted. They were discovered and self destructed."

"Unsatisfactory but we we will have to operate with what we have. How are they equipped?"

"Toxin Spines only, my Lord. Anything more obvious would have reduced their ability to blend into the community."

"Adequate. Order them to attend the duel in the morning. If they observe anyone attempting to act against the Empress outside of the confines of the duel, they are to eliminate them. Inform them that they have Discretion."

"Are we allying with Jia Li of Demoness, my Lord?"

"No. This is a caprice. Jia Li impresses me. If you are asked the reason for this, refuse to answer. If forced to answer, say only that you chose this course of action in the interests of stability."

"On your order, my Lord."

The man in grey steps out of the light and once again the robed figure is alone in the dark chamber.

"Remarkable genetics."

OOC: Hope nobody objects, but this is just too interesting to let pass.

The sun was not up yet over Demoness. The darkness cloaked the courtyard and the buildings around it.

A guard walked past the bushes, looking around. Shaking his head, he continued walking.

A set of three glowing "eyes" from NVGs appeard in the bushes. Mei Ling silently walked out of the bushes. Taking a knee, she fired the silenced gun upwards towards the roof. The rope flew threw the air. Once over the roof of the building, the canister at the end of the room came apart and launched 4 prongs down into the roof. They smashed silently into the roof, attatching the rope to the roof.

Mei Ling tugged on the rope, looking right for the guard that walked by. He was still around the corner. She quickly hooked herself to the rope and began climbing up the building.

The guard turned and looked around. There was nothing. He sighed, looking around, and walked back around the building. "Nothing ever happens here..." he said to himself.

Mei Ling just finished pulling the rope up when he walked by. She coiled it behind her and took a knee. She unslung her sniper rifle from behind her back and set it up, facing down into the courtyard. She kneeled behind it and waited...

"Today is the day..."

"And these reports you received, what is their verasity?" asked Sovy.

"They are accurate. I made sure of that myself," said Aido, as she sat down in the comfy chair across from Sovy. The huge throne that Sovy sat in oversized both of the creatures, almost to the end of creating a comical effect if it weren't for the gothic overtones.

"So, it seems like we are facing a dillema. A sister reveals the truth about herself, and the other sister ran away in order to make a point to the higher ups. According to your reports, it seems like the most accurate and, as such, truthful story seems to be where the empress ran away, and her sister staged a coup to take the throne, as was stated on the TV broadcast," Sovy stated, reading through the documents on the monitor that is to the side of him, on his dark, wooden desk.

"That is what I believe, and what my sources have cited. The main picture is still quite sketchy, but if this situation is very tedious. It can easily slide down into a state of civil war with these two opposing sides.

According to the recent reports from our observors in demoness, it is believed that the two sisters will fight for the throne, believing that the righteous will rule over." reported Aido. She kept a calm face, but already knows of the dangers and horrors brought by a civil war. Such a stern and obediant girl she is.

"We both know that if things turn bad, and a civil war erupts, that it is best to stay out of the conflict. Nevertheless, I am worried that a third party may take advantage of the situation, and either support one side, which will mean more civil wars down the line, or overtake both sides and occupy Demoness. Therefore, I want the Xen Navy on standby, as well as a expediatonary force ready incase somebody tries to pull a stunt."

Aido nodded, stood up, and saluted the Dictator Kurosei. She left to relay the orders to the Military Minister and the rest of the Drakon Military.

**The two planes circle and land, th ejet fighter's pilot hopping out, looking to be in a rather foul mood, muttering under his breath and getting in a long arguement with the high density fuel capsules retrieved from the transport as a man in a light colored duster starts out of the transport and begins calmly walking through the city for the palace pulling out a communicator

"This is diplomatic envoy Shuu Shirakawa sent by Banjou Aran and Quatro Beijing of Gundor. I will be arriving at your palace shortly, for I assure you a short discussion and would like to thank you for the time you offer."

**Shuu looks back at the pilot in the midst of refueling

"Fujiwara, try not to deck the ground crew here, neither of us want to work together, and things here are tense."

*He then sighs and shakes his head walking off, "At least Kabuto wasn't sent as the diplomat..."

*Shuu continues to calmly walk to the palace, occasionally noting the surrounding city, duster billowing slightly in the wind

OOC:

We have yet to see the duel. Are you gonna continue with this plotline Demoness?

It would be good, since I have been away this entire plotline and ought to at least see the ending of it.

It was bright this morning. Tarrell had abandoned his usual uniform a for ceremonial Demonessian one. None here would know his true diplomatic affiliations, save those he was with. As he walked with the Empress and Xel, his eyes darted back and forth.

*Today is a good day to die, he thought, remembering the ancient battle cry. "Well, today will not be my day, he muttered.

"What?" The Empress asked, turning around.

"Oh, nothing. Just thinking. I do pray that it doesn't come to blows, your majesty, but if it does, you just concentrate on doing what you have to do." Tarrell stated bluntly. "You have four other people watching out for you. You needn't worry about what goes on behind you."

"Thank you Tarrell. Your kindness and support mean much to me. I greatly appreciate it." Jia replied, looking into his eyes. It was then that she noticed something, something that didn't seem right. "Wha-" she started, but Tarrell quickly cut her off.

"Think nothing of it. It is my duty, given to m by the Daedin." And with that he turned to leave.

It was a few minutes later that the Empress realized what it was that she saw. She had seen it before, and knew the look.

Tarrell expected to die this day.

OOC:

We have yet to see the duel. Are you gonna continue with this plotline Demoness?

OOC: Of course! I just can't get on til after midnight. ^_^; Sorry folks. And I don't mind people joining as long as they don't blow up my country or try to kill me. ^_~

IC:

There was no pad on the courtyard, but tape that would serve as the arena for the two combatants. The others left Jia Li side ten feet from the tape, save for Xel who followed her to the edge.

Jia Li once again wore the black kimono-like outfit she had worn to her duel with Akbar. It was the only thing she wore. While her hair was held back by a braid, stray strands still blew in her face. She brushed them away as she waited for her combatant.

Truthfully, Jia Li hadn't wanted to fight this morning. She didn't want to fight at all, but she knew she had to if she was going to get her changes. She wished she had started the duel as soon as she found out about Hikari so she wouldn't have stayed up the entire night worrying about the dawn.

Finally, Hikari entered and Jia Li bristled. She was wearing the robes of the High Priest, the position their father Ashram had held. As Hikari stripped off the outer robe, she smiled. "Like it?" Jia Li frowned.

OOC: Anything with brackets around it is supposedly Demonese translated into English for the sake of you understanding.

IC:

A young priestess stepped into the center of the ring. "<This match is between Empress Jia Li and High Priestess Hikari for the prize of the throne. You will fight until one of you is knocked out or incapacitated. Remember, this is not to the death.

"<Please, take your places.>"

The sisters stepped forward and stood on either side of the priestess as spectators crowded around the arena.

"<Begin!>" The priestess waved her arm between the combatants and then quickly left the arena.

"It doesn't have to come to this, Hikari," Jia Li said as they circled each other. "In my new government, you will have equal power with me."

Hikari feinted a right hook, swiftly hooked Jia Li's leg, and tripped her. "&lt;A goddess doesn't share power,&gt;" she said, standing over her.

Jia Li hadn't landed properly, but she improvised and landed without hurting herself too much. She spun to her feet.

OOC: I am going to take ample liberties with the fight scenes. ^_^;

OOC: Hmm, catfight. And we all know what happens when two women start fighting. :P

Mei Ling poised on the rooftop just as she had been all morning. She was undetected still, half of the guards and some of the other country's top agents didnt even see her up there. She watched the opening of the duel and read the lips of everybody, including the two dueling.

"How interesting...their speaking in native tounge"

OOC:

Is this event being televised?

OOC:

Is this event being televised?

OOC: I'm sure someone is given that Sepland attempted to do the same thing with the Jia Li/Akbar duel. Hell, if all else fails, some dick from Demoness could be broadcasting it....That's a great idea! :D

IC:

A tall, lanky Japanese man crawled up beside Mei Ling. He was holding a camera. As he focused it on the combatants, he said, "Of course they are. Beautiful language, huh?"

OOC: More on the fight to come. Sorry, I couldn't resist. :P

Let them eat Pie then all will be good.

Mmmm Pie

I like Pie

Tarrell stood about twenty feet from the taped off "arena." He wished to be closer, but Demoness custom demanded that he be at least this far away. His eyes were constantly scanning the crowd, aware of almost everything that was moving. His hand rested lightly on the hilt of his rapier, and his body was tensed.

He really didn't like crowds.

A tall, lanky Japanese man crawled up beside Mei Ling. He was holding a camera. As he focused it on the combatants, he said, "Of course they are. Beautiful language, huh?"

OOC: More on the fight to come. Sorry, I couldn't resist. :P

Without looking, Mei Ling extends her right arm into his face, knocking him completly out.

"Whoever you are, this is my sniper position...go to sleep"

OOC: What in the hell?!?!

