NationStates Jolt Archive

THIS STORY IS RATED R: DO NOT READ ON IF you are not allowed into R movies.
OOC: Comments are welcome, I enjoy feed back on my work.
(This story *was* rated R, but apparently what I meant to write was NC-17, according to my fellow toady, Thelas.)... well, bugger him. I don't think this is NC-17, and until a mod tells me it is, it isn't.

IC: It was dawn in Tarnation Barracks, the home field of the 1st Legion, the finest soldiers in Roania. Today, however, was the day in which they became the finest soldiers, end of story. They lined up in their assembled ranks, each century a line of men, holding their weapons at their sides. In front of them was a podium, and standing on top was a rather small, weedy little man. He was holding a scroll to his side. "Legionnares! I come today, in the name of Prince Alexander," at their prince's name all the legionnares saluted, "to perform a spell. A spell that will turn you into super warriors! The finest men in the universe! Men who will spread the Pax Roania throughout this wartorn planet."

One of the soldiers rolled his eyes as the mage continued. He muttered to his companion, "If we can survive his blathering, we can survive anything." They both snickered.

A third spoke. "I wonder what on Earth one of those wizards is doing here?" They all pondered that. Up until recently, the only mages tolerated on New Rohan were those that followed the elemental disciplines. They all shrugged.

Finally, the mage finished. He faced them. "Now, I will perform this spell... which *I* retrieved from Wolf Tower. Which *I* deciphered! I, and I alone!" He paused. "Should any of you be too cowardly to go through with this, then you may leave." No one moved. Finally, the man began to read the spell.

And for the 1st Legion, the world changed. More specifically, for 999 of them, it changed from being the world of the living to the world of the dead.

*Roan Palace: 2 hours later*

Prince Alexander was in a fine mood. "Ah, Vorshak. You have returned."

"Yes, your highness." The mage whimpered.

"You have performed the spell?"

"Yes, your highness."

"You made good use of those incredibly expensive spell-components?"

"Yes, your highness."

"And now, my 1st Legion, my super soldiers, are right outside my window!" Alexander stood up.

"Your highness... now we enter a gray area." Vorshack said, cringing. Alexander's expression didn't change.

"They are still at their barracks? Oh, I'll just arrange to..." Something about Vorshack's demeanor got through to him. "What aren't you telling me?"

Vorshack indicated the sheets of paper in front of him. Grumbling, the Prince picked them up and started to read them. "Hmm... original report... yes... powers of chaos, understood that... transformation detail..." The tips of his ears started to turn red. "This is a joke, right? You didn't just effectively render my finest men unfit for service, pending lengthy re-training, right?" He blinked. "What am I saying? Permanently unfit for service! Though maybe the..." he fell silent, disgusted.

"No, I can honestly say I did not, as you will see if you turn the page." Vorshack smiled. He was being helpful. Alexander looked at him strangely, and turned the page.

"You killed them."

"No... the transformation killed them." It was the wrong thing to say. Alexande clenched his fists.

"I gave you 1/8 of my treasury, and access to my finest men, because you said that you could make them into superhumans. Now, you tell me that you turned them all into..." he couldn't say the word, "and that the shock of the transformation killed them."

"Yes, your highness." Alexander nodded.

"Now, what I am about to do might just be the most reasonable thing I have ever done..." he pressed a button on his desk, several guards ran in. "Take this man, and flay the skin from his bones. Then let it heal, and flay him again. And again. 100 times. Then rip his spirit from his body and put it in the halls of the damned. And the next person who lets a chaos mage into my presence has his gonads fed to him."

"What if the person is a," Alexander covered his ears.

"I can't hear you..." He closed his eyes and hummed Eine kline nachtmusik. He stood up. "When I open my eyes, that man better be gone." The guards took the unfortunate mage away. Alexander scowled. "Now, I'm going to look out my window, and my legion will be there, and I'm not going to be a laughing stock." He opened his eyes, and looked out the window. Nothing. "Is there any good news?"

An aide looked up. "Yes, sir. They were transformed, all of them. But it says here only nine hundred and ninety-nine of them died."

Alexander walked over and took the paper. "Yes... and farscribers can't lie... I have one of my supersoldiers... sure, in a form I hadn't intended on... but still..." He waved his aides in. "We have some work to do."

<-------------------->

Private James Otler woke up, and stretched. Around him, the ground was full of the dead. "Damn mages... better go make my report... hope they killed him." As he walked back to the barracks, he felt a strange thing. His body felt... odd.

He sighed, and entered the barracks. He sat down, and tried best to grasp his situation. Okay... everyone else is dead... He looked up. A woman was sitting opposite him. "Pardon me, miss. But this is a military... encl... crap." He said, as he realised that what he was looking at, was a mirror.

OOC: Odd? I know. Character introduction, maybe. I need to get some more sleep...

OOC: lol; this looks like it'll be... amusing at the very least.

*taggage*

Confusing, but strangely intriguing.

/me hopes for additions later.

Geez... the shock of being a woman killed them.. huh. ^_^

Or, in other words: Tag. :lol:

OOC: Don't you start, Kanuckistan. I'm doubting my own sanity...

IC: He screamed. Then, when he was done, he cried. Okay... that did not help... He looked disgustedly at his body. "This is unfair..." he sighed. Major question. Better to be dead? Or better to be a woman. He sighed, and started to feel for his uniform buttons. Best get this over with. As his clothes fell around him, he kept his eyes tightly closed. Then, he opened them. His jaw fell open. Well... I'm definately a woman... He was shocked. His body had small, round breasts and wide hips. Long, dark hair framed his now effiminate face. Best to start thinking of myself as a girl... He... no, she blinked. Then she sighed, and went to try to find some clothes that fit.

<------------------->

10 miles away, a black helicopter was drawing closer. "He's absolutely useless. We should kill him before news of Project Ultrasoldier spreads."

OOC: Don't you start, Kanuckistan. I'm doubting my own sanity...


OOC: Don't worry; that's usually a good sign :wink:

He finally dug some clothes out of the drawer of the largest member of the Legion, and put them on. His body was still obviously feminine, but at least his clothes fit... almost, as running seemed to hurt.

He finally hit upon the solution of wearing his own under-shirt beneath the uniform. It's not perfect, but it'll do. He started to ponder other things. So, what *is* my name going to be? Jane? Joan?... Jean? I like that one. The newly named Jean stood up. Then came the sounds of a helicopter, and rifle firing. He dodged. "Who's shooting?"

There was no sound. Jean peeked out the doors. Inquisitors... here to kill me? Why? The red-suited figures also shot each body, just to be sure. Jean panicked and grabbed for a gun. She opened fire, her reactions seeming absurdly fast, yet at the same time quite slow.

Then she tossed the gun aside and ran for the nearest town. Behind her, 10 Inquisitors all fell off the chopper, dead. From just one wound, directly to the head.

OOC: Do I want to keep this as an RP? Or do I just want to write it all and get it archived? Hmm...

Once in the town, she wandered, lost and aimless. There were a lot of people around. No-one she knew, and they were all paying a great deal of attention to her, more than she was used to. She bumped up against a man. "Oops... sorry, sir."

<---------------->

A helicopter flew towards the camp. Prince Alexander leapt out. "Hmm..." He said, when he saw the other helicopter just hovering in the air. "Hello?" He grabbed his telescope. There was a man sitting in the driver's seat... focus... with a bullet hole directly in his forehead.

He smiled. Things were getting interesting.

OOC: I hate this server. SS, aren't you meant to be killing those gremlins?

The man turned, and smiled. "No harm done..." his eyes scanned down her. "Private?" Jean gasped, and tried to think of something to say.

"No, sir... just military chic..." She said, reddening slightly. She looked at him. "Pardon me, sir... but have we met? Your face looks familiar."

The man laughed. "No, I'm sure I would remember someone as beautiful as you. You may have seen pictures of me, though." He stuck his hand out. "Inquisitor Simon Darquis, at your service."

Jean gasped, slightly. An... Inquisitor? Oh no... *Darquis*? He's a noble.... She kept her hand down. "Um... pardon me, sir, bu," he interrupted her with a wave of his hand.

"Just call me Simon."

"Um... Simon, but... what are you doing in this city?" She asked, ready to run.

Simon leaned closer. "I don't want to scare you... but something went wrong at the military base. I was sent here with the rest of my group to kill every poor wretch who survived. I don't understand why..." he said, once more giving her the once over, "but from what I've been told, it's better that way." He paused. "Shall you tell me your name?" Well, that and one of them might reveal the project to a foriegner, and we'll all get in trouble.

"Jame... um... Jean!" She said, hoping he hadn't caught her gaff. Simon raised an eye. "Jean." He nodded, slightly. Then, from behind her was the sound of a helicopter.

Prince Alexander looked out. Never send an Inquisitor to do a Prince's job. He grabbed the bullhorn, and shouted into it. "Good job, Darquis! Apprehend her!"

Simon looked confused, but then he turned to Jean. "Wait... you're one of them!" His expression became both amused and full of pity. "Best... wait a second..." his face become thoughtful. He shouted back up, "What do you want her for? She seems fine to me!"

Alexander jolted backwards. "To find out what went wrong with the project, and to see if we can transfer her genes into other bodies!" Project Ultrasoldier was just a coverup for the real plan... pity it went so poorly.

Simon looked shocked. He whispered out of the corner of his mouth, "give me the gun." Jean looked confused, keeping it pointed at him. "quickly, if he lands then we won't be able to stop him."

We?Jean thought as she handed him the gun. Alexander sighed, and began to drop down.

Then Simon opened fire on one of his engines. "What? TRAITOR!" The helicopter spiralled out of control, plummeting downwards. Alexander leapt out the side, sword drawn.

But he was too late. Simon and Jean had already fled...

<---------------->

Jean stared at Simon, confused. "Why did you just save me?"

"I want to know what's going on... there was something else happening at your base besides the Ultrasoldier project, I'm sure." He stared at her, confused. "What... was it like?"

Jean blushed. "What was what like?"

"Changing...?" Simon asked, kindly.

Jean paused. She hadn't noticed anything too different, until she had looked into the mirror. The change must have happened while she was unconcious. She thought, harder. "I... can't explain..."

Simon smiled, kindly. "You don't have to talk about it, if you don't want." If I didn't know better, I'd say that she had been a girl all her life... which just might be the way to save her... "Get up. I think I know how we can make it very difficult for the hunters to find you."

"What? How?" Jean jolted out of her private introspections. He is... a bit cute...

"They are looking for a soldier. What we have to do, is make you look like you're not a soldier." At Jean's puzzled expression, Simon smirked.

<--------------->

"No."

"It looks good!"

"Just, no."

Simon had to admit that he could see Jean's point. The shop-owner had done her best to make Jean look as unsoldierly as possible. Of course...

"With me wearing this, I might get arrested for breaking public decency laws!" Jean threw her hands up in frustration. The tight, constricting shirt left far too little to the imagination for her liking. And the skirt was short.

Simon smirked even wider. "Well, I don't know about that... the laws aren't that strict... unless you're a soldier, or something."

Jean leaned forward, towards Simon. "I AM A SOLDIER!"

Simon kept his eyes carefully locked with hers. "No, you *were* a soldier. Right now, you are a renegade, as am I." He stood up and put his hands on her shoulders. "The only way we have a chance of figuring this out is if we don't get caught and executed. And the only way you will ever get cured is if we figure it out."

Jean blinked back tears. Damn... guess this body is getting to me... She brushed them away. "You're right. So, where do we go?"

"Those spells came from one of the order's libraries. I'm guessing Merrech's, because he had a huge collection." Simon removed his hands. What a waste... that body on a man. He turned to the shopkeeper. "Put it on my family's bill."

"Yes, Lord Darquis..." the man muttered as Simon and Jean left.

<------------------>

The door opened again. And an evil force walked in. The Talon...

The shopkeeper looked up. "Can I help you, sir?" The Talon reached over and dragged him up to look him square in the eyes.

"I'm looking for these people." He passed the shopkeeper a picture of Jean and Simon. "Have you seen them?"

"Um... can't say I have.." he was thrown into a wall.

"Liar! I saw them go in here! Where were they going afterwards?"

"I don't know... please..." The man cowered in the corner. He's going to kill me... please God, don't let him kill me...

The Talon paused. "You do know. They must have said something."

"The man said something about Wolf Tower... please... I have a family to support." The Talon nodded, and turned to go.

"Your country thanks you..." He walked outside.

5 minutes later, a small silver ball bounced within. And there was peace...

OOC: I want comments!... other people do stories, everyone comments... i do it, no-one does. :(

IC: Jean sighed as the car drove north. "Simon, are you sure this will work?" She looked out the window. They had left Southern New Rohan hours ago, and were currently on the northern plateau. The grim, featureless land made the Roanian Plain look interesting

"Yes. I'm positive. There was more to it then some misguided attempt to conquer the world, or whatever wet dream our glorious leader is having this week." Simon said. "My first duty is to the nation. The Prince ranks a distant second." He sighed. Of course, the Prince might kill me should he find me... but that's not important.

Jean barely heard him. She sighed. So... this is what it's like to be a woman. It feels... odd. Round... softer, somehow.She was sitting in the back, where Simon couldn't see her. Sighing, she started to silently feel around her new body. Occasionally, she felt a slight tingle when her hand ran over certain parts of her. Mmm... Then a sour thought struck her. If I'm a woman... does that mean that I have to act like one? And like guys? her expression became alarmed. Ich... still, I'm sure there's a cure. There has to be a cure

Simon occasionally watched her through the mirror. Poor guy... still, she is cute... I wonder what it was like? She must have been out for it, though.

*tag* :o

Ahead of them, the distant spectre of Wolf Tower scraped against the skies. Simon rolled his eyes. "Wizards and their dramatics." All of a sudden, the car stopped. "Crud... I need to get a better car."

Jean looked up. "Is that a bad thing?"

"We are currently 15 miles from civilisation in the Roanian wilderness."

"Guess not."

"Correct." Simon slammed his fist against the dashboard. The engine cover popped open, and a smoke started to rise. "Right. Time to run like hell."

"What? Why?"

"Because something will be coming to see that smoke..." Simon grabbed her arm, and the two of them raced off.

Stop wit yer OOC yapping Ronia and git on wit da story! :lol:

I hope that Simon guy isn't your standard Inquisitor........you'd be having loyalty problems everytime a pretty face comes a walkin' by...*makes note in Roniain Dossier...."Inquistors can't keep pants on"......*

OOC: Thankfully, no. I mean, it would be funny, but professionality would suffer... and does everyone have a dossier on me? My own dossier... I'm honored.

IC: A loud howl went up from the surrounding hills. "Jean? Tell me, they teach you wilderness survival strategies in the Legion?"

"Um... not that I can recall, Simon!" She looked around. "Anywhere we can hide?" If I had my gun... Simon darted towards a cave opening.

"In here!"

"I don't know if that's a good idea..." Jean was tugged in after him. They sat in the dark. A heavy breathing sound could be heard. "Simon? Is that you?"

"No... but I don't see anything... we're alone..." Simon thought for a while. "Get some sleep. I'll keep watch." He turned, and leaned against the wall.

Jean looked confused. "What about equal shares?"

"No. I'm a man, and you're a woman. I'll take them all..." Simon pulled his helmet back on. "And that's final."

Jean looked as if she was inclined to argue, but she contented herself with saying, "I'm not a woman... not a woman... no..." she drifted off to sleep.

Jean floated through an endless void, alone. Where am I? She asked, her thoughts voiced loudly.

The Question Is, What Are You? The voice rang out through the void. Are You A Man? A Woman? A Soldier? A Lover? A Human? Something More?

What?Jean was rattled by the questions. I'm a man... and a soldier... and a human... I think...

Are you?

Jean was suddenly inside a room. In the room was a full length mirror, naked. She squealed, and clasped her hands over herself. What?

Look in the mirror... look at yourself closely... are you any of those things you said you were?

She stared, tears coming to her eyes. A woman looked back at her, long hair framing her waist, tears in her eyes. But there was something else... some sort of interior focus... I... don't know.

It's a start. Now listen carefully. The Prince is a pawn to a dark power. An unwitting pawn, but still a pawn. His actions are not fully under his control.

Is that elf-loving lapdog ever in complete control of his actions? What I want to know is what's going on, and what was the secret behind Project Ultrasoldier. Jean couldn't help but keep her eyes firmly on the woman in the mirror. The air directly around her in the mirror was turning a little red.

The secret was... The voice dopplered out as all of a sudden the room blinked out of existence.

<----------------->

"Jean! Are you all right?" Simon asked, shaking her. "You were tossing around, and then you just started to sweat incredibly..." He wasn't expecting the resounding slap. "What was that for?"

Jean paused. "I'm... not sure..."

Simon looked at her strangely. "Jean, is something wrong?" He reached over, and put a hand on her head. "You're burning up!"

Jean scuttled away from his hand. "I'm fine... really." She sat back down against the wall, head spinning. "I'm... fine..."

Simon walked towards her. "You're not fine, it's obvious." He knelt down beside her, and took a hold of her wrist tightly. He listened carefully, and counted heart-beats. "Hmm..."

Jean felt both repelled and attracted by his closeness. It's nice...

"Well, well, well. Isn't this a touching scene." They both looked up. At the door was a figure unknown to to them both. "Mind if I... cut in?" He drew a katana out from behind him. The hunt ends...

http://www.wizards.com/dnd/images/FR_ART/People/ArtemisEntreri.jpg

The Talon stared at them both, eyes glinting amusedly. "So... thought you could hide, did you?" His eyes seemed red in the odd light.

Jean and Simon stood up, and tried to back away from him. Simon started to draw his own sword. "Whoever you are, we have no quarrel with you."

"Yes, but the Prince has a quarrel with you..."

Simon swore. An RIAS assassin... he really wants Jean.

"Do your duty, Inquisitor. Give me the girl." The Talon started to move closer, his katana shimmering. Jean and Simon looked at one another.

"I'd die first!" Simon charged at the assassin. The Talon moved faster than even the Inquisitor could see, stabbing his thin blade into a seam in the armor. Blood spurted out of Simon's stomach.

"Your proposition is acceptable." The Talon lined up for another strike.

Jean screamed. "SIMON!" All of a sudden, a massive burst of energy just shot from her, sending The Talon reeling. Jean didn't notice, running forward, grabbing Simon, and running outside.

The Talon finally regained control over his muscles. "The hunt has become more amusing..."

A few hours later, Jean was sitting by Simon. "Simon, please don't die... please..." she held his hand, trying to find a pulse. "Simon...?" His armor and tunic lay beside him, revealing his sliced open stomach.

He coughed up some blood. "Don't... worry, Jean. It will take more than an assassin to put Simon Darquis II in his grave..." His head collapsed backwards. "Or... maybe not."

Jean shook him. "Simon!" She tried to remember something. "Simon, can't Inquisitors heal themselves? Or something? Please, don't let yourself die... I need you..." The admission came easier to her lips than she would have thought. True or not in *that* sense, I do need him to get a cure...

Simon opened his eyes. He smiled weakly. "How could I disapoint such a beautiful woman?" He muttered a few words. The wound started to close, slowly. "Ouch..."

Jean smiled, tears filling her eyes. "It can't be that bad, right?"

OOC: Please vote in the poll! Yes, I know it's tacky... but I like getting feedback.

IC: Simon pulled himself up. "It hurts more than it looks... but otherwise, I'm okay." He looked at her. "Jean? Are you... crying?"

Jean put her hands to her eyes. They came back moist. "I... guess I was." She flushed, slightly embarrased. "Doesn't mean anything, though!"

Simon smiled. "Of course it doesn't. Now, help me up" He put his hand out for her to help him up. She gave him her hand. As he came up, he planted a quick kiss on her cheek. "That was for saving my life, whatever it was you did. I owe you." He looked up at the mountains. "Just an hour's walk, and we should be at Wolf Tower." He began to pull his armor back on.

Jean put her hand to where he kissed her. He kissed me... She blushed, turning a dark red. This is absurd! I'm a guy!

Simon put his helmet on, and rebuckled his cape onto his shoulder. "Shall we?" He started off towards the peaks of Northern New Rohan. Jean followed after him, still blushing.

Miles and miles away...

"So, Prince Alexander. You came to meet me after all." The chilling hooded figure said, eyes hidden. "How nice to see you again, Your Highness."

Prince Alexander snarled. "What do you want, Merrech, and give me one good reason not to hand you over to Elentari Sirithril."

"My, haven't *we* become quite the loyalist. What I want, is for you to stare deep into my eyes... deeper... that's right... Where is the woman?

"What women, master?"

The survivor. That woman.

"She's going to Wolf Tower, master..." Alexander said, woozily. He wanted to tell the nice man everything...

<withdrawn....... :oops: >

Withdrawn :oops:

OOC: We'll speak no more on this, then.

IC: The two of them reached Wolf Tower as the sun was setting. "Simon, why is it called Wolf Tower?" Jean asked, looking around.

"It's called Wolf Tower because of all the dire wolves around here. Dire Wolves that will soon be eating your remains." The Talon of The Principality stepped out of the shadows. Simon's jaw dropped.

"How the hell did you get here before us?" The Inquisitor asked, drawing his weapon.

"With ease. *I* wasn't bleeding from a massive gut wound which seems to have healed... well, I won't make that mistake again." The Talon turned, and faster than either of them could see, leapt over and backhanded Jean into the ground. "Stay. Good girl." He turned to face Simon, and drew out a little vial, dropping a strange liquid onto his katana. "Say good night, My lord." The assassin cackled.

Simon groaned. Melodramatics. "Shall I at least know the name of the person I'm about to disembowl?" He struck a fighting pose.

"I am The Talon of The Principality, #2117."

"Your real name."

"That is my real name." The Talon dove forward, towards Simon. Simon quickly brought his own blade up, blocking the katana. "Fool!" The assassin's blade started to glow with a green fire. "I had an Emerald Mage make me a poison... a poison which will never heal."

Simon rolled his eyes. Typical. Just typical. Just once, can I please fight someone who does not have a special gimmick? Please? "En guarde!" Simon attempted to stab through towards the unarmored assassin. The Talon rolled under the attack, and struck through the armor. Simon swore, and felt his side. No blood. "You missed."