"So, the battle is on. Reminds you of those good old days back in elementary school," Sovy said, glancing over to his right to Xeneth Blacktalon, the Military Minister.

"Yes, yes it does. I placed 2nd, or 3rd, in many events that involved hunting, wrestling and fencing," replied the black Drakon, his fingers interlocked and brought up to his chin. He sat in a comfy black chair, that styled to the modern times.

"I know. I would be placed in some double digited number. The best being 13th place in year 2 Wrestling... Mind you, we only did have 14 students in that class, and I won on default," the Dragon Kurosei replied.

The black general smirked.

"It looks like they are having a martial arts combat session between the two, Hikari and Jia Li. The fight is not to the death, thankfully. If Jia Li wins, the church may not give up their position of power so easily, and a civil war may break out," said Aido. She was sitting in a chair similer to Xeneth's, but grey in colour, like her fur.

"You know we can't interfere in a civil. All we can do is pray and hope that one doesn't break out," said Sovy. He drooped in his chair, as the TV screen shifted, the opening ceremonies completed and the combatants are prepared to fight.

- Sovy Kurosei, Emperor of Xen
- Xeneth Blacktalon, Military Minister
- Aido Rakaen, External Security Minister

A tall, lanky Japanese man

OOC:

Isn't that almost like a contradiction?

A tall, lanky Japanese man

OOC:

Isn't that almost like a contradiction?

OOC: LOL!!!!!!!!!!!! Pretty much...

Blood ran freely from Jia Li's nose, but she'd redeemed herself by giving Hikari a black eye. Her elbow hurt and she was sure it was swollen; she'd probably hurt it more than she thought in the fall.

Ideally, Jia Li would be fighting Hikari after she'd defeated several of her guards and Hikari would be very hurt. This is what Jia Li was trained for. After all, what was the purpose of guards if they didn't protect?

She would have to outsmart Hikari because she simply didn't have the training to beat Hikari, who, as Jia Li had recently discovered, probably trained as long as Xel Nedia. Jia Li grimaced.

Hikari high kicked at Jia Li's jaw and Jia Li blocked it with her forearm. Then she threw herself into a backward flip, kicking Hikari in the head with one leg, but missing with the other. She cartwheeled and landed on her feet.

Not wanting to be outdone, Hikari backed up a few steps and launched herself into some impressive acrobatics. However, she didn't land and kick Jia Li as the Empress anticipated, but instead flipped over Jia Li, knocked her in the back of the head and landed. Then she tripped the stunned Empress.

Jia Li's jaw cracked on the cement and she saw stars. Oh, shit, she thought.

OOC: ^_^; Erm, yeah. But she didn't black out.

LMAO!!! Darkskye, Xen asked if it was going to be televised. I thought it was funny. :oops:

A tall, lanky Japanese man

OOC:

Isn't that almost like a contradiction?

OOC: LOL!!!!!!!!!!!! Pretty much...

OOC: He was genetically engineered... Yeah. =_=

::points:: Look, it's a distraction! ::runs::

We, of Camila, despite our two week month of the Festivals of Natsu-yasumi, are willing to assist the Empress in any way possible under our code of honour. We ask good Empress Jai Li to understand where honour may confine us against acting either way. With all our hearts, we await word of safety from all of our sister nations involved. Jai Li wa ogenki desuka?
~King Henri Christoph de Flammepoing
Knight of the Rose
True Monarch of Camila

Two yong men in brown robes move out in the open, but no one seems to see them.

Youngest man: What are our orders major?

Older man: President Shelton wants us to observe the fight, and make shur no one interfers with the fight.

Yong man: And if they do...

Old man:...we stop them.

Young man: What about the two duelers?

Old man: We let the duel take its course, we are only here to observe.


I have sent two of my best commandos to watch the duelest's backs. They will make shur no one mess up the fight.


Dick Shelton, President
United States of El Dorrado

Mei Ling peered at the battle below.

"Come on Jia Li...get up..." she wispered to herself.

Something in the shadows across from her sniper position on the ground caught her attention.

"?"

I have sent two of my best commandos to watch the duelest's backs. They will make shur no one mess up the fight.


OOC: It seems that everyone is interested in the unaffected outcome of this fight.

I wonder what would happen if the council had their own, privately trained, military and guard forces?

;)

It looked to Xel that Jia Li was going to lose. While this meant she was technically free, he was sure that the Church would kill her within minutes.

Hikari dug her (barefoot) heel into Jia Li's spine and listening to the Empress' cries nearly made him run to her rescue, but he restrained himself.

Suddenly, Jia Li pushed herself up and knocked Hikari off balance. Tired, Jia Li only rolled over and watched as her sister regained her balance. Then she quickly reached out with her foot and pulled Hikari's leg out from under her. As soon as she touched the ground, Jia Li pounced on her.

Then a gunshot rang out.

***OOC: WHOA...I dont know WHAT is going on now...but im not responding in character in case it was Mei Ling who fired! In that case, just post and ill write something..***


In other words im waiting!

OOC: It seems that everyone is interested in the unaffected outcome of this fight.

I wonder what would happen if the council had their own, privately trained, military and guard forces?

;)

OOC: Very strange, especially since I haven't had contact with these nations before. :?

To answer your question: Jia Li would be screwed. She's not wearing the mithril anymore, but Hikari might. And if you mean for civil war purposes, the higher-ups actually like the priests more than Jia Li since she's challenging the order. They'd probably side with the Church while the grunts and catmen would go with her.

***OOC: WHOA...I dont know WHAT is going on now...but im not responding in character in case it was Mei Ling who fired! In that case, just post and ill write something..***


In other words im waiting!

OOC: That was for Dinosia to respond to, actually. I'll give him a minute or two before I post again.

*a man sits watching a very large tv screen, one wearing royal robes with a bowl of heavily buttered popcorn and sampling from it vigorously. a second man stand behind the chair stoicly*

"This show is the best"

Holy Emperor Nimajneb

"May I ask why we didn't send an operative of our own?"

Ambassador Justin Lindron

"There are more spies there than Demonessians already. Make sure the tape of the broadcast gets to the foreign service. I want those people identified. Wow! Look at'em go."

Holy Emperor Nimajneb

"Oh, geez... I knew this was not going to go as clean as I though," Sovy said, rubbing his temples while nodding his head down, hearing the gunshot explode over the speaker system set in his private TV viewing room.

"Hikari was winning the fight it looked like. Infact, when Hikari was over Jia Li, I thought it was over. But the gunshot is unknown. It could have came from both sides," the purplish Aido said, already talking, and glancing down to a commpad on the armchair, which flashed a new bit of information every 15 seconds.

- Sovy Kurosei, Emperor of Xen
- Aido Rakaen, External Security Minister

Then a gunshot rang out.

Tarrells sword was out in an instant, and he dropped to a defensive crouch. Seeing no immediate threat, he ran closer to the arena, and closer to Jia Li.

Some of the palace guards moved to stop him, but Tarrell glared coldly in their direction, his eyes pronouncing death to anyone who moved between him and the arena. He stopped at the tape, unsure of wether he should cross that particular line or not. He simply turned around, his eyes scanning for the insolent fool who dared to use a firearm around here. His rapier traced a slow defensive pattern in the air, while he tried to keep track of all the people in the area.

The crowds were scattering, terrified of this unseen weapon. and the guards were rushing forward, their weapons drawn as well.

A second shot rang out, and Tarrell narrowed down where the fire was coming from. He took a step forward, and all strength left his legs. He looked down in amazement, a bullet had pierced his armor, and blood was slowly trickling out.

He growled and looked up, willing his body to take an extra step, and another. A third shot rang out, catching Tarrell square in the chest.

This time he knew where it was from. He slowly reached to his belt to draw one of his throwing daggers, but the pain was intense. He slowly brought the weapon up and snapped his wrist, but there wasn't enough strength. The knife clattered to the ground not more than five feet in front of Tarrell, as he sank to his knees, the life quickly draining from his body.

We, of Camila, despite our two week month of the Festivals of Natsu-yasumi, are willing to assist the Empress in any way possible under our code of honour. We ask good Empress Jai Li to understand where honour may confine us against acting either way. With all our hearts, we await word of safety from all of our sister nations involved. Jai Li wa ogenki desuka?
~King Henri Christoph de Flammepoing
Knight of the Rose
True Monarch of Camila

OOC: This was from me... By the Gods, two weeks of vacation and everything goes all crazy. I really should keep up with this...

Something in the shadows across from her sniper position on the ground caught her attention.

"?"

Young man: Major there is a sniper on that roof-top.

Old man: I see her. Scan the area if no one is looking light my hands up, just a little though she already sees us. Lets see if she knows sign language.

Young man: All clear.

Old man: *signs* We are here in peace, why are you here? *speaking* Get down.

Young man: I already am.

Old man: Good. We will see what she dose. You got a bead on her? I do.

Young man: Of course, Major.

OOC: Grah!!!!!!! Whats going on!!!!!!! Open fire open fire!!!!!!!!

Something in the shadows across from her sniper position on the ground caught her attention.

"?"