"Did I?" There was now a gaping hole where the katana's sharp edges had sliced through the mail.

"When you get to hell, tell the devil that Inquisitor Simon Darquis II sent you." Simon swished his cape over the hole. He lashed out, sending the assassin sprawling. Now for a spell... "HOLY BLAST!"

Lighting rained down from the sky, and struck The Talon. The assassin cursed, and rolled away. Simon noticed Jean stirring. "Jean, if you've got another stun thing, now's the time to use it."

Jean looked up. What? I don't even know how I did it last time!... um..."STUN!" The assassin paused. Nothing happened.

"Tsk." The Talon once more charged at Simon, going for the vulnerable helmet. "It's so hard to find good magic these days." Simon stumbled back against the wall of the tower.

Heavenly Father, I've always he ducked a blow tried to be a good servant... lashed out with his fist so, if you could grant me swore as the Talon smashed his fist into the side of the helmet just this one wish, I'll do whatever you want. Strike this guy dead for me, will ya?

Simon smiled, and waited. Surely the big guy would come through for him. The Talon raised his katana for the killing blow. "I'll send you to your god, chuchman!" Simon rolled his eyes. Great. When I get up there...

OOC: LOL; looking good so far, tho yellow text of "HOLY BLAST!" is hard to make out on the light grey background.

A small piece of mortar fell from the tower, smashing into The Talon's head. Simon smiled. Maybe the big guy really did care. He now had enough space to swing his sword... which he did, stabbing through the Talon's stomach. The assassin fell backwards, dying. Simon cleaned his sword, and put it away. "Pathetic."

He walked over, and helped Jean up. "Jean, are you all right?" She nodded, and walked over to the Talon. She spat.

"Scum. And that Prince who sent him is worse." She walked off. Simon rolled his eyes.

"Now she's sounding like Dad."

OOC: LOL; looking good so far, tho yellow text of "HOLY BLAST!" is hard to make out on the light grey background.

Fixed it.

Jean walked towards the tower. There has to be an entrance, somewhere, she thought, as she ran her hands along the smooth walls of the building. In there... they must know a cure for this... accursed transformation!

She hit her hand against the wall, hard. Why? What was the Prince up to? And why me? Her hand went numb, pain floating throughout her body. "Ouch!" Damn it... She walked over to the edge of the mountain. Maybe I should jump... end it all. If I'm dead, then whatever the Prince wants to use me for wouldn't work... but... She shook her head. For the best. She walked to the cliff, closed her eyes, and leapt off.

Simon came around the tower. "Jean?... oh, god." He ran over to the cliffside. "Jean!" No answer. She wants to die... but if she dies, my soul rots in hell for all eternity, well, that and I lose any evidence I might have against the Prince, and he'll rip me to tiny pieces and feed me to his pet pirahna(sp?).

There was the sound of wind rushing by his ears. And Jean fell, right beside him. "What?"

Simon stared, openmouthed. "Either you were just saved by someone, or everything we thought about the way this universe worked is horribly, horribly wrong."

A hole opened in the tower. A man looked out. "Both are correct, Inquisitor. She was saved, by me. And everything *you* thought about this universe *is* wrong."

Simon sighed. More dramatics...

OOC: Thank you, Sketch. Much appreciated.

Cool stuff. Should turn it into an Literary RP. Have each person write a couple of paragraphs or so, and see where it leads. I'd love that!

Cool stuff. Should turn it into an Literary RP. Have each person write a couple of paragraphs or so, and see where it leads. I'd love that!

This my last big thing before I go on vacation... besides, the last attempt I saw at a literary RP ended up in General, and eventually modbombed.

This is the best thing I've read from Roania. This is good, very good. Please keep amusing me with this story. Although of course I never liked that Simon Darquis guy, at least after the Pantocratorian incident...

ok. good luck with this.

OOC: I *think* that was a compliment, Aelosia. Well, I'm taking it as one.

IC: Jean rolled back to her feet. "Why did you save me?" she asked, angrily. "I could have put an end to this abomination, and Prince Alexander's plans all in one go!" She charged at the mage. She took a few steps before her legs froze under her.

"We'll have no more of that nonsense now, will we?" The man said, yawning and lowering his staff. "Oh, but where are my manners?" He bowed. "I am the Vicemage Darsalin, second in command of the Order of Air in Roania." He nodded to Jean. "And you are Jean Otler, formerly Private James Otler of the First Legion."

Jean bristled. "I will be again, too." Simon coughed. The Vicemage looked at him.

"Ah, and you must be Simon Darquis II, heir to the Duchy of the Central Mountains." Darsalin coughed, himself. "And... Jean, about that... you had best come inside."

OOC: It *was* a compliment. I wanted to RP with you since a little while. You always manage to be funny without being ridiculous or just losing the thread of the story...That's what I like of you.

Simon and Jean looked at one another, concerned. They followed Dalsarin inside, and up a long stretch of stairs. Darsalin talked as they walked. "You see, when Merrech fled, we abandoned this tower until we could get it clear of his traps. While we were doing that, several of our spellbooks were stolen from us."

"Amongst them the one that that psuedo-mage used to turn me into this?" Jean asked, seeing where this was heading and not liking it.

"Yes... when the mage went to meet the prince, he ended up being killed in a particularly gruesome manner." Darsalin opened a door, and motioned his two companions into his office. "Do take a seat."

They did, as he moved behind his desk. "Sadly... Prince Alexander also decided it would be for the best if the spellbooks were destroyed." Darsalin waited for this to sink in. Then he let loose his final piece of information. "And they were the only copies in existence."

Jean slumped backwards, thunderstruck. "Which means..."

"Which means that you're stuck that way, forever."

*Insert Dramatic Music Here*

OOC: It *was* a compliment. I wanted to RP with you since a little while. You always manage to be funny without being ridiculous or just losing the thread of the story...That's what I like of you.

OOC: Thanks. :P

Jean collapsed, putting her head in her hands. "No..." Stuck this way, forever?

Darsalin nodded. "However, there is good news. We've figured out a portion of what the Prince was planning... or rather, what someone was planning for the Prince."

Simon stood up, and walked to the desk. He moved quickly, and put his hands around the mage's neck. "It had better be good."

"<gurgle> The Prince is being controlled by something... they want Jean... in order to do something... we lost two journeymen to find that out." Darsalin took a little breath. "That's it... and... if Jean is killed, then they'll find another way..." He pried Simon's hands off of him. "There is a chance. The chaos wizard's soul was placed in the Halls of the Damned... if you go there, then you might find out the spell, and maybe reverse it."

Jean shook her head. "Go into the halls of the damned? No, thank you. I'll find some way to take my revenge for this transgression, but not in there. Being stuck as a girl at least means my soul isn't trapped in eternal pain and suffering..." All right, so it is. But I can learn to cope... at least until I have my revenge.


<----------------->

Simon watched Jean carefully after they left the tower. "Jean? Are you all right?"

"No, I'm not all right. But I'm going to find some way to live with this, and spread my suffering around equally." On a whim, she turned around and kissed his cheek. She thought, carefully. Wasn't that bad.

"Jean? Are you *sure* you're all right?"

how is that rated r?

OOC

Merrech! We should have got rid of that guy much earlier. Exile was the wrong option.

ooc:- Nice so far.........SB I think it going to become R rated eventually.

OOC: Bad things come to those who wait, SB. Jeruselem, he just won't die... yet. Thanks, Slagkattunger. And everyone who didn't like this story, tuff. I now have your names and addresses, assassins have been dispatched.

IC: Alexander turned, and looked at the prisoner. "You the best they could give me?" He asked, disdainfully. He drew his rapier. "Very well." The prisoner scrambled back, holding his rounded foil defensively. "On your guard!"

The Prince stabbed forward, cutting through the man's arm and nicking his stomach. The prisoner tried to counter, but only overextended himself, opening to an attack. Alexander turned and absorbed the fear, using it to strengthen himself. "Yes... you're scared of me, aren't you?" He sliced towards the man, cutting him slightly on the cheek.

"You're... just toying with me! Kill me already!" The man moved back, his eyes locked with Alexander's. "Please... what did I do to deserve this?" He blustered, trying to get through the cold eyes watching him. He knew what he had done. But surely rape wasn't a bad enough crime for this? And he had been asked...

"You failed your country, miserable worm!" Alexander slashed at the man's abdomen, cutting it open, but ensuring that the man would have a few more seconds of lucidity. "In dying, you serve me better then you ever did in life." Alexander moved around, his swordplay seeming to be an intricate dance. A dance of death. The man closed his eyes as death nulled the pain, but the Prince had other plans, stabbing through his gut and twisting his blade around. "Scum." Intestines and organs started to fall out from within as the Prince's serrated blade cut through. The man died, in agony. "So shall perish all enemies of order."

Alexander cleaned his blade and turned to a picture of the Holy Mother. He crossed himself. "Ave Maria." Then he turned as someone entered his inner chambers. He sighed. People only disturbed him in here if something was truly wrong.

"Your Highness, there has been a report. She was last seen at Wolf Tower... and your hunter is dead."

"The Talon is dead?... who killed him?"

"The renegade inquisitor, your highness." Edmund coughed. "From the internal camera in the Talon's bodysuit... we have learned that the woman has seemingly all the objectives of Project Ultrasoldier in her... but not as powerful as thought..."

"I see..." Prince Alexander turned to the statue again. "Holy Mother, is this another test?" He faced back towards Edmund. "Send more hunters, each more than the last. Centuries, Inquisitors, I care not."

"Sir?"

"If she can defeat them, and she reaches here... then I will have that perfect foe I have been seeking." He stepped over the dead body. "And get this worm cleaned up."

Simon watched Jean as she slept. He noted the gentle rise and fall of her breasts as she breathed. Hmm... I wonder, is she a man in a woman's body? Or a woman who used to be a man? Leaving such questions aside for now, he slowly drifted away.

<-------------->

"Simon." He was 18 now, standing in the presence of Prince Edward. "You have served your country well. And I would like to reward you. Simon, how would you like to be an inquisitor?"

The young man stared, open-mouthed, at the offer. "Your Highness... I would be honored."

"Very well. Cardinal Richelieu?" The man walked into the room, red robes streaking behind him as he moved like a miniature carnival float. "Take this man under your wing. He'll go far one day."

"Yes, Edward." The Cardinal bowed. Prince Edward turned.

"Simon, I don't think you've met my son?"

"No, your Highness."

"Ah. Alexander?" The young man walked into the room. "Meet our new Inquisitor, Simon Darquis."

"I am honored to make your aquaintance," the young man said, a gentle warmth in his eyes.

<-------------->

Now he was 22. Edward Black had just died, and he was with Alexander. "Your Highness," he started, "my comrades in the Inquisition wish to know what your plans are."

Alexander turned from his habitual pose staring out of the window. His eyes were cold, and emotionless. "Vengeance."

"Vengeance? Against who?"

"Against them all. Everyone who is happy today. Everyone who did not mourn my father as they should have. I charge you to bring death to them." Simon kept his emotions under control as he looked into Alexander's eyes, searching for a trace of humanity, for the spark that had been there before. "Can you do that?"

"As you command, so shall it be." Simon had never been so frightened at that moment. There was no madness behind Alexander, nothing that would explain his actions or orders. Just a calm, rational, controlled rage, and sadness.