Young man: Major there is a sniper on that roof-top.

Old man: I see her. Scan the area if no one is looking light my hands up, just a little though she already sees us. Lets see if she knows sign language.

Young man: All clear.

Old man: *signs* We are here in peace, why are you here? *speaking* Get down.

Young man: I already am.

Old man: Good. We will see what she dose. You got a bead on her? I do.

Young man: Of course, Major.

Mei Ling catches the sign language *Apparently this is going on before the shots...guess thats why Mei Ling never caught the shooter off the bat*

Mei Ling signaled back in Sign, "Roger, do not get in the way"


*Gunshot*

An Imperial servant barges into the Holy Emperor's bedroom, looking quite flustered.

Servant: "Holy One! Some bad crap's goin' down in Demoness!"

Vladimir: "Hey! Did I tell you to enter?"

Koshka: "..."

Servant: "Er.... Apologies, Holy One." o_O

Vladimir: "*sigh* What were you saying?"

The servant turns on the crappy old television.

Servant: "See! Now the Empress and her look-alike are dueling! And then there was a gunshot, and now everyone's panicking!"

Vladimir: "... Fuck."

OOC: It was a long one, and hard to write quickly... ;) Thx Demoness... ;)

IC:

******DINOSIA*******

The Daedin sat in one of his many private rooms, his eyes on the troubes brewing in Demoness. He watched as Tarrell escorted Jia Li to the arena. He watched as Hikari knocked Jia to the ground, and he watched as the first shot rang out.

He was suddenly very interested, but when the second shot rang out, all that changed.

He was shocked to silence, but quickly composed himself. He was up in an instant, shouting orders and calling for this servant or that guard. Nothing like this had happened before. His best infiltrator was lying on foreign soil, slowly dying and he was helpless to stop it.

"Kareth, ready my personal jet. I must be in Demoness within the day."

He quickly and quietly slid one of the walls out of the way, and silently padded down a small corridor to another room. One that only two people knew about.

And one of them was dying.

The first gunshot hit the tile beside Jia Li's head and chips of it flew into her face, but the second and third were aimed at her new ally Tarrell.

Hikari looked at her in surprise and then rolled out from under her. Then the next thing Jia Li knew, Xel was on top of her, trying to shield her.

"What the fuck is going on?" Jia Li demanded.

Xel ignored her as it was obviously a rhetoric question. "Ji-ji, we need to get you out of here. Now."

Then there was a swishing of dresses and the handmaids were all around her. Xel picked her up and assisted her to cover as the handmaids tried to shield her. Jia Li caught Hikari disappearing into the palace before Xel shoved his jacket at her.

"Put it on," he demanded. Jia Li nodded and put it on.

"You have more mithril under that, don't you?"

Xel didn't answer as he pulled out the pistols Mei Ling had given them and handed one to Jia Li.

"Son of a bitch!" Mei Ling whispered, seeing the operator laying on the ground bleeding. She trained her scope over the people, looking for the shooter.

*OOC: Sorry guys I have no idea what to do LOL...but I will do THIS!*

She noticed random guards comming out of the palace into the courtyard...drawing their weapons.

Mei Ling catches the sign language *Apparently this is going on before the shots...guess thats why Mei Ling never caught the shooter off the bat*

Mei Ling signaled back in Sign, "Roger, do not get in the way"


*Gunshot*

Capt. Conner: You catch that Major?

Major Tirce: I did. *Gunshot* Come on!

They both run out into the middle of the fight.

Major Tirce: Conner go over and say hello to the good people.

Capt. Conner: Aye! *Runs up to Xel* Your Majesty, I am Captan Conner. Special Ops El Dorrado Armed Forces. How may I assist?

Vladimir watches the events unfurl, shaking his head in disbelief.

Vladimir: "... Tell the military advisor to ready troops to send to Demoness in case of a civil war."

Servant: "... ... ... Yes, Holy One."

Vladimir: "*sigh* So much for isolationism."

Koshka: "Mrow..."

"No F*cking plan survives first contact!" Mei Ling shouted at herself, dropping the sniper rifle. She quickly attatched the rapelling rope to her harness, took a few steps back, and leapt off the roof. She fell, but a few feet before impact she stopped her decent and cut the rope. She landed and hunched over, taking a knee. Instantly, two pistols were in her hand.

"Tarrell!" she shouted, searching for him through the running croud and the guards, "Hang on"

She made a B-Line towards him.

Iulius' head snapped up when he heard the first gunshot. The sound reverberated in her head, and he was unable to locate the direction it had come from. She stepped nervously out onto the field, unsure of what to do - Jia Li and Hikari seemed unaffected thus far.

A second shot.

And now a man was down.

Iulius burst forth, robes flapping in the wind behind him as he rushed over to Tarrell. A curse flew from his lips in the ancient tongue, the Draconic tongue, and a black cloud billowed around her before she angrily dismissed it.

"Do people have no honor?" He hissed, crouching by the dying man. She snatched the throwing dagger away. "Don't move, you'll worsen it." Fear drowned in the wave of need. Iulius needed to help this man, probably not an innocent but certainly not deserving of death.

The bullet couldn't be removed, he saw; the blood would gush too quickly. Magic first, then removal, then magic.

Iulius concentrated. Dragon wings tore through the silk robe as though it were gauze, as she whispered healing words in the ancient tongue.

OOC: Iulius is just looking to die. :P Wire Fire Gas Glass, dude/tte! And snipers with bullets, look out for those too.
SDIulius: Shut up shut up shut up!

a man sits watching a very large tv screen, one wearing royal robes with a bowl of heavily buttered popcorn and sampling from it vigorously

A figure in dark glasses, lounging on a massive sofa, observes an Ultra-Huge-Wall-Screen TV whilst partaking of pork rinds and sipping at a martini. Suddenly, he looks up.
"There is a disturbance in the Force... it's almost as if...
As if...
Someone is stealing my schtick!!!"

A few subtle sattelite commands and that tv screen in Siletzia is stricken by interference... and then the image feed is shifted to a Teletubbies marathon on PBS.

The Vice-Regent smooths his dark hair and returns to the pork rinds, proceeding to get his snack on while viewing the epic battle.

Above is all, a Light Deflecting(stealth) Soundless Helicopter headed down to the arena....


Pilot-"Sir, are you sure we should get invloved?"He asked the single passenger.

Raslin, Dictator of Chellis-"You have your orders, Lieutenant."He said, as the helicopters first signs of existance were shown by the dust being blown away. The door slid open in front of Jai-li, which to her must of looked like a portal in the air.

Raslin-"Empress, you must get in!"Raslin simply yelled."I have been admiring your great country for a long time, and I believe you are too important to it to die! Please, I will arrange for your safety!"Raslin said, reaching out his arm.

"Who is shooting?" Xel shouted.

"It came from the crowd. They're either still out there or they've retreated with the crowd," one of the handmaids replied.

"One of Hikari's friends?" a guard asked.

Jia Li sighed. "No. My head was right next to hers. It'd be stupid to risk her death. It has to be an outsider."

"Who?"

"Polynesian Free States? They did threaten us," Xel said.

"With war, but you're probably right. Almost every nation knows our trouble and one of them's bound to take advantage," Jia Li replied.

"Comm room?"

"Too obivious. Besides, do we really want to broadcast this?"

Another gunshot rang out. "GODDAMMIT!" Xel shouted.

"Son of a bitch!" Mei Ling whispered, seeing the operator laying on the ground bleeding. She trained her scope over the people, looking for the shooter.

*OOC: Sorry guys I have no idea what to do LOL...but I will do THIS!*

She noticed random guards comming out of the palace into the courtyard...drawing their weapons.

The shooter was already dead. The atemi-point strike had barely left a mark; someone who didn't know what to look for might think the sniper had died of sudden heart failure. Which wasn't far from the truth, at that.

The accomplishment didn't make Sakura any happier. A quick glance had shown she'd been too late; two more shots had been fired by the time she'd been able to cover the distance without being seen. At least Jia Li hadn't been the primary target...

Hmm. That was puzzling, come to think of it. Sakura wondered where the next bullet would have been headed.

There was no time for reflection now. Xel was pulling Jia Li away. Sakura would have to rendezvous with her. Maybe take care of a few of those priests first, though...

Iulius' head snapped up when he heard the first gunshot. The sound reverberated in her head, and he was unable to locate the direction it had come from. She stepped nervously out onto the field, unsure of what to do - Jia Li and Hikari seemed unaffected thus far.

A second shot.

And now a man was down.

Iulius burst forth, robes flapping in the wind behind him as he rushed over to Tarrell. A curse flew from his lips in the ancient tongue, the Draconic tongue, and a black cloud billowed around her before she angrily dismissed it.

"Do people have no honor?" He hissed, crouching by the dying man. She snatched the throwing dagger away. "Don't move, you'll worsen it." Fear drowned in the wave of need. Iulius needed to help this man, probably not an innocent but certainly not deserving of death.

The bullet couldn't be removed, he saw; the blood would gush too quickly. Magic first, then removal, then magic.

Iulius concentrated. Dragon wings tore through the silk robe as though it were gauze, as she whispered healing words in the ancient tongue.

OOC: Iulius is just looking to die. :P Wire Fire Gas Glass, dude/tte! And snipers with bullets, look out for those too.
SDIulius: Shut up shut up shut up!

OOC: Who are all these people! There commin out of the woodwork!!

IC:

Mei Ling made it to Tarrell and saw the "thing" over him. Mei Ling ran up to Iulius and grabbed the back of her head, shoving it downwards. At the same time, somebody charged her, which she countered with a swift kick to the face. The figure fell backwards to the ground.

"Listen scales, I dont know WHO the hell you are but its getting hairy here, grab him and follow them!"

Tarrell was struggling. Gods, but it hurt... He didn't have much time left, or much strength left. His last conscious act was to thumb a small communications device sewn into his glove.

***ACROSS THE CITY***

four figures sat in the alley, but only three of them belonged. A small beeping came from somewhere on the fourth, and he swiftly rose, throwing off dirty robes and drawing a dulled sabre. The emblem of Dinosia was etched onto the blade.


***THREE BLOCKS FROM THE ARENA***

Two men sat in a small, darkened hotel room. Both of their pockets started beeping. Silently they rose, donned masks, drew their weapons from the sheaths lying on the bed, and quickly exited out the window. None in the building ever realized they had left, but the next day, the maid found several gold bars.


***IN A SMALL MARKET***

A shopkeeper rose, accidently dumping his cart of vegetables. When everyone looked in confusion, he was already gone, having disappeared into the shadows behind him.


***BACK AT THE ARENA***

The scene was chaotic. Tarrell was lying on the ground, Mei Ling rushing to him. Four men in black tunics suddenly appeared, weapons out and at the ready. They quickly closed on Jia Li. The one in the lead mumbled something brief and quickly rotated his sabre enough for Jia to see one thing.

The emblem of Dinosia

OOC:
Better late than never... let's see what happens...

IC:

A flurry of red robes began to follow Xel and Jia Li, the sounds of guns being drawn clearly heard-- their robes bore the Crest of Nisan on the back, and their weapons were authentic ten-shot Taisen Revolvers.

Five men in all stood there, one of them rapidly turning to face Xel, "Sorry for hiding in the shadows like that... I'm Father Harcourt, Commander of the Paladin Squad "Evangelion". And I am yours to command, sire..."

With that, the group of men worked to form an even larger human shield, their weapons scanning the area for the perpetrator...

a man sits watching a very large tv screen, one wearing royal robes with a bowl of heavily buttered popcorn and sampling from it vigorously

A figure in dark glasses, lounging on a massive sofa, observes an Ultra-Huge-Wall-Screen TV whilst partaking of pork rinds and sipping at a martini. Suddenly, he looks up.
"There is a disturbance in the Force... it's almost as if...
As if...
Someone is stealing my schtick!!!"

A few subtle sattelite commands and that tv screen in Siletzia is stricken by interference... and then the image feed is shifted to a Teletubbies marathon on PBS.

The Vice-Regent smooths his dark hair and returns to the pork rinds, proceeding to get his snack on while viewing the epic battle.

Hey now, popcorn is entirely different from pork rinds!

Besides, the holy emperor has a fondness for Sangria.

Raslin-"Empress, you must get in!"Raslin simply yelled."I have been admiring your great country for a long time, and I believe you are too important to it to die! Please, I will arrange for your safety!"Raslin said, reaching out his arm.

What the hell? Who are these guys? Jia Li looked at Xel, who shook his head.

He stepped in front of her protectingly. "Thank you, but I think we've got it handled."

"I must insist."

Xel pointed the pistol at him. "So do I, whoever you are," he growled and rushed Jia Li out of the courtyard.

OOC: Um, I said Bad Faith could join. Don't ask me about the others. ^_^;

OOC: Holding off for a min to see what gets posted...Mei Ling is about to start shooting for your information. Random shooters in the crowd, Guards with weapons comming out, and whats this? Priests...

OOC: ::shrugs helplessly:: Um...yeah. Jia Li is going to run away now into the palace. Hikari's gone back to the Cathedral... Don't ask me about what the hell is really going on though... ^_^;

OOC: Alrighty then...IM WRITING SOMETHING *w00t* Hold off for a few =)

This will involve most of j00 all

Raslin simply looked down the barrel of the pistol."So must I!"Raslin said, not moving, keeping his arm out."I dont care about your damn honor codes or whatever you have, but you have someone trying to obviously kill you, and I risked my life to get here...Take my help!"Raslin said, not flinching from the fact that she could pull the trigger and fire a bullet into his skull.

OOC: wow, seems there were more spies than Demonessan's in the area... ;)

anyway, heres what I figure is goin on...

Tarrell's down
Mei Ling is with him, as is some dragon dude(friendly, I assume, otherwise prepare to die... nothing against you, of course.)
Hikari is long gone
Jia Li and Xel are in the palace, along with four Dinosian "elites"

Raslin simply looked down the barrel of the pistol."So must I!"Raslin said, not moving, keeping his arm out."I dont care about your damn honor codes or whatever you have, but you have someone trying to obviously kill you, and I risked my life to get here...Take my help!"Raslin said, not flinching from the fact that she could pull the trigger and fire a bullet into his skull.

"I'm sorry, but due to the situation, I can't trust anyone but myself right now with Jia Li's life. Don't take it personally," Xel replied. (OOC: and NOW leaves, I guess...)

OOC: Waiting for Darkskye...

ooc: um is this a stuctured game I did not relize, if so you rolled with it good...if you would like I'll call my men out.

OOC: wow, seems there were more spies than Demonessan's in the area... ;)

anyway, heres what I figure is goin on...

Tarrell's down
Mei Ling is with him, as is some dragon dude(friendly, I assume, otherwise prepare to die... nothing against you, of course.)
Hikari is long gone
Jia Li and Xel are in the palace, along with four Dinosian "elites"

OOC: Sounds about right. Question: how did they all get into the palace?!! :?

ooc: um is this a stuctured game I did not relize, if so you rolled with it good...if you would like I'll call my men out.

no, not structured... just don't have your guys directly interfere with the main players...

please... :roll:

Raslin simply looked down the barrel of the pistol."So must I!"Raslin said, not moving, keeping his arm out."I dont care about your damn honor codes or whatever you have, but you have someone trying to obviously kill you, and I risked my life to get here...Take my help!"Raslin said, not flinching from the fact that she could pull the trigger and fire a bullet into his skull.

Completely unheard and unknown to any of the parties involved, the Vice-Regent watching miles away says to his massive screen (as if he were watching any other show)...

"Shoot him!!! Shoot him!!! Blow the stupid twit's head clean away!!!"

OOC: wow, seems there were more spies than Demonessan's in the area... ;)

anyway, heres what I figure is goin on...

Tarrell's down
Mei Ling is with him, as is some dragon dude(friendly, I assume, otherwise prepare to die... nothing against you, of course.)
Hikari is long gone
Jia Li and Xel are in the palace, along with four Dinosian "elites"

OOC: Sounds about right. Question: how did they all get into the palace?!! :?

who, my guys? they went in with you... I would hope you allowed them to escort you, as they did show you where their loyalties lay...

ooc: um is this a stuctured game I did not relize, if so you rolled with it good...if you would like I'll call my men out.

no, not structured... just don't have your guys directly interfere with the main players...

please... :roll:

And the main players are?

ooc: um is this a stuctured game I did not relize, if so you rolled with it good...if you would like I'll call my men out.

OOC: Er, I don't actually remember some of your posts. I must have missed them. ^_^; I just found one in which you talked to Xel. ^_^; Um, it will be interesting when we find out that the majority of the people in the courtyard are apparently on Jia Li's side.

OOC: wow, seems there were more spies than Demonessan's in the area... ;)


"What did I tell you, Justin? Complete mayhem."

Holy Emperor Nimajneb

"We've identified operatives of at least 20 different nations, we believe."

Ambassador Justin Lindron

"Have someone bring me a margarita."

Holy Emperor Nimajneb

who, my guys? they went in with you... I would hope you allowed them to escort you, as they did show you where their loyalties lay...

OOC: I meant the spies, actually.

El Dorrado, the main players (I think) are Jia Li, Xel, Tarrell, Mei Ling, and Sakura. Did I miss anyone?

ooc: um is this a stuctured game I did not relize, if so you rolled with it good...if you would like I'll call my men out.

no, not structured... just don't have your guys directly interfere with the main players...

please... :roll:

And the main players are?

Xel and Jia Li
Tarrell
Mei Ling
[edit] Almost forgot Sakura :oops:

Feel free to have your guys offer support to Mei Ling. Someone needs to guard Tarrell and move him to a safe area...

;)

I would strongly suggest this...

;)

"God damnit!"Raslin said, as he hadn't noticed that Jai-Li had left by the time he was done talking.He procedded to slam the door."Pilot, Break Radio Silence. Send Message to Talon and Virgo Helicopters. Message Being 'Mission Failed.Unload Cargo at the front of the place.'He simply said, then re-emerging in Regular clothing, but carrying a Riot Shield and a Machinegun pistol. He quickly ran in the same direction that Jai-Li had left.