<------------------->

Simon woke up, sweating.

Jean woke at dawn, stretching. "Simon?" She looked around, and saw him leaning against a wall. "Is something wrong."

Simon watched the rising sun. Someone can change so dramatically... in such a short period of time.

OOC: All for today, most likely.

*A few hours later*

"Simon, it's cold." Jean muttered, holding her arms around her. "Why are we going into the mountains?" She asked, angrily. "You might be dressed for it, but I'm not."

"Um..." Simon thought for a second. "Because my sister is in the castle, and she'll help us. So long as father isn't there, of course." He looked at Jean. She wasn't dressed for winter. A tight shirt and mini-skirt might be attractive, but in the Roanian mountains it was like asking for death. He cursed his stupidity, and unbuckled his wool cape, handing it to her. "Wrap this around yourself."

Jean took it, gratefully. Her mind whirled along the same path it had for the past few days. Stuck this way, permanently... She groaned inwardly. At least I'm pretty, she thought sarcastically.

<--------------->

So, they are in the mountains... I shall send snow. And in the snow, my wolfs.

Simon shivered. Out of nowhere, the weather had changed for the worse. "Jean?"

"So... cold..." She said. Her skin was blue. She fell backwards, into his arms.

"Crap. Heavenly father, lend her some of your warmth." Jean's skin returned to its normal color, but she still was in danger. "I need to find that place..." Simon looked around. The snow was blinding him.

Out of nowhere, a wolf howled. "My life keeps getting worse." The sound of paws running could be heard. At least 4. Dire wolves always hunt in packs. I can't fight them in this, certainly not if I'm expending energy to keep Jean alive. He choked back a sob. Well... I always knew I'd die while holding a woman... "No... wait a second." He felt out with a hand.

There was a notch in a tree trunk. He had made it. Holding the tree, he reached forward, finding another one. The wolves were drawing closer. He could see them in the snow. Or was that just the wind bending branches into shapes?

He fought through the snow, and eventually found what he was looking for. Behind him, he could hear a wolf charge. Simon kicked backwards, connecting with something. Then he opened the door that had appeared, and ducked inside.

[ <insert comment about how this proves something about the perfect soldier being female here> ;p ]

[ <insert comment about how this proves something about the perfect soldier being female here> ;p ]

OOC: Unless you are a woman, please don't.

Jean woke up. She moved, slightly, feeling herself wrapped in something warm. "Simon?"

He was jolted out of his private contemplations. "Jean? You awake?"

She nodded, and looked around. She was lying on a bed in what looked to be a small house. A fire crackled merrily. She sat up. "Where are we?"

Simon closed his eyes. "We are in a Derricks Ranger Station. More specifically, the bedroom of one. And pull that blanket back up, please."

Jean looked down. She was sitting there naked. She turned red and pulled the blanket over herself. "Why am I...?"

Simon smiled. "I had to remove your clothes... they were soaked through. You were at risk of death. I had my eyes closed, though," he added, hurriedly.

"Sure you did..." Jean sighed. "Simon, what's going on?"

"Well... if I was to hazard a guess, I'd say that someone was out to kill us." Or more specifically, you. He looked at her. God, she's beautiful.

Jean smiled, nervously. I'm naked, in a room with a man.... and why am I not scared?

Then the door exploded inwards. "Krug hope Krug not getting in way of something." A huge figure entered.

Jean scuttled against the wall, keeping the blanket tight over herself. "An Orc Soldier?"

Simon looked at the green-skin. "Looks like it."

"In the name of Prince Alexander, Krug is..." his lips moved as he tried to make out the next word on the sheet of paper he was reading from. "Sir, can youse read this?"

"What if I don't want to read it?" Simon asked.

"Youse *have* to. It the law." Krug passed the paper to Simon.

Sighing, Simon read it from the beginning. "In the name of Prince Alexander, Krug is empowered to take any action necessary to secure the compliance of the renegades known as Jean Otler and Simon Darquis."

"That right." Krug reached behind him, and drew a large axe. "Now, youse goin' to come quietly? It be cold out there, and I had to find youse."

"I think not, actually." Simon stood up. "You see, I have the situation well in hand." Jean looked shocked. "I have managed to capture Jean, and am taking her back to The Stronghold as we speak."

He flashed his inquisitorial card. "Alexander meant for you to help me, obviously."

Jean darkened. "You bastard!" Simon turned to her and delivered a stinging slap.

"Silence, bitch!" He winked, and frowned apologetically. She nodded, still furious. "As you can see, I had her trusting me. Now, the plan is, you will... behind you!" Krug turned, and looked outside. Simon then slammed his fist into the orc's neck.

Then he gathered up Jean and her clothes, pulled on a lever, and darted through a passage that had appeared in the wall... which slid shut moments later.

<--------------->

Jean turned, and kicked him in the groin. His eyes crossed. "You bastard!"

"Jean..." she wasn't listening.

"That really hurt! And how do I know that you aren't going to arrest me when we reach the Stronghold?"

Simon watched her. Then, when she had finished, he wrapped his arms around her and kissed her. "Convincing?"

Jean looked shocked. He just kissed me... I'm a guy! That's disgus... though, to him I'm a chick... and it wasn't that bad... She nodded, unable to speak. "Good... enough."

Simon uncomfortably realised exactly how dressed Jean was. He released her and backed away. "Sorry..."

Jean blushed, still not trusting herself to speak. "Simon..." she gathered her clothes around her, pulling them on. "Where are we?" How... embarrasing... yet I also enjoyed it... what *am* I?

"We are in a passage that leads to Derrickston." Simon laughed, to hide his own embarrasment. I was... holding her, and... his clothes seemed very tight, all of a sudden. "Anyway..."

Jean turned and walked along the passage, hoping that the darkness would obscure her blush.

Krug woke up. "Uh oh. They gone? Me in trouble with boss-man."

<------------------>

Alexander sighed as he wiped the rich red blood from his sword. "Damn them and their failures..." He passed the orc's head to an aide. "Hang this up, will you?"

"Sir, I have a suggestion." Richelieu said, softly. "Perhaps you might wish to send in Inquisitors? 3 of them? We know where he is. We know where they are going. It would be a matter of seconds to find them."

"No... I'm going to deal with this myself." Prince Alexander stood up. "Get my copter ready, and tell Darquis that I'll be visiting his house. After I'm gone."

"Yes, m'lord." Cardinal Richelieu coughed, and moved out of the prince's way as Alexander swished his cape behind him and began to move towards the door. "Wise decision, m'lord."

OOC: OOC? Of course it's OOC...this is a storyline...anyhow, great job Roania. Nice storyline, good charactors, movie like. Keep up the good work!

Caroline looked up as Simon entered the room. "Sis, I need help."

"Tell me something I don't know. What ever happened to politeness?"

"No, seriously. Look..." He explained what was going on. "And now we're being chased by a variety of incompetent goons."

"If it wasn't for the fact I know what you do for a living, I would laugh at you. Where is she?" Caroline asked, curious.

"She's in my room. Do you have any clothes that might fit her?"

"I'll go up there and speak to her."

OOC: Any women out there, don't yell... I'm a male, I don't know exactly what I'm talking about... thank god.8)

IC: Jean watched the sun set from Simon's bedroom. She sighed. Then she turned around as Caroline entered. "So, you're the woman that apparently has half of Roania worked up."

"Sadly." Jean sighed.

"So... how are you adjusting?" Caroline asked, gently. "Any... aches and pains?"

"I'm sorry?" Jean thought she knew what Caroline was talking about, but didn't like it.

"Um... sit down..."

<-------------->
OOC: Skipping... not because of embarrasment, or randomness, but because I genuinely have no idea what I'd be talking about... You all understand, right?
<-------------->

A black helicopter started to fly towards Castle Darquis.

Jean blushed, a crimson red. "So... that's it?"

"That's it."

Jean laughed, hiding her embarrasment. "It's... different then I expected."

"Eh. Said the same thing." Caroline smirked. "Of course, I didn't have to deal with my brother."

"What are you talking about?" Simon leaned against the door. The two women leapt up.

"Girl talk. You wouldn't understand." Caroline said, winking at Jean.

Simon rolled his eyes. "Whatever. Now, we have a problem..."

<--------------->

"Lady Caroline... what a surprise." Prince Alexander said when she came to greet him. "I was in the neigborhood, and thought I'd stop by."

"Your highness honors me with his presence." Caroline curtsied.

"Yes, I do. Tell me, is your brother about?" He could smell the fear rising from her. It took all of his control not to hurt her and add to it.

"Um... no..." Alexander moved closer to her. "Really. He's not here."

"Ah..." Alexander shook his head. Darquis will forgive me for this... He backhanded her. "Let me put it this way, girl. He is here, and you know exactly where he is. Answer me! Where is Simon?"

Caroline kept her mouth shut, and was punished by another backhand. "Bitch! Tell me what I want to know, when I ask it."

That was more then Simon could take. He charged out of his hiding place. "Leave her alone, you bastard! I'm the one you want."

Alexander smiled, and rubbed one of his many glistening rings. A prismatic cage appeared around Caroline. "Yes... you are the one I want. Where is he?"

"Where is who?"

"The soldier, fool!"

"If you mean Jean, she's resting from what you and your lackeys did to her." Simon took careful stock of the situation. Something was wrong... Alexander was dangerous, and enjoyed hurting others, but there was something increasing his hunger for fear... Simon's Inquisition honed senses could pick up some dark magic around him. "Alexander, think. This isn't like you..."

A punishing backhand silenced him. "Be quiet, worm." The rapier appeared in Alexander's hands as if by magic. "I shall feast on your terror!"

Simon cursed. Definitely not him... he was never one for the whole 'I'm a thug' act. Drawing his own blade, he considered his options. I can't kill my Prince... and I don't know how I'll incapitate him.

Alexander turned, and faster then Simon could make out charged forward with his rapier. Then again... it could be academic, Simon thought as he struggled to block.

The sword went directly through Simon's armor. "NOT AGAIN!" Simon roared. "They take this armor out of my salary!" He was forced to block again, his sword too slow to intercept the fragile rapier.

Alexander darted around him, stabbing and thrusting, not pausing. "I'll make you fear! FEAR FOR YOUR LIFE! It's over!"

Simon slammed his fist out. Amazingly, Alexander leapt right over it, and carried on. Growing bored with a seemingly fearless opponent, he stopped and prepared for the killing blow. Simon closed his eyes in resignation.

There was a burst of light, and then Alexander toppled over, his limbs splayed. Jean stood behind him, staring at her hands in shock. "He... was going to kill you... and I just..." she collapsed.

Simon walked over to Alexander and slapped his face a few times. "Hmm... he's out cold." Then he slammed his fist into the other man's stomach.

After ensuring that he hadn't killed the Prince, Simon went to check on Jean. "Jean? You all right?" He bent down, and picked her up in his arms. "Caroline, I'm borrowing a speeder. Keep His Highness busy for an hour, or better yet, 4 hours, after we're gone."

She nodded, and went back to trying to escape from her prison

OOC: I'd comment, but I'm not reading this. Of course. *cough*

OOC: I'd comment, but I'm not reading this. Of course. *cough*

One thing best sums up my reaction... :?:

OOC: I'd comment, but I'm not reading this. Of course. *cough*

One thing best sums up my reaction... :?:

Well, I'm NOT reading this because I'm not 18.