OOC:The helicopters wont do anything until I post saying they did...

ooc: um is this a stuctured game I did not relize, if so you rolled with it good...if you would like I'll call my men out.

OOC: Er, I don't actually remember some of your posts. I must have missed them. ^_^; I just found one in which you talked to Xel. ^_^; Um, it will be interesting when we find out that the majority of the people in the courtyard are apparently on Jia Li's side.

ooc: Just to let you know there both about 20 feet behind Xel covering there escape. Feel free to use em but don't kill Conner. Please

ooc: um is this a stuctured game I did not relize, if so you rolled with it good...if you would like I'll call my men out.

OOC: Er, I don't actually remember some of your posts. I must have missed them. ^_^; I just found one in which you talked to Xel. ^_^; Um, it will be interesting when we find out that the majority of the people in the courtyard are apparently on Jia Li's side.

ooc: Just to let you know there both about 20 feet behind Xel covering there escape. Feel free to use em but don't kill Conner. Please.

Xel and Jia Li stood there, Xel leveling his pistol at the newcommers. Mei Ling saw this over the shoulder of the "Dragon" type creature infront of her. She took the shot and smashed the weapon out of the hands of Raslin.

"What the F*ck are you waiting for!" She shouted at them, "GO!!!!!!!!!! ALL OF YOU!" She pointed with one hand to the palace.

She looked down at Tarrell and the dragon creature. "You, follow them. Do it now!!!!!!"

The creature looked up at her and nodded. She grabbed Tarrell by the underarms and dragged him across the courtyard towards the fleeing empress.

"Party time." Mei Ling whispered to herself.

"NO INNOCENTS! They are still my people!" Jia Li shouted at Mei Ling.

Mei Ling waved and turned, walking backwards towards Jia Li's position. A cloaked figure charged her, sword drawn. She flipped backwards and placed several bullets into the figure. She dodged under another sword and fired once again. The second figure dropped.

Things were now getting hairy and thick. She heard another gunshot and swung her shoulders left, narrowly dodging the bullet. Spinning she leveled her pistol at the shooter and fired, her bullet impacting into the skull of the shooter.

A Priest (OOC: Of Demoness...the ones allied with the counsil) in a flash stepped infront of her and grabbed her arms. The twin pistols dropped to the ground. Mei Ling, unphased, spun his arms around. He tried for a swift kick, but Mei Ling dodged and grabbed his leg, spinning him into the ground. She was on his back in a second. A knife flew at her...as she caught it she burried it into the back of the skull of the priest. Pulling it out she flung it back at the thrower, returning it to the center of his chest.

She stood up as another series of gunshots rang out. They flew right by her, the cracks and wirrrrs zipping right past her. She stood up and ran for the enterance to the palace where her allies went in. Grabbing a third pistol from her leg, she fired it off at a priest in front of her, dropping him right outside of the enterance.

Running inside the narrow hallway, she caught up with Xel and Jia Li.

"Xel..." she huffed, "Listen...you need to get her OUT OF HERE."

Xel responded, "Where?!"

"I dont know..." Mei Ling shouted, "You got random shooters outside and the priests are making their move on her!"

"I dont know..." Xel was cut short when Mei Ling heard the sounds.














The crossbows, hidden in the darkness fired. Two arrows headed straight for Xel.

Time seemed to slow as they flew through the air. Mei Ling, in almost a dancing fashion, spun in front of Xel, catching the two arrows heading towards him, and dropping her pistol in the process. Two more arrows headed straight for Jia Li, and in the same fashion Mei Ling caught them both and dropped them on the ground.

Xel leveled his pistol at the shooters and dropped them both, but didnt notice the third on the ceiling...

The arrows flew...














Xel saw the two on the ceiling and fired at them both. They fell. He then looked down in front of him.

Mei Ling stood in front of him, two arrows sticking out of her chest. She fell to the ground on her knees...tears welling up in her eyes. She picked up her fallen pistol and cocked it.

"What are you waiting for..." she shouted as blood poured from her wounds...

"GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

The sounds of people comming from behind them could be heard...

(In West America)

WA Intelligents Dir.: What's this all about?
Intell Operative: Sorry to wake you sir but there is a situation. It seems there is alot of activity in Demoness and plenty of people to blam. Here is live satilliet images of the area as you can see there is alot of speacal ops ativity in the area.
WAI Dir.: What is going on? Do we have people in the area?
Intell Opertive: We don't know sir. No sir we don't have people in the area. The nearest opertive is 4 hours away.
WAI Dir.: Well get a team there and find out is going on. Get me a report first thing in the morning.
Intell Opertive: Where are you going sir?
WAI Dir.: To bed? There is nothing else to be done if we have no people in the area.
Intell Opertive: Yes sir. You will have my report first thing in the morning.

(In West America)

WA Intelligents Dir.: What's this all about?
Intell Operative: Sorry to wake you sir but there is a situation. It seems there is alot of activity in Demoness and plenty of people to blam. Here is live satilliet images of the area as you can see there is alot of speacal ops ativity in the area.
WAI Dir.: What is going on? Do we have people in the area?
Intell Opertive: We don't know sir. No sir we don't have people in the area. The nearest opertive is 4 hours away.
WAI Dir.: Well get a team there and find out is going on. Get me a report first thing in the morning.
Intell Opertive: Where are you going sir?
WAI Dir.: To bed? There is nothing else to be done if we have no people in the area.
Intell Opertive: Yes sir. You will have my report first thing in the morning.

OOC: West America...like...California? So...that must mean your special operatives are Baywatch lifguards right? LOL hehehe j/j

Mei Ling stood in front of him, two arrows sticking out of her chest. She fell to the ground on her knees...tears welling up in her eyes. She picked up her fallen pistol and cocked it.

"What are you waiting for..." she shouted as blood poured from her wounds...

"GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

The sounds of people comming from behind them could be heard...

"Dear God, Mei Ling," Xel said. "That wasn't necessary."

"I know," Mei Ling replied.

"You-" He was in shock. More gunshots filled the passageway.

"You and you, get her to safety and heal her," Jia Li said, pointing to two of the elf handmaids. "Take good care of her. She is a dear friend."

"Ji-ji, we gotta go. NOW!" He shoved her toward the basement. "Thank you, Mei Ling," he shouted back at her. He wished he had more time, any time, but Jia Li was foremost now.

"The catacombs? You've got to be kidding me!"

"Miles and miles of tunnels..."

They fled through the darkness.

"All hell is breaking loose over there. We can't tell friend from foe!" growled Aido, her datapad beside her flickering new information every 10 seconds. Sometimes even quicker. She could barely keep up with the incoming information.

"Do we know who the shooter is?" muttered Sovy. His eyes were locked on the TV Screen, which showed the shaky image of the panicking Demonessians.

"Currently, we still have to figure out where the shooting came from... Here! It looks like it came from the rooftop. One casualty down." growled Aido, a picture of the palace was shown to her from the likely sniper positions.

"Do we know who it is?" Kurosei said, glancing at Aido before glazing back on the TV screen.

"We are not too sure, mabye the Polynesian Free States, the church of Demoness, or even Necron."

"That bastard. He is probably behind this. Keep me posted," roared out Kurosei, getting angry with the incoming news. His military forces are alert of the situation, but have not yet departed for Demoness. He will have to wait to see.

Screams and chaos insued throughout the courtyard. All that Sovy could do was rest, snuggle, and wait.

Xeneth, on the other hand, was quiet. This was not the time to talk. This was the time to listen and watch.

- Sovy Kurosei, Emperor of Xen
- Aido Rakaen, External Security Minister

"GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

The sounds of people comming from behind them could be heard...

Two of the Dinosian Elite came sprinting out, one standing on either side of Mei Ling.

"Lady Ling," the first one spoke. "We are here to assist. May the gods honor us today."

With that, the two danced away, rapier and scimitar dancing.They could be seen dancing in and out of the gathering priests and council guards. Any weapon that was presented was quickly knocked away, the flats of the blades being used where possible. When the priest or guard in question was more persistant in fighting back, they were quickly dispatched. Indeed, the blood was running. The three combatants were good. But they were vastly outmatched, when another voice was heard.

"We are here to help! For the honor of El Dorado!"

"You two," Mei Ling shouted, "Watch our flanks. We need all the help we can get."

With that Connor and his partner joined the fray.

The five fought valiantly, but still, one of the Dinosian soldiers fell. The remaining warriors were slowly being driven back to the Palace, where the loyal guard was waiting.

OOC: I'm trying, but things disintegrated so quickly... Lets see if we can get this all back in order... How bout we agree to post in Order, not breaking the order?

Major Tirce runs into the courtyard, and looks around, and picks up Tarrell where he had been droped, and starts to carry hem out of harms way, as he dose it he is charged by a man in a black robe with a sword.
The man swings his sword. Tirce ducks drops his gun and pulls a kniff, and puts it deep in the man's chest, picks up his gun, and drags Tarrell off the court yard.