If there are any mods present, can they please fix my poll? Pwease? Pwetty pwease?

OOC: Guess not. :cry:

IC: The speeder, on a computer set course, flew towards Roan Stronghold. Simon sat in back, watching for any sign of life from Jean. He stroked her hair back. "Jean?"

"Mmm... Simon?" Her eyes opened. "What happened?"

"You... saved my life." Simon said, gently. "Thank you."

Jean smiled, sleepily. "I... couldn't let him hurt you..." She curled up, and went to sleep, holding her arms around him as if he was an oversized teddy bear.

Simon sighed, and leaned his head on hers. He drifted off to sleep.

<---------------->

Alexander returned to the palace in a fury. He had escaped the guards that Caroline had set in place, and wanted his revenge against Jean.

An hour or so later, Jean woke up. She looked around, and noticed her arms wrapped tightly around Simon. She gasped, slightly. Did he... She gently moved one of her arms, and felt around her body. Her clothes were arranged just as they had been, though to her they felt a little clingy. "Simon?"

Simon's eyes opened. "Yeah, Jean?" He asked, softly.

"Nothing... just... was I really sleeping like this?" She asked, unconcerned.

"Hmm? Oh... with your arms around me? Yeah... it was a tad inconvenient, but oddly also quite comfortable." Simon said, jokingly. He ran a hand along her hair again. "You do have really lovely hair..."

"Thanks..." Jean said, ignoring the conflicting well of emotions that sprang up at his touch. "She turned, and looked ahead.

Less then a mile away was The Stronghold of Roan.

OOC: Good story, my question, when you rated it, did you mean NC-17 because that is what you rating literaly means... [I'm a FanFiction write, and I write NC-17 stories.]

OOC: Good story, my question, when you rated it, did you mean NC-17 because that is what you rating literaly means... [I'm a FanFiction write, and I write NC-17 stories.]

OOC: Hmm... my poll has completely disapeared now. :cry:

NC-17?... if you say so.

As they drew closer, they could see a large roadblock. Legionnares were checking cars. "They're looking for us." Jean said, alarmed.

Simon shook his head. "No, they always do that. However, it might be an idea to disguise ourselves..." He started to remove his shirt. "In the compartment in front of you is a Derricks Guardsman uniform. Pass that to me, right?"

Jean tore her eyes away from his chest and did as he asked. "Here." Simon thanked her and took it, putting it on. "What about me?"

Simon went into another compartment, and pulled out a cap. "Put this on, and keep it down over your eyes. You're wearing my sister's clothes, and you're about her height."

"Isn't the punishment for impersonating a noble death?" Jean asked.

"Yes... but you're impersonating a body double, not her." He pulled the uniform's helmet on, and leaned back. "Look scared, and try not to act too confident."

"I am scared!" Jean blurted out. "What makes you so sure that they won't see through the disguise?"

"Because they're legionnares, and legionnares are not the brightest of fellows." He realised what he said, and coughed. "Of course, since you're a woman now, you're much smarter..." he blushed beneath his uniform, and didn't complain when Jean punched him. "I deserved that."

"Hmph." Jean snorted. "Let's make a bet. If they do notice, and we survive, you have to hit your head repeatedly against a concrete wall."

Simon pondered that. "And if they don't..." he thought for a second, "You have to give me a kiss. A proper one."

Jean blushed slightly. "Proper one?"

Simon whispered into her ear. She slapped him. God... I'm not that much of a woman yet. "Deal... Hey! Soldiers!" Simon bodychecked her.

"Okay, forget the second part. But don't get us both killed."

OOC: I hate this server...

Simon smirked as they stopped at a small hotel. "Well?"

"In the room, Simon. In the room," Jean groaned. "Are you sure you wouldn't rather have my immortal soul?"

"... nah."

When they were checked in, Simon and Jean went up stairs and to the room. "They won't reveal our presence?"

"Of course not." Simon stood there, watching her. "Well?"

"Well what?"

"My kiss." Simon smiled, and moved closer to her. "I was joking... you don't really have to." He said, messing her hair around.

Jean stood there, considering. She smiled. "I might not have to... but," she paused, forcing the words out, "a part of me wants to." She stepped forward, embracing him, and leaning up to kiss him. They stood like that for a while, as Jean's thoughts whirled back and forth. This is absurd... I'm a man.

*Tell that to the mirror, Jean.*

That's not important... I'm still a man... inside.

*Want to go in for x-rays after you take your revenge? You're now what most men like to sleep with. <Not> a man.*

That's not what I meant... but this is nice.

*Mm hm...*

Wait... what's he doing?

Simon had started to just run his hands gently along her side. Jean's eyes shot open. "No..."

Simon stopped. "What?" He realised what he had been up to. "Oh..." He tried to hide the disapointment. Foolish of me, really.

"I can't. Not yet."

Simon nodded his understanding, and stepped away. He smiled, and then turned to business. "Jean... what are your plans for the palace?"

"My... plans?" Jean thought. "I don't... know. I don't suppose I could just walk right in there, could I?"

"No..." Simon thought. "Maybe we could sneak in. There are all sorts of underground passages under this city, a few of them must lead into the palace."

"Underground passageways?" Jean didn't like the sound of that. "How would we enter them?"

"I still have a few friends in the city. They'll help."

<-------------->

Jean panicked. "Simon, there's a polizei coming this way..." She scuttled into the shadows.

"Yes?" As the officer drew closer, Simon stood up. "Franklin Dark. How good to see you!"

The officer nodded. "So, Simon. I see you managed to get the prince to want you dead. He's ordered a full watch of the entire city, and there's a reward for anyone who helps kill you or the woman you're travelling with." He looked at Jean, his jaw dropping slightly. "And this must be Jean... the boys at the station are all talking about you! We were given a photo, and some of the boys..." Simon coughed. Dark nodded. "Yes, anyway... what do you want, Simon?"

"Access to the tunnels. I believe that the Prince is possessed by an evil force."

"You mean *besides* that sword he always carries around?"

"Yes, besides that. Something that is not just evil, but also a bad force. You know what I mean. Something that doesn't have his, or this nation's, best interests in mind. From what I know of Blade, it's loyal to its master."

Jean couldn't follow this conversation at all. "What?"

"Simon, Jean, I'm not going to lie to you. Those tunnels are dangerous. Once you're below the undercity, there's no one to hear you or help you."

Simon paused. "Jean? Are you willing to risk it?" He asked. "I'll follow where you lead."

Jean thought. There didn't seem to be too many other options. "Let's do it."

Franklin opened the hatch, uneasily. He looked around. The undercity was vacant at this hour of the night. "Tread carefully, Simon, Jean. Down there, a wrong move can kill you."

Jean nodded her understanding, and slid down. Simon stayed back. Franklin smiled. "She's something, isn't she?"

"You don't know half of it. It might be wise for you to go hide somewhere until we've finished..."

"Nah. No young scallywag of a prince is going to put an end to Frank Dark. Take care of yourself, you old son of a bitch."

"Right. You too." Simon leapt after Jean, into the darkness of the catacombs.

Jean and Simon walked through the deep, wet, under city. "Do you even know where we're going?" She asked him.

"No, not really." Simon replied, alarmed. He could hear *things*, distantly. Moaning, and screams of anger. But the minute he turned to concentrate on them, they were gone.

"I'm scared, Simon. Really scared." Jean stood next to him. "I didn't think it would be this bad."

"Neither did I, Jean." Simon looked back. There... wasn't that a figure watching them?... no, just shadows. He moved closer to her, ready to leap in and protect her at a moment's notice. My, haven't I become protective?

All of a sudden, the shadows gathered, and leapt right at Jean.

Jean screamed as the wraith reached for her. Simon moved, and tried to slash through it. Nothing happened. The shadowy figure touched her, and she became cold. "Simon..."


<--------------->
BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Merrech grinned. "I'll soon have the last soul I need." The wraith moved under his control, strangling her oxygen supply.
<--------------->

Simon watched, helpless. "Jean!" his mind whirled through his repertoire of spells. "No..."

Jean collapsed, growing pale. Simon just clutched on the first spell he had access toll. "And he will be a light to you in dark places..." crossing himself, he recited the most elementary spell in an Inquisitor's ability. "Light!"

The tunnel lightened, and the shadow was banished.

<--------------->
Merrech stumbled back, his mind injured. "ouch. That Inquisitor is really starting to irk me."
<--------------->

Jean stood up, shakily. "Simon... you saved my life..." Giving in to her body's attraction to the handsome man, she gave him a body-melting, heart-warming look, and threw her arms about him. "Thank you."

Simon gently smoothed back her hair, and kissed her cheek. "I'd do the same any time. And you know it."

ooc:- So you are saying the body controls the mind eh? That even with his male mind the body's urge to mate is still too strong :P Personnally I believe the other way round but........it's your story :lol: keep it up :wink:

ooc:- So you are saying the body controls the mind eh? That even with his male mind the body's urge to mate is still too strong :P Personnally I believe the other way round but........it's your story :lol: keep it up :wink:

OOC: S/he's in two minds about things right now... and I have a warped, and rather condescending view about the majority of humans.

Jean and Simon continued along the catacombs. Simon suddenly spun her against the wall. "Shh..."

Jean looked alarmed, then relaxed. "What?"

"There's someone down that way." Simon listened. "More then one. Wait here, Jean."

He walked down the path, sword in hand. Jean collapsed against the wall, and closed her eyes. He's going to get himself killed.

*Worried, are you?*

Of course! He's a friend!

*He's also very handsome, isn't he?*

What?... well, yes... I guess, but he's helping me, and he's a friend, and I need him around.

*You guess? Are you sure that's all he is to you? A friend*

Fine, so he is. So what? Jean asked, wondering who this voice was.

*And you enjoyed his touch, and kissing him...*

Stop! Get out of my head!

*It's my head too. I'm you.*

No, I'm me. You're some voice that won't leave me alone, and is trying to make me act like a woman!

*We're both you. And you are a woman.*

Stop, please!Jean put her head in her hands. Get out of my head! Now!

Then Simon screamed. "Jean! Look out!"

Jean looked up, and saw a pair of heavily armored Inquisitors walking towards her. "Well, well, well. What have we here?"

Jean reacted, running past the Inquisitors, and dodging their cumbersome arms. "Simon?" He lay in the middle of the tunnels, a pool of blood spreading from him. "No..."

The Inquisitors caught up. "So shall perish all enemies of order."

It came as a surprise when she turned around and layed them low with a blast of fire. "NO!" They moved, trying to attack her, but she kept it up, kicking with tremendous strength, and finally picking up Simon's fallen blade. "You bastards..."

If their expressions could be seen behind their armor, they would be chuckling. Jean could barely lift the heavy blade. She grimaced. I can do this... It came up, and before the Inquisitors registered that the impossible was happening, they lay dead on the floor, their heads cleanly detached. Jean didn't pay any attention, instead running to Simon's side. I've lost him... his luck ran out. "Simon? Can you hear me?" She tore off his gauntlet, feeling for his pulse. It was still there, but very faint. "Simon... I'm so sorry... this is my fault... your sister being injured. You being hurt... the deaths of all these people..."

Simon's eyes opened, slowly. "It's not your fault, Jean." He said, weakly. "And it will take more then a bunch of bother boys to put me down..." He tried to sit up, but fell backwards. "They just got lucky."

"It is my fault..." but she knew it wasn't. Nor was it the fault of that witless pawn, Prince Alexander. She had a target for her rage. A sinister figure, seen only rarely, but instantly recognisable. "Merrech."

Simon took her hand. "Jean... promise me something. No matter what happens to me, don't kill Alexander. He deserves it, but more then that, he deserves to be saved. Let him live with the knowledge of what he's done, and what's been done to him. It will make him a better man."

Jean sighed. His voice took on a tone of urgency. "Promise me!"

"I promise, Simon. I won't kill the bastard... no matter what."

All of a sudden, the world revolved, lights flickering on and off in front of her vision. She felt as if she was being kicked repeatedly from all directions, and then she blacked out.

<----------------->

When she came awake, Simon was watching her, concerned. "You all right?"

"What? What happened?" She asked, wondering what was going on, and why her hips, no, her entire body just ached.

"You started to bleed..."

"From where?" Though from his elusiveness, she could guess. She looked down, and then back up, sinking back into whatever was behind her. "God..." At least Caroline told me this would happen, so I wasn't caught completely unawares... still an inconvenient time. "Where are we? And why are you so..."

"I can explain that, deary." An old woman walked into her line of sight. "I was walking through the catacombs when all of a sudden I came upon the two of you just lying there, him with a swordwound through which you could see light, and you with your cycle starting... I must say, I was surprised that you had taken it so badly... though not when I was told by your young man exactly what you had been."

"He's not my young man." Jean said, vehemently. Simon looked hurt. "Well... not yet, at any rate."

"Ah, I understand. You still don't know what you are... if I may make a suggestion, though, before you go on to face what ever it is you are against, it might be wise to decide."

"Who are you? I'm thankful... but..."

"I'm Mother Gammage, healer of the community down here."

"You mean you're a witch...?" Jean asked, then regretted it at the spasm of pain that crossed the old woman's face.

"That's what the man said, when he drove me down here and killed my husband..."

Simon looked at the old woman. "There have been no witch hunts for dozens of years, Mother. You could return to the light."

"No, the darkness of the tunnels is my home now. I'm depended on."

"Depended on by who?"

"By us." A voice said, sounding slightly amused. She turned, and both her and Simon stared, horrified, at what they saw.

"And you are tresspassing in our lands. The lands that you and your people have left to those of us who are... different."

http://images.google.com.au/images?q=tbn:6qfGFSdaNb4C:www.uran.net/sci_fi/apes/pics/mutant.jpg

A mutant... Jean couldn't help but be reviled. She managed to keep from screaming and jumping back... for a start, if she moved, her entire body would be visible. "We have no quarrel with you, sir."

Simon nodded. "I promise you that. We were just passing through your tunnels to reach the palace when we were attacked by them."

"Why would you wish to reach the palace? There is nothing there for you. An evil presence dwells within."

"We know. We wish to put an end to it."

The mutant nodded. "I am Balthazar, leader of the edge-dwellers. We will be glad to assist you, but your woman is in no shape to fight." He smiled, and looked at Mother Gammage. "Unless our healer has something?"

"Maybe I do. You men leave us, please." Balthazar and Simon were unceremoniously forced out of the room. Mother Gammage turned to Jean. "What are you?"

"I'm sorry?"

"Are you a man or a woman?"

"I... don't know anymore... I did." Jean shook her head. "I just don't know."

"You have to know, before you stand a chance of achieving your destiny... now let's see what I can do for you..."

<---------------------->

Balthazar and Simon stood in a large crossways through the catacombs. Around them were a variety of huts. Magelights flickered overhead. The Edgedweller motioned down a path. "Travel that way for an hour and you will reach the entrance to the palace dungeons. None of us have ever entered there and returned, but occasionally men wearing armor stand guard there."

Simon thanked him. "Balthazar, why do your people dwell down here? You could return to the light above."

"This is all we have. We were driven down here, and I do not believe that things are different above."

Simon was about to argue, but then he recalled his mission, and nodded. Maybe they aren't.

There was the sound of footsteps behind them. They turned around. Jean stood there, discomfort evident on her face. "Well... I'm ready."

"Are you?" Simon asked, concerned.

"She gave me an awful tasting drink, which stopped the bleeding... but she said it would come back in a day or two." Jean grimaced. The bleeding had stopped, but she was still aching. "So, we should move quickly."

Simon nodded. "Balthazar, if there is anything I can do for you or people, I will." The two of them left the encampment, travelling along the tunnels to the palace.

<------------->

"Are there any guards?" Jean asked Simon when he returned. The man shook his head. "Good."

"Yes. Good." Simon said, unconvincingly. He was vaguely worried, though he couldn't pin the reason down. "Jean... I don't like this. There's something wrong about this whole situation. I think it may be a trap."

Jean paused. "Then we'll let ourselves be taken in by it. That's not the Simon I know speaking."

"All right, I *know* it's a trap."

"Didn't you say that you could take on two Inquisitors?"

"Yes, yes. But..." Simon knew it wasn't going to work. "Very well. On both our heads be it."

Jean patted him on the back. "My strength is as the strength of ten because my heart is pure." She walked down to the palace entrance.

"What if there are eleven of them?" Simon muttered as he followed. The two of them entered, and Jean waited.

"HA! They probably forgot this place existed," she said, when nothing happened.

Simon looked as if he was about to say something, when the room suddenly spun around her, and she vanished before his eyes. "Jean! Oh, I knew this was a trap..."

There was the whisper of drawn steel, and a familiar figure walked out. "Yes, Inquisitor."

"You... aren't you dead?! I killed you!" The Talon stood before him, katana drawn. His eyes glowed a dull red. Swearing, Simon drew his blade. "Very well. I'll send you back to the hell from whence you escaped."

<--------------->

Jean looked around. The room was pitch black. "Simon? Anyone?"

One by one, candles lit up magically. Jean was standing in a room of red. A religious icon hung on the wall. And standing at the top of a set of stairs, wearing red leather armor with a cape hanging from it, was... "So, you're Jean." Prince Alexander said, throwing his cape behind him and drawing a blade. It glistened in the darkness, pride of place being given to a ruby in the center. The gem seemed to be watching her. "It will give me great pleasure to taste your fear."

Jean stared. Taste... my fear? Then it hit her, a mental assault which left her reeling. Alexander's blade started to glow, and he leapt down before her.

"Yes... that's right..." Alexander smirked.

"No! I'm a Legionnare... and a legionarre shows no fear!" She stood up, and faced him down. "No fear."

"Ha." Alexander's cool blue stare took in her appearance. "Some legionnare... women can't be legionnares. And you're a woman."

"No I'm not!" Jean said, crossly. "I'm in a woman's body because of you!"

"Heh. The body makes the person... not the soul. That's what I've learnt over the years." Alexander smiled. "But if you say you're a man, then this shouldn't hurt too badly."

He rolled his hand into a fist, and punched her left breast with all of his considerable strength.

He rolled his hand into a fist, and punched her left breast with all of his considerable strength.

OOC: Wouldn't it still hurt like hell for him since he's a girl now. I'd be like a girl turning into a guy and getting kicked in the nuts. She'd feel the pain...

Anyhow...I've been reading along...and what's going to happen since you're leaving?

He rolled his hand into a fist, and punched her left breast with all of his considerable strength.

OOC: Wouldn't it still hurt like hell for him since he's a girl now. I'd be like a girl turning into a guy and getting kicked in the nuts. She'd feel the pain...

Anyhow...I've been reading along...and what's going to happen since you're leaving?

OOC: Alexander is banking on it.

I aim to finish this before next Tuesday, when I leave... a task which has become harder since I probably won't be on on Monday. I have an estimated two days to put up around another 5000 words.

I like a challenge.

Jean stumbled backwards. Colors flashed before her eyes, and she couldn't stand. Alexander watched. "Waiting for your friend? Not coming..."

He lashed out again, slamming his fist into her over and over, knocking her to the ground. He hadn't touched his blade, he didn't need to. "Well? Where's your spirit? Where's those powers that you used against some of my finest men, against *me*?" He kicked her. "Well?"

Jean lay, battered and bruised. She could barely open her eyes, instead floating away on a sea of pain. "No... more..."

"Oh, I think I will." He kicked her again. "Pathetic."

Jean closed her eyes, and waited for the final blow... and her consciousness faded.

<---------------->

Where am I? her mind floated in an endless void.

*You're inside yourself.*

This... is the end for me, isn't it?

*Doesn't have to be. But now, I offer you a choice.*

Two bodies appeared before her. Her original, male body and her current one. What?

*Which one are you?*

She was about to say "The man", but she changed her mind. She thought. Above the male body, an image appeared of her, as a man, snapping Alexander's blade over his knee. James then screamed, and threw the Prince into the wall, killing him.

She watched, horrified, as her male self rushed upwards and through the palace, destroying everything. Weapons did not pierce his skin. He even killed Simon, who had been protecting some of the servant's children.

*This was the secret behind Project Ultrasoldier. The spell had a flaw... all that saved you and your comrades was that flaw. Should you turn back into a man, the full brunt of the spell would fall upon you.*

The spirit didn't speak, just watching as he again and again, from all angles, killed Simon, who didn't move to defend himself.

*Do you see?*

She nodded, and looked at the woman's body. Two images appeared, of Alexander killing Jean, and her spirit floating upwards to peace, and of Alexander offering Jean his hand, his sword behind him. She concentrated on the second one, seeing how he held himself, in complete control of his own actions, regal and calm. Then the image flipped to her and Simon in eachother's arms, laughing.

But... I don't... what happens if I choose neither of these?

*Either of them would put an end to Merrech's scheming... both at a cost, but still would do so. If you didn't act...*

The spirit watched a great flame begin to burn. Before it, a cloaked figure stood, surrounded by acolytes. Suddenly, a door appeared in the air. The cloaked figure spoke unheard words, and the hosts of hell began to enter this world, as the figure and the acolytes entered the doorway.

The spirit nodded. She knew what she had to do.

Jean opened her eyes. Alexander stood over her, about to stab down. At the last moment, the young woman rolled out of the way. Then she blinked in confusion. The world looked different.

Where The Prince once stood was a humanoid figure, split equally between black and white. At his side was a bizarre... thing, which had a black covering surrounding a gray and white core. However, over both of them was a purple cloud, emanating from one of the rings on Alexander's hand. She nodded, and the vision cleared.

Alexander stood before her. "So, you do have some spunk..."

"When you throw someone hard enough, they bounce."

"So be it." Alexander drew his blade. "I'm going to enjoy this..."

"No, you won't." Jean darted forward, and snatched at the ring.

<----------------->

"Huff... puff..." The Talon and Simon faced eachother, bleeding copiously from a variety of places. One of Simon's arms hung uselessly by his side, while the Talon was collapsed against a wall. "So... let us end this..."

They both looked up at a scream of rage and anger.

<------------>

Alexander blinked. "Wha...?" He looked around. "What am I doing in my training quarters?" He looked at Jean. "Wait... you're... that woman..."