OOC: I'm trying, but things disintegrated so quickly... Lets see if we can get this all back in order... How bout we agree to post in Order, not breaking the order?

OOC: Agreed.

Myself
Darkskye
Dinosia
Anyone else not directly involved

OOC: I'm trying, but things disintegrated so quickly... Lets see if we can get this all back in order... How bout we agree to post in Order, not breaking the order?

OOC: Agreed.

Myself
Darkskye
Dinosia
Anyone else not directly involved

OOC: And only one post per rotation... that way we know it's ready for the next player...;)

Demoness? I do believe you're up...

OOC:I didn't my post in before the end of the last rotation...

IC:Raslin wanted to grab the gun, but he had to keep up. He simply rushed down the halls with his riot shield facing front, and He hopelessly tried to find Jai-li.

"You and you, get her to safety and heal her," Jia Li said, pointing to two of the elf handmaids. "Take good care of her. She is a dear friend."

.

"Its...its my time..." Mei Ling stated to the handmaids. "I dont care what she said, follow your Empress...protect her...and..." she coughed out blood which dribbled down her chin... "Protect Xel."

The handmaids looked at each other, shaking their heads.

"Go now...protect her...or Ill shoot you both myself."

The looked at each other again, bowed, and took off running after the main party.




Mei Ling started to cry. It was about to end for her...and she knew it. All the wars, all the fighting, all the killing...it was about to end.

Cocking her pistol, she crawled and put her back to the wall. She pulled out one extra magazine.

"Seven shots each..."

Figures appeared down the hallway, most were armed. They did NOT look friendly.

She took a knee and aimed down the hallway. She pulled the trigger when the first one was in sight.

*BLAM*

A figure fell over onto his back, others took cover, and others fired back.

Arrows flew past her, one landed right next to her. Bullets smashed into the opposing wall from her.

*BLAM BLAM BLAM*

Three more figures fell, as she followed by emptying her pistol. The pistol cocked back and she released the mag, loading in the fresh one.

A bullet flew towards her and smashed into her shoulder. "F*CK" she shouted, aiming the pistol with one hand and shooting. Another figure fell.

The area around her was being torn up buy projectiles. Peices of the wall and floor were bouncing up and down as bullets and arrows impacted them.

Mei Ling, in a vain attempt, emptyed her pistol...

A bullet smashed into her chest near the arrows. She grabbed her stomach as another landed their. She was then overun.



As she laid their...bleeding and dying in a foreign country, she couldnt help but feel strangly at peace. She did what she was meant to do...and gave her life for a good cause...

It was all over for her...as she muttered the last words with the people rushing by her in persuit of Jia Li...

"I...am...a...Darkskye...special operatives...soldier...






Valor...and...Arms..."


















(OOC: The "Civil War" has taken its first main player casualty...)

Can someone give me a brief overview of what's happening, please? I don't want to read the whole thread.

Anthony Moss,
Außenminister of the People's Republic of Wohlstand:
First Congress of the Wohlstand Socialist Labor Party.
http://members.lycos.co.uk/ccrg/wohlstand3.jpg

(OOC:) Oh hehe didnt see the rotation thing...LOL Sorry guys...

Not like it is gonna change anything =P

OOC: How many of the Dinosians are with us?

IC:

Hikari was furious. She didn't think Jia Li was bold enough to fire upon her while Jia Li was on top of her, and she doubted the priests would be stupid enough to try to kill her this close to their goal.

That left outsiders. Who were all those people who suddenly showed up to assist the Empress?

Hikari entered her room and quickly stripped. She put on the mithril she stole from the armory last night, grabbed a katana and crossbow, and left. Until she knew whom she could trust, she was heading down to the catacombs.

OOC: Wait hehe so who do I go after now? LOL =P...wonder whats gonna happen now that Mei Ling is dead...

OOC: When would be a good time to send in the Holy Army of Raevyn? :wink:

OOC: Christ. You killed her! :cry: :cry: :cry:

Um, so are you still going...???

OOC:Demoness just went, so its dark, then dino, then the unaffiliated people, a.k.a. me.

He simply rushed down the halls with his riot shield facing front, and He hopelessly tried to find Jai-li.

The Vice-Regent watches this on the screen..
Then begins chuckling...
Then begins laughing...
Then rolls around in a fit of uncontrolled laughter, falling off the sofa and rolling on the floor.

OOC: How many of the Dinosians are with us?

OOC:Two with Jia and Xel, now just one with Mei Ling

OOC
Iulius has been here for a little bit... sadly I cannot post at the insane speeds the rest of you do ;)
I mean, I was gone for less than 24 hours and the page count jumped from 6 to 11, and then to 14 within another three! That's... that's... *hyperventilates*

Just assume Iulius is going along with whoever is dragging them and Tarrant away. o_O I will be frantically trying to keep abreast of the posts.

OOC: Christ. You killed her! :cry: :cry: :cry:

Um, so are you still going...???

OOC: Bet you didnt see THAT happening did you! Yes im still going, I got more tricks up my sleeve...just need to know WHEN i go...

To think...the Darkskye Demoness relationship began with Mei Ling and Xel...and so it ends with Mei Ling and Xel...

OOC
Iulius has been here for a little bit... sadly I cannot post at the insane speeds the rest of you do ;)
I mean, I was gone for less than 24 hours and the page count jumped from 6 to 11, and then to 14 within another three! That's... that's... *hyperventilates*

Just assume Iulius is going along with whoever is dragging them and Tarrant away. o_O I will be frantically trying to keep abreast of the posts.

OOC: So your the one Mei Ling called Scales...hehehe =P


And I didnt mean "ENDS" I just mean you know...Mei Ling's ends...ya know what I mean.

OOC: Christ. You killed her! :cry: :cry: :cry:

Um, so are you still going...???

OOC: Bet you didnt see THAT happening did you! Yes im still going, I got more tricks up my sleeve...just need to know WHEN i go...

To think...the Darkskye Demoness relationship began with Mei Ling and Xel...and so it ends with Mei Ling and Xel...

OOC: I can't believe you killed her.

And that's ironic.

Your turn?

[quote=Demoness]A bullet smashed into her chest near the arrows. She grabbed her stomach as another landed their. She was then overun.



As she laid their...bleeding and dying in a foreign country, she couldnt help but feel strangly at peace. She did what she was meant to do...and gave her life for a good cause...

It was all over for her...as she muttered the last words with the people rushing by her in persuit of Jia Li...

"I...am...a...Darkskye...special operatives...soldier...






Valor...and...Arms..."

(OOC: The "Civil War" has taken its first main player casualty...)

The remaining Dinosian Soldier grabbed Mei Lings body and dragged it into the palace. The two from El Dorado leading the way.

OOC: oh great, Mei Ling is dead. Well, we can't have this last long.

Demoness should make the call Raevyn... But anywhere in the main players section...

Conner, and Tirce join back up right as two people jump them both dispach there combatent with ease.

Tirce: Now what?

Conner: We find the Empress, President Shelton told us to make shur nothing happens to her.

Tirce: Why? We have no relations with them.

Conner: All in good time.

OOC:I find pre-writting my posts in notepad help, since you can just copy it and paste it in the reply thing, and not miss many posts.


Raslin practically stopped cold when he saw mei ling being dragged away, dead, the person who had just threatened his own life. He pitied her, for dying while protecting someone else, but He realised the honor and dignity of it too. He then realized that Jai-li probably had gone the same way, and he grabbed a pistol from one of the dead soldiers on the ground, and began heading down the corridor.

Jia Li lead them through the dark. The party had gone down a lot. All that remained was herself, Xel, and the two Dinosian guards. The others had either died or were running as decoys.

"Ow," Jia Li shouted as she tripped. She felt the cold air close in around her.

"Do you hear something?" one of the guards asked.

"Ignore it," Jia Li ordered as Xel helped her up. "It's either more priests, which I'm hoping-" She was given a surprised look. "Or something we don't want to mess with."

"Like what?"

Jia Li stopped for a moment and listened to the voices. They spoke ancient Demonese, but they were so far away that she could only make out random phrases. She shook her head as she turned back to the guards. "Let's stay here. It's defensible."

OOC: So your the one Mei Ling called Scales...hehehe =P


*lol* I am indeed Scales. *grins* Mmm, scaly like wings.

*goes back to see what new madness has occured during the posting of this message*

OOC: Alright, I guess Ill post after Demoness...BTW thanks for grabbing Mei Ling's body...dont know how you did it...but thats a plus...


IC:

Hack (OOC: Hack is the Intel and Comms officer of Darkskye, hes kinda new just letting you know) banged on the computer several times. He tried to raise Mei Ling on the communications, but there was no repsonse.

Athena took notice and walked over to Hack in his huge computer console. "Whats wrong Hack?" she asked.

"This can't be right..." he said, "Yo check this, this is Mei Ling's personel monitering system. Look strange? Yeah...because her heart has stopped and its showing a flatline. Also, I cant raise her on the comms."