The memory of the past few weeks came flooding back. "I fear I have been under the control of a dark force." Blade, what's been happening?

I don't know, Alexander. I'm in the same predicament as you.

"I see." Alexander sat down. "Wait... oh..." His cheeks flushed with anger and embarrasment. He put his head in his hands. "What have I done?" Silent sobs wracked his body as he stood and faced the picture of Mary. "Dear god! What have I done!"

OOC: The Talon's getting his ass beat? :shock:

OOC: The Talon's getting his ass beat? :shock:

OOC: Hell yeah. A sniper rifle, a pistol, and enough explosives to destroy the island three times over ain't much good in close combat.

Simon's the one with the useless arm, though.

IC: Jean watched as the pitiful man screamed, and her anger drained away. "It wasn't your fault, Your Highness. You couldn't control yourself... now, could you please summon my friend here?"

Alexander nodded. "Very well." He tapped his sword's hilt. "Blade, relocation."

Simon and The Talon dropped down in front of the pair, both of them trying to club eachother to death with fallen masonry. "I'll... see you in... hell..."

"Over... your... dead... body."

Alexander sighed. "Both of you! 'Tention!" Years of training in both Simon and the Talon made them leap to their feet, or in the Talon's case his knees. "What's been going on?"

The Talon spoke, his soft whisper at odds with his bloody face, "You ordered me to kill them, my lord."

"Did I?" Alexander raised his hand. "No... I must have. Change of orders. Stop trying to kill them, and go and get a medic."

The Talon gingerly made his way up the stairs. "Pathetic worm..." Alexander muttered. The Talon heard, and started to rush as fast as he could, afraid of being called back down there for the Prince to work his anger out on. "Now... what can I do fo..."

His eyes widened. "Girl, behind you!"

Jean wheeled about, to face a dark figure. You meddling insect!

A shining light shot from Simon's hand, and it disapeared. "Damn... that wasn't really him."

"I swear..." Alexander faced the icon, "I swear that some day, I will destroy that man!"

"Why wait?" Simon asked, lightly. "Me and Jean are going after him, you could come with us."

What? That treacherous, evil bastard coming with us? I don't think so. Jean thought, watching the Prince. He'll never agree, anyway. "Good idea, Simon. And perhaps the Talon would like to come, too?"

Simon looked distressed, and then his expression became even more hurt when Alexander nodded. "Good idea... we'll leave at dawn."

"Your Highness... perhaps a few more days?" Jean asked. "Maybe eight? To give us all time to recover, and plan, and so on?" That, and I'll be done with this cycle by that point. She paused, awaiting his response.

Alexander thought, and nodded. "Very well. But not a day or an hour more."

"Yes, your highness." Jean rolled her eyes. God...

"Alexander..." Simon started. When the Prince turned to him, his eyebrows raised, Simon continued. "Beneath this city is a small community of people who have been driven down there."

"Ah, yes. The mutants, as I believe the guards call them," Alexander said, irritated at what seemed to be a waste of his time. "What about them? Did they stand in your way? Say the word, and I'll drive them into the deepest, dankest tunnels."

"No, no!" Simon thought, thinking He'd do it himself, most likely. And enjoy it. "They deserve to return to the light."

"What?" Alexander snorted, "I'm to let some freaks come..." he looked around, at Simon and Jean's disaproving expressions. His own became thoughtful. "Yes... yes, I understand... they can come up... and if they want to stay down there, I'll send some people down to improve things for them." Simon laughed. Yes... the catacombs run everywhere... spies and thiefs... perfect.

Simon and Jean nodded, not taking his words at face value. "May we leave, your highness?" She asked.

"Hmm? Oh, by all means. Pick a room in the palace for yourselves, please. The least I could do." They nodded, and walked up the stairs, leaving the prince in his blood-spattered training room.

OOC: :oops: Just :oops: ... okay... I feel really, really stupid doing this... wait, no I don't. Just embarrased. I'll keep this as clean as possible.

Besides, I already went through the red with violence... I'll flirt with orange, for sex.

Bad choice of words, there. :oops:

IC: Jean and Simon entered the room they had been given. Jean waited until the door was closed, and then started to shout. "Why did you invite that loathesome idiot?"

Simon shook his head. "I don't know... guess I felt sorry for him."

"And if your positions were reversed, he'd leave you behind and take care of matters himself, no matter how many people got hurt."

"I know. I did it because I'm better then him. And you don't really know him... he's a nice guy when he's happy." Simon sat down on the bed, and watched Jean pace.

"Anyone can be nice when they're happy. It's not being psycopathic when you're angry or bored that's the trick." Jean looked at him, and sighed. "Fine. Him and the Talon are both coming. We'll get some use out of them." She sat next to him, and put her head on his shoulders. "Mm... I guess."

"Don't be like that," Simon said, half-seriously. Though I don't like that assassin.

"That assassin is almost as cute as you, did you notice?" Jean said, and laughed when he stiffened.

"What?... how? I thought.."

"hmm? Guess I'm enough of a woman to notice..." she rubbed his hair back and kissed him. "Of course, the key word there was almost."

Simon smiled, and lifted her up, placing her on his lap. Jean temporarily seemed as if she was just going to push herself off, but then she relaxed. "I think I might be ready, Simon..."

"Are you?" He asked, gently and slightly embarassed.

"I don't know... but I'll go as far as I can." She laughed. Simon nodded, and kissed her, stroking his hand along her side. She relaxed into him, and began to run her own hands along his face. The two of them stayed like that for a while, then Jean moved her head back. "Is that all you're going to do?" She asked, at once both disapointed and relieved.

"Depends... on what you want, I guess." Simon asked, smiling.

"Well... there is always the second part of your wager." Jean remarked, absently.

Simon looked shocked, and then laughed himself, deeply. "If you really want..." his hand went down to the bottom of her shirt, and started to lift it up, slowly, his other hand caressing her body as it became revealed. She leaned away from him, helping him remove her clothes, blushing as each new part became revealed.

I can't believe I'm doing this... but... he's cute, and I... she thought as his hands deftly undid her bra clasp. Then she stopped him. "You found that very easily... had practice, have you?"

He started to squirm. "Um..."

"Ah ha." She smiled, and then started to remove his clothes.

"What about you? Have you had practice?"

"Of course." Jean remarked, pulling his tunic over his head. She stared at him. He is cute... wait, I used to see almost the exact same thing every day! What am I getting excited over? Then he just started to rub her breasts, and she stopped thinking about it, and just went with her emotions and feelings.

<------------------>

Simon smiled when he woke up, her arms wrapped around him. That... was certainly worth waiting for. He looked at her. "I love you, Jean."

Jean's own eyes opened, and she gave him a knowing grin. "I should think so..." then she reached out to him, and they embraced once more.

OOC: :shock: I really didn't know I had it in me... of course, it's probably really, really bad. But still...

A very interesting story. Keep up the good work... ;)

OOC: After that last post, I really think you should go NC-17 again, I was just rechecking my "rating chart" (Every Fanfiction writer should have one), and this story looks like a border line R/NC story, keep it as R unless a MOD tells you to change.

Pretty good for your first semi-Lemon (A Lemon is fanfiction speak for a sexualy explicit piece), as I judge you are over 18 (or at least the age of consent in your nation) I could give you some tips on how to write a good lemon.

OOC: No... if I had, god help me, put pictures in or something, then it would be NC-17... and my soul would be carted off to hell by angry demons. Basically, I enjoy writing violence...

IC: Alexander paced, aimlessly. "So, I travel with them."

"Yes, your highness." The Talon said, wincing as the medic applied force.

"Be silent, you soulless abomination!" Alexander thundered. Then he turned, and activated the console. "Alysanndra, come in here."

The young (only 150 years old) elf soon stood in the room. "Your highness?"

"You're in charge until I get back."

"Sir, may I ask why you are doing this? You don't need to go."

"I do. Merrech put my family at risk by taking control of me. I can not, will not, allow that to go unavenged." Alexander said, angrily.

"You have a duty to your country."

"My duty to my country says that I should ensure he is no longer a threat. By any means necessary."

"Alexander... be reasonable."

Alexander turned, and stared her down. "Do we have any of Merrech's minions in captivity? Send them to the training room. Immediately." He strode out, throwing his cape behind him. Alysanndra watched him leave, and sighed, knowing that whoever she sent would meet a fate worse then death.

Something they thoroughly deserve.

Jean moved carefully, ensuring she didn't wake up the sleeping Simon. She pulled her clothes on, smoothed them out, and went out of the room. I should see Alex... maybe he's not as bad as I think he is.

As she walked, she noticed the general silence of the Palace. "Where is everyone?"

"Working. My husband likes to have things done as quickly and silently as possible." A young woman just seemed to have stepped out of the air behind her. "He's funny that way." Jean noticed that the woman seemed to be in the later stages of pregnancy, yet somehow it didn't detract from her beauty or grace.

"Your... husband?"

"Yes. I am Princess Kelly Black." The woman looked at Jean, curiously. "And you would be the woman who's taking him away from me."

"What? No! I..." Jean realised that Kelly meant that Jean was taking Alexander with her on the trip. "I don't want him with us, to tell the truth."

"I don't want him with you, either. But he's determined to kill Merrech." Kelly sighed. "I'm worried for him..."

"If you want, I'll speak to him." Jean stood up. "If his wife is pregnant, his place is by her side." Jean looked around. "Where is he?" Perfect oppurtunity to get rid of Mr. Evil.

"He's in the training room, but I wouldn't..." Kelly spoke too slowly. Jean was already jogging to the red soaked room. "Damn..."

<-------------->

As Jean drew closer, the sound of voices could be heard.

"Where is he?" A voice that sounded like Alexander's demanded.

"I don't... know...," a broken, destroyed man could be heard saying, amidst pleading and praying.

"You lie! Where is he!"

Jean stood by the door, not wanting to interrupt. Then she eased the door open, and looked inside. Her eyes widened. Oh... saints preserve us...

Alexander stood over the bloodied wreck of a man. "We can do this two ways. Tell me where your master is hiding, and die quickly, or don't, and I rip it from your mind and then kill you in as agonising a way as possible."

"I... don't... know..." the man gurgled, and then jolted when Alexander kicked him again.

"Pathetic."

"A... tower... far..." the man had had enough. He curled up, and died.

"A tower? Damn you!" Alexander lifted the corpse up and threw it hard into a wall. "Pray our souls never meet again, fool. For if they do, your pain will be eternal."

Jean had had enough. "What is the meaning of this?" She asked, boldly, as she entered the room. "What did that man do to you?"

"He was a servant of Merrech that refused to reveal his master's hiding place." Alexander bent down, and wiped some of the blood off the floor. He licked his hand. Damn it... he took too long to die... none of his emotions entered the blood.

Jean just stared, horrified. "You killed him..."

"Yes. He would have done the same to you, given half a chance. We had an interesting conversation..." Alexander flicked his sword clean, and put it away. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go get changed, and then take my wife to dinner." Alexander shouldered past her.

Jean ran down to the corpse. "Sir?... are you..." it came as a surprise when the corpse's eyes shot open, and it grabbed her around the neck. "AAAAAH!"

Jean wrestled the creature off, and threw it aside. She turned and grabbed one of the candles and set the creature on fire. Breathing heavily, she sat back down. What... happened?