Athena caught her breath as she stared at the red outline of the various menus of the screen. "Mei Ling..."

"Wait...your not believing this shit are ya?" he told her.

There was no response from Athena...

Hack hung his head...

"Note the TOD *Time of Death* Hack..." Athena announced...

She walked back to the balconey and looked outside at the moon. Tears welled up in her eyes.

"Valor...and Arms Mei Ling...valor and arms...rest in peace..."

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

OOC: Ill wait till my next turn to post more...trust me I got more commin =)

OOC:

Hmmm... Is Scales a Drakon :)?

The courtyard had erupted into madness. People she recognized as agents of various countries, fighting each other, the guards, and the priests. Sakura had done what she could to eliminate the priests' command structure; four of them were dead, and a dozen guards would be unconscious for at least half an hour.

But now she'd reached the limit of what stealth could achieve. They said she was able to hide in the shadow of a blade of grass at noon, but there was so much happening, from so many sides, that remaining invisible would have taken all of her effort, if it had been possible at all. And that wouldn't do.

That was why she burst across the courtyard, a blur of red weaving through the tangled mass of bodies, blades, and bullets. Her right wrist flicked, and her monofilament whip, the favored melee weapon of the Ravenspire foxgirl intelligence squads, snaked outwards, shearing through a pistol that had been aimed her way. The filament made an odd, wet sound as it cut through the air, and she quickly retracted it into its handle.

The walls of the castle were around her now, though she didn't remember entering it. There was a gouge in her left arm, too, dripping blood. A katana wound, most likely. She didn't remember getting that, either. She assessed that it was unlikely to hinder her very much for the moment, so she continued running, every sense on alert. It might be vital to reach Jia Li quickly. Even here, there were enemies; she ducked the blade of an ambusher who had thought himself well-concealed, smashed the bone of his nose upward into his brain with a palm strike, and darted along the corridor with hardly a pause. She was around the corner before he hit the ground.

Jia Li, where are you...? she thought.

ooc: My Mom is making me get off now so this is my last post feel free to keep Tirce and Conner in the battle.

ic:

Tirce: Will you now tell me why we are here?

Conner: President Shelton wants to open treaty talks he feels that the best way to show we are loyal is to fight by there sides.

Tirce: You mean like the Klingons, and The Federation in Star Trek?

Conner: Bingo!

OOC:I also may have to get off right now, so this might be my last post.....sorry for breaking the order...

Raslin started to go slower so he didn't trip over the bodies on the ground.He also heard the strange words as he came close to the position where Jai li was, and he finally noticed her, since his eyes had finally adjusted to the dark, but only too soon...he was a mere 5 to 10 feet away from the nearest guard. He quickly raised his riot shield, as he had no clue what else he might do.

OOC: Hehehe ok GN! All I know is I post after Demoness w00t.

OOC

OOC:

Hmmm... Is Scales a Drakon :)?

Seeing as I have no idea what that is, no. ;) There are probably some similarities though.

Oh, and... as for posting more with Scales... who the hell am I with, currently? I've been trying to figure it out and can't any more. :oops: And, do the main players want me to stay in the main story or not? I just figured Iulius would be around, seeing as they were supposed to meet with Xel yesterday (post-wise) and never did because of the rioting...

ooc: My Mom is making me get off now so this is my last post feel free to keep Tirce and Conner in the battle.

ic:

Tirce: Will you now tell me why we are here?

Conner: President Shelton wants to open treaty talks he feels that the best way to show we are loyal is to fight by there sides.

Tirce: You mean like the Klingons, and The Federation in Star Trek?

Conner: Bingo!

OOC: LMAO!!! Klingons...

I should probably get off too, but I won't. :P

Dinosia...?

OOC:

http://www.boomspeed.com/kurosei/244a38a0pagent.jpg

That is what a Drakon normally looks like.

OOC: your insane darkskye... :lol:

IC:The last guard was sprinting through the palace, trying to find a safe location. He saw Sakura, and quickly motioned for her(?) to follow. The two dragged Mei Lings body to a back closet and quickly got inside.

"Now what?" The soldier asked Sakura.

***ELSEWHERE***


The two Dinosian operatives were doin what they did best. Both were doin short patrols around the area where Jia Li was holed up. Between them they had already dispatched fifteen priests. But more were coming, and they were both slowly being pushed back to the room. As they entered for the last time, Jia could see fear on both their faces, something that was not there earlier. They took up positions by the door, intending to cut down anyone who came through.

OOC: I'm gonna be a bit slow for a bit, I'm also trying to feed my nephew, but never fear... My posts are coming. BTW, who has Tarrells body, and where?

Oh, and... as for posting more with Scales... who the hell am I with, currently? I've been trying to figure it out and can't any more. :oops: And, do the main players want me to stay in the main story or not? I just figured Iulius would be around, seeing as they were supposed to meet with Xel yesterday (post-wise) and never did because of the rioting...

OOC: That's a good question. You're with Sakura, but God knows where she is...

You can still post. We're less confusing now (I think).

OOC:

I think Sakura and friends are following the El Dorrado guys, and were pushed back into the palace from the onslaught by the priests

OOC

OOC:

Hmmm... Is Scales a Drakon :)?

Seeing as I have no idea what that is, no. ;) There are probably some similarities though.

Oh, and... as for posting more with Scales... who the hell am I with, currently? I've been trying to figure it out and can't any more. :oops: And, do the main players want me to stay in the main story or not? I just figured Iulius would be around, seeing as they were supposed to meet with Xel yesterday (post-wise) and never did because of the rioting...

You're the one who has Tarrell, right? If so, stay with the Other Dinosian Elite and Sakura...

Raslin finally had decided his move. He tossed his pistol first, and then his riot shield into the room. He then, slowly, with hands up, started to walk into the room.

Oh, and... as for posting more with Scales... who the hell am I with, currently? I've been trying to figure it out and can't any more. :oops: And, do the main players want me to stay in the main story or not? I just figured Iulius would be around, seeing as they were supposed to meet with Xel yesterday (post-wise) and never did because of the rioting...

OOC: That's a good question. You're with Sakura, but God knows where she is...

You can still post. We're less confusing now (I think).

OOC: A lot less than it was at least...

OOC: Dinosia- Tarrell should be with Sakura and Illius if they took it. If not, the courtyard.

IC:

Obscenities bounced off the catacomb walls.

"Jia Li, calm down!"

Jia Li grabbed Xel's katana and started making wild practice swings with it. "You be calm! I wanted to avoid a civil war and what do we get? Snipers and Mother knows what else. &lt;And those guys are killing my people!&gt;"

"&lt;What do you expect them to do? The priests are attacking us.&gt;"

Jia Li hurtled the katana across the room. "I expect that Mother will stop this madness before *I* go insane!" She stopped, suddenly fearful. "&lt;There's something down here with us.&gt;"

"&lt;That would be our pursuers, Ji-ji.&gt;"

"<Besides them.>" She pointed toward the two guards and the one elf handmaid who had made it back to them. "Get them under cover," she whispered.

Xel nodded. and silently tapped them on the shoulder.

"Shit, the katana!"

OOC: I'm going with really pissed off spirits here, but you can adlib if you've got something better.

OOC:Did you completely read my post? i threw my stuff in the room, and slowly came in with my arms up...

OOC:Did you completely read my post? i threw my stuff in the room, and slowly came in with my arms up...

OOC:Don't worry, I got it... And My guys won't kill you.. Just don't expect the friendliest of welcomes...

You know how things go... Nothing against your guy or anything, it's just the situation...

;)

OOC:Ya, i gotta go to bed....Please, keep my character with Jai-li's group, as a prisoner or whatever...i give demoness control over raslin until tomorrow around 12...just try to keep him there....night all.

OOC:Did you completely read my post? i threw my stuff in the room, and slowly came in with my arms up...

OOC: Must have been after I started typing. We'll say that happens AFTER my post. :P

OOC: An entrance! Thank you very much!

Still trying to figure out the order, though.

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

Damn.

Damn damn damn.

He was supposed to be the best. The most professional, the calmest, the most level-headed Ranger in any of the Free States, the best in the Confederacy, the best in the Grenzland, one of the best in the world.

And he had botched it up. He'd let emotion get the better of him. He'd panicked, and missed his target. Jia Li was still alive. The Polynesian attempt to decapitate the leadership of one of the Great Powers had failed.

At least the getaway could still be clean.

At least the Rangers were forgiving of mistakes. He'd made them that way. He was Dr. Chad Kwan-Moreau, officially the medical doctor, magical healer and attaché to the Polynesian embassy in Demoness.

He was still a doctor. But he was also the station chief for Polynesian intelligence and special ops in Demoness, and this was his last hurrah before retirement.

He took apart his Tredegar .223 scoped hunting rifle with practiced speed and threw it in a backpack. He'd counted twenty-two separate intelligence agencies and military elites here today, not counting the Demonessians and Darkskye. They were the ones rushing to help the new Empress... and storming this building.

Nothing left for it, then. He could see them pounding on the door, six stories below his roof fire escape. It was either jump or die--and at this point, they looked pretty synonymous.

He closed his eyes, and took a deep breath to center himself. One of the stars on a talisman around his wrist started glowing.

He started singing in Sperethiel and levitating a few inches above the metal railing, and pushed off, still singing.

--------------------
Hikari entered her room and quickly stripped. She put on the mithril she stole from the armory last night, grabbed a katana and crossbow, and left. Until she knew whom she could trust, she was heading down to the catacombs.

Outside her room stood a strange man. He was tall and gaunt, with iron-gray hair and wire-rimmed glasses, wearing a trenchcoat over a conservative business suit. He was, oddly enough, carrying a backpack.

He bowed deeply. "Good evening, Hikari-san. I see that you have lost the battle. I offer my deepest regrets, both on behalf of myself and my country."

A long pause.

"Miss Hikari, I assure you that you can put the crossbow down. I see that you are not aware of who I am. My name is ...Dr. Lin. I represent the Confederacy of Polynesian Free States, the Polynesian Confederacy for short. We are prepared to offer you political asylum if you so desire it; I believe we have ...a great deal of common ground. I understand that you're reluctant to accept the offer of a complete stranger.

I'll give you a choice. You can meet me at the international airport, Terminal D, in six hours, making your way through the catacombs, or you can come with me now. If I don't see you at the airport, I understand.

Good day."

He turned around and started walking away.

*OOC: Cant dictate whats going on in the room cause I dont have anybody there =(...but...whats this?*

The black Helicopter swung in low past the palace. It hovered over a small section for a second, taking small arms fire. The minigun on the side blazed away, sending the people with the guns running for cover.

A black rope was tossed over the side. A man held onto the rope, a black balacava covering his face *OOC: Its a hood* He swung out of the chopper and fast roped down into the ground, landing with a thud when his boots connected with the hard surface. Instantly, he had a submachine gun in his hand. He raised the weapon and instantly dropped two shooters who were focused on the chopper.

The chopper swung left and back to where it came from. The black suited operator however opened up a passageway leading to the catacombs below. As he entered and covered the passage back up, the sun illuminated something on his all black uniform. On the left shoulder was a patch...



it was the Darkskye Red Ops "Red Cell" patch...

OOC: You're welcome. ^_^

And as much as I hate to do this...I need to go to bed or I'm going to be killed shortly. ^_^; Night. Don't kill me!

OOC: In that case, no. Iulius looks like a normal human, just occasionally with the added benefits of huge dragon wings. ^_~

Okay. Iulius (by the magic of narrativium) has Tarrell's body and is with Sakura. Meaning they're with her and the Dinosian Elite. w007! No more confusion!

IC:

Iulius' chest heaved, trying to regain air as they hid in a closet somewhere. Tarrell was still injured, and there was just no time to fix that. Iulius wondered how this had all degenerated so quickly... And tried to ignore the building dread within him. She would have to rely on his own skill and the skill of the others to get them through this alive. Bad Faith could survive without him, but she didn't want to think of what would happen.

He wondered where Jia Li and Xel were, trepidation building.

OOC: You're welcome. ^_^

And as much as I hate to do this...I need to go to bed or I'm going to be killed shortly. ^_^; Night. Don't kill me!

OOC: GAH! Mei Ling comes back from the dead and CHEWS XEL's BRAINS AND JIA LI'S LEGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

SLEEP IF FOR THE WEAKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK


Nite nite...

OOC: your insane darkskye... :lol:

IC:The last guard was sprinting through the palace, trying to find a safe location. He saw Sakura, and quickly motioned for her(?) to follow. The two dragged Mei Lings body to a back closet and quickly got inside.

"Now what?" The soldier asked Sakura.

OOC: Her, yes. ^_^

The foxgirl sank to her knees as the identity of the body registered on her overstimulated mind. "Mei Ling...?" she whispered hoarsely, pressing two fingers lightly against the woman's neck. "No way... you can't have died here. You were one of the best..."

No vital signs, Sakura noted dully. She might be in a death-trance, to slow her metabolism until she could be tended... but it seemed an unlikely hope. Mei Ling had clearly lost a lot of blood, and some of those hits were dangerously close to vital areas...

Clenching her fist, she stood. "Now..." Her voice was shaky; she took a deep breath and tried again, more clearly. "Now we go back to finding Jia Li, and we either defeat her enemies or die trying. I can't let someone like her die in vain." A ghost of a smile appeared, but it was one devoid of her usual humor. "Professional courtesy, I guess you'd say."

"And if we can't find Jia Li?" the Dinosian asked. His tone made it clear that he agreed with the sentiments, but he was not optimistic.

"Then we help her as much as we can by distracting the guards."

The Dinosian smiled. At least, she thought it was a smile. "You realize there are two of us, and hundreds, maybe thousands, of them?"

"Looks like they're outgunned, then, ne?" The fire had returned to Sakura's eyes.

"Can we leave her here?"

"I don't like it," she agreed, "but we can't take her with us if we're planning to fight, and she should be..." Sakura's voice threatened to crack, but held. "...Undisturbed here. And I think... she'd want us to. She didn't sacrifice herself so we could hide here."

The Dinosian nodded. "As long as we're clear..."

"Let's go. We're late."

OOC: You're welcome. ^_^

And as much as I hate to do this...I need to go to bed or I'm going to be killed shortly. ^_^; Night. Don't kill me!

OOC: GAH! Mei Ling comes back from the dead and CHEWS XEL's BRAINS AND JIA LI'S LEGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

SLEEP IF FOR THE WEAKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK


Nite nite...

Mmm, brains. :shock:

Darkskye?

STOP CHANNELING WUFEI! :lol:

If you don't get the ref... don't mind me ^_~

Way. Too. Hyper.

...going to bed now. Oyasumi nasai, guten nacht, buona notte, and a good night to all. ^_~

OOC: You're welcome. ^_^

And as much as I hate to do this...I need to go to bed or I'm going to be killed shortly. ^_^; Night. Don't kill me!

OOC: well, if the main character is goin to bed, I suppose that the rest of us should wait to post more... I'll go ahead and do my last post, then it can pick up tomorrow with Demoness again? I'll let you guys decide...

IC:
***THE CATACOMBS***

A lone figure entered the room, hands raised in surrender. The two elite at the door immediately moved to intercept, one with a rapier at his throat, the other with a scimitar poking into his gut.

"Who are you?" The first one asked. "And what is your business here?"

"I am Raslin. And I mean to help guard Jia Li."

The guards eyed him suspiciously, then turned to Jia.

"Let him." She answered, "But know this. If the merest thought of treachery crosses your mind. You will die."


***DINOSIA***

The Daedin boarded his jet, bound for Demoness. There would be a solution to this madness, and someone would pay for the death of Tarrell. He meant to much.

"Sir, we should be in Demoness within six hours" The pilot announced.

"Good" The Daedin answered, sitting down.

OOC: Methinks that The Daedin would come across a certain other couple of people that would be hustling out of demoness...


;)

(OOC: Muhahahahaha! This will NEVER END!!!!!!!! NEVERRRRRRRRRRRRRR and in the midst of this my daily issue came LOL. More Military spending is what im choosing...though I now havent seen an ECON issue in about a week...why? Also, note that the Helicopter that was carrying the other Red Cell op was when we were making our escape into the palace...so THIS could take place.)

As the trio (OOC: I believe trio) left to rejoin with the Empress, below them something was stirring.

With a loud crack in the closet, a circular hole exploded in the ground. A set of 3 green glowing "Eyes", much similar to Mei Ling's set, appeard in the dark. Of course, they were NVGs. The figure clammored up into the closet and looked at the fallen Red Cell leader.

"Mei Ling..." He wispered. Grabbing her, he placed her down into the small section below. He looked around and whispered...

"Nobody gets left behind..."

He went back into the hole and proceded to drag Mei Ling's body back into a secure area of the catecombs.



((Flashforward))

Once he finished with the body, he placed his hand over her face. Pausing, he stated the Darkskye Motto.

He then took off, his NVGs glowing, to find Jia Li and her escorts...

Dear Jia Li. I the honourable president of the Confederate States invite you to take refuge here, after all I do owe you a drink. As my guest any messages you receive can be ignored and your personal freedom will be guarded with the uptmost importance.



Anybody wanting to harm the emperess of Demoness listen closely. Unlike the other world leaders I am not a nice man. Don't even think of pissing me off, you will let her into my boarders if she so pleases or I will have my army execute everyone of you, very painfully.

Most Sincerly
President
Custis J.P
(sippin his Whiskey)

OOC: Ack, I got lost again... :oops: Ravenspire is up with Sakura, right?

jus checking...

OOC: Ack, I got lost again... :oops: Ravenspire is up with Sakura, right?

jus checking...

OOC: Conner, and Tirce are with you too. I think.

OOC: Ack, I got lost again... :oops: Ravenspire is up with Sakura, right?

jus checking...

OOC: Conner, and Tirce are with you too. I think.

OOC: Yeah, Don't forget about them Ravenspire...