Alexander charged back in, sword flying. "What's going on?"

"The... body came to life, and attacked me!"

<Excuse brevity of post, Writer's block>

Alexander stared at her, then kicked at the body. It crumbled to dust. "Looks like travelling with you will be more interesting then I thought..."

"Your Highness," she started

He raised a hand. "Alexander, to you."

"Alexander, your wife told me she'd rather you stayed home with her." Jean paused, and continued. "So..."

"I discussed this with her. I will deal with Merrech myself. I won't let a son of mine grow up in a world where that creature of evil lives."

"Yes..." Jean thought of a question. "What if it's a daughter?"

Alexander was rocked backwards. "Then... um... we have a situation, but I wouldn't let a daughter of mine grow up in that world. Now, go and get changed. There's blood all over you."

Jean nodded, and with a look back at the dust where the creature had been, climbed the stairs back into the light.

Simon woke up, and stared directly into two reptilian eyes. Sitting straight up, he looked around. He was surrounded by a group of horrific crosses between man and lizard. "You're not the servants... are you?" He asked, bluntly.

One of them swiped at Simon with a blade the size of his arm. Simon swore, and jumped back. "Guess not..." He made a leap for his blade, wishing that he had time to get dressed. "Grr... May the powers of Heaven come to my aid and protect and deliver me." He closed his eyes, and then opened them. Michael's Light!

<--------------->

Alexander was meditating when he noticed the sound of scaled feet walking in on him. Honestly... don't these villians have any sense of priorities? I'll take down a few of them before the guards remove my fun.

He turned, and saw dozens of the lizards. He flicked his hair back. "I love a challenge." His sword appeared in his hand, and he stepped into fighting stance. "Dark Harvest stance #22, combat protocol Ultimate Force." He spun in place. "Powers of darkness and light, magic of balance. Destroy my enemies!" His cape shifted position, though the air in the room was staid and dry. Rush of power! He spun forward, and cut through them, yellow blood staining his clothes. "Pathetic lizards!"

One thought alone maintained him. Kelly.

<---------------->

Jean backed into the wall. "Okay... I'm in trouble." Dozens of yellow, glowing eyes watched her every move. "Um... stay back! I'll magic you away!"

They waited, then they made a hissing noise, and charged. There was a blinding light...

OOC: Oh, sure. Everyone always makes the lizardmen villians. [insert several minutes of grumbling]. When did the Archmage turn/reveal himself as an enemy? I missed that somehow.... Anyway, nice story! Don't be surprised if Veskyr gets curious about what's going on in Roania sometime, and consults the Tome about it.... :D

OOC: BWAHAHAHAHA!

IC: Jean opened her eyes. The Talon stood before her, holding a set of shiny metal objects. "Go, quickly." He drew his katana, and made ready to attack. Jean nodded, and ran in the opposite direction.

<------------>

Alexander cleaned his blade off. "Pathetic..." He looked around. His guards were doing a wonderful job of protecting Kelly, meaning he had rushed through the lizardmen for no reason. I'll need to make that up to myself.

A lizardman charged. Alexander's eyes flashed from blue to red. That's right! End my thirst! He screamed, his blade turning a vibrant red as he charged.

The Lizardman stumbled back, an immense mental force piercing its mind, aggravating its fear. It screamed, and turned to run... but Alexander was too fast...

<----------------->

Simon grunted as he pulled on his tunic and hose. "God... where's my pistol?" He picked up the wooden gun and held it to his lips. "Suited, booted... and armed." He spun around the door, firing randomly into the lizards. Several were cut down before they even realised what was going on, then they turned and charged. Simon nodded, and picked up his sword.

"Come on..."

Character Pictures (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=105427)

After the battle, the group met in the council room. "Thank goodness the council isn't here, or they'd stand in my way." Alexander muttered, angrily. "Damn that Merrech... I swear on the cross that I will not rest until he is dead."

Jean and Simon nodded, and the Talon slammed his fist into the table. "This is all well and good, My Lord, but we need to move. The enemy can reach us here."

"I know, Abomination!" Alexander snapped back, his voice tense. "I know."

The Talon skittered back, knowing he had gone too far. "It's the girl he wants, your highness. Let's give the girl to him." Simon and Jean looked at eachother, alarmed.

"No." Alexander said, coldly. "We kill him."

Simon breathed again. "Alexander, perhaps we..."

The Prince silenced him. "Simon, it is only through our long friendship that I allow you to live. Every instant we wait puts my wife in danger. We go now."

Jean had a momentary twinge of discomfort. "Um..." she petered out, knowing he wouldn't listen.

"Good. Now, tonight I will attempt to rip the location of Merrech out of another prisoner. I do not wish to be disturbed," he pointedly remarked to Jean.

Then he stood up and swept out of the room.

<Last bump for the evening... will finish this hopefully by Sunday. Any one have any comments, please leave them, and I'll respond>

Jean grimaced. Her body was really, really aching. It was all she could do to sit in the speeder as it drove towards the place Alex had said would give them answers. She didn't want to know how he had gotten that information. She watched Simon. The handsome Inquisitor was watching The Talon pensively, clenching his fists. Alexander himself seemed to be in a glowing mood, and she wondered why.

He spoke. "There. That's the place. Everyone, into your disguises." Alexander laughed ironically. His disguise would come easily to him, just as soon as he grasped his sword. Pulling the brake, he waited for the others to leap off.

<---------------->

Jean looked at her disguise distastefully. "I'll turn the head of every man in that place in this outfit," she thought, staring at the slim and tightfitting costume. She pulled her own clothes off, checked to see the pad was still in place, Only two more accursed days to go..., and then pulled the outfit over her head.

<----------------->

When she returned, the men were already there. Simon, in an Agua Guardsman uniformed, swallowed. "Why... Jean, you look stunning..."

Jean blushed and looked down at herself. If, three weeks ago, someone had told me that I would be wearing a smooth red jumpsuit, being complimented by a man while having a tampon inside myself to soak up monthly bleeding, I would have killed them. She looked at The Talon, decked out in the attire of an Altaran Mercenary. Not a flicker of appreciation worked its way across his emotionless face.

Alex laughed. "Yes, Jean. You will certainly distract them." He snapped his fingers. "Blade, disguise... hmm... a Captain, I think. In the Legions." There was a blinding flash of light, and where Prince Alexander had stood, holding his sword, was a Legionnare Captain carrying an RA-87, three days growth of beard on his face. "Okay, men! Remember, we're guarding the only daughter of a Noble House... let's say the Ishanti, they've been irking me lately. Now, let's do this!"

The tavern was a racuos, loud place. Alexander picked his way in, and shouldered his RA-87. "Silence, for Lady Jean Ishanti..." his eyes travelled around the room, searching for anyone who would recognise a noble of Altara. Then he sat down in the corner, watching for someone. He drank in the emotions, and waited for his companions to enter.

The Talon sidled into the tavern. Alexander noted that he could sense no emotions from the man except rage. It has a certain piquance, but nothing more. The Talon looked around, and whispered to him. "Alexander, this place is full of filth."

"Sit down, Talon. And call me Captain, Lieutenant!" He shouted, causing the bar to quiet for a second, then start up louder then before.

Simon and Jean entered. The Prince looked at them, sensing from the Inquisitor a deep concern and love for the woman by his side. His lip crinkled in distaste at the positive emotions. Jean's mind was a whirlwind of thoughts and feelings, fear; pain; joy; love. His mind drank the negative and ignored the positive. Simon spoke. "Captain, the Lady has stated that this place seems to be full of the common classes."

There was loud muttering at that. Alexander looked around, languidly. His icy eyes chilled the souls of every man in the building. "She did, did she? Well, perhaps she'd prefer sleeping under a hedge?" His eyes dwelt for a second on a man holding a pistol, marking him for future reference. "Especially in her... condition?"

That brought a loud round of laughter from the men. Jean sat down, glaring around the room and especially at the 'captain'. "Perhaps you'd like your pay cut, Captain?" Then she leaned forward, and whispered, "How would you like to bleed in a similar area to where I am?"

"No need for that miss, just here to make you comfortable." Alexander sighed. It was going to be a long journey.

It was night. The men met around a fire. "You sure that's her?" One of them asked.

The other man nodded. "I sat in there for an hour. She was definitely no noble lady, and her face matched the target's exactly."

"Good... in that case, we..."

There was a rustle, and a figure leapt down from a tree. "Gentlemen, put your weapons down and you'll be killed quickly." Alexander said, his sword lighting his revealed face.

"What? The Prince!" The two of them looked at one another, and drew their own weapons. "There's two of us! We'll put an end to him. That'll boost our standings with the boss."

"My, such treasonous talk springs so easily to your lips." It was terrible, in a way, what Alexander did to them. "And, by the way... there are three of us."

Simon and The Talon stepped out of hiding, facing the two bandits. Simon roared with rage. "How dare you threaten both a lady and your ruler!" He drew his heavy blade, and sliced the head off of one before they had time to react. The Talon slammed him down, and then threw a dart at the other bandit.

"What? That all you got?" The man asked. "HAaaaa...ugh." He collapsed onto the floor. "Hey..."

Alexander stood over him. "Look me in the eyes..." the man couldn't help it. He looked up into those cold, dead eyes. Their vision's locked, and the bandit didn't even realise that he was being sliced to pieces, so caught up was he. Then he looked down as Alexander blinked. His body had been cut to ribbons.

"Witch!"

Alexander slapped him to the ground. "I prefer 'Warlock', if you must. Talon, finish him. I've got what we need." He turned, and Simon followed, and both closed their ears to the sound of a man having his life ripped from him.

The Talon stared at the defiled corpse. He had ripped the man to pieces and scattered the parts, ensuring that for years to come natives would find limbs and things lying around the place. He was splattered with blood, but he cared not, instead just walking back to the inn.

Alexander met him. "Very good, Talon. Now, we have a slight problem. It appears that Merrech is on the other side of the continent... do you have any ideas as to how we might reach there?" The Talon shook his head. Alexander sighed. "Fine. Clean yourself off." He restored his disguise and re-entered the inn.

He paused by the door to the common room. He could hear Jean and Simon speaking.

"Look, he's one of my oldest friends." Simon was saying, vehemently.

"You yourself said he just ripped that man to shreds while he was still alive. And you didn't see what I saw. He's almost as bad as Merrech."

"I won't hear it. He's the Prince."

"He's a spoiled, self righteous prat, who acts as if he's God when he's serving the devil."

Alexander clenched his fists and stormed in. Jean scuttled up. "Alexander!"

Simon looked guilty. "Your Highness... how much did you hear?"

"Enough." Alexander said, jaw clenched with fury.

Jean faced him, knowing that this was something that had to be done eventually, not caring what happened. Someone had to stand up for humanity, had to get through to this cold figure the truth. "It's true. You are scarcely better then Merrech."

Alexander faced her, eyes not betraying a trace of his emotion. "Foolish bitch. Turn back from the course you now walk on. It would be a shame to have to kill you."

"Go ahead. Kill me." Jean moved closer. "You arrogant, overbearing, pompous son of a bitch." She didn't even see his hand move, only tasting the blood that welled up in her mouth after his powerful backhand. She stared at him in horror.

"You ever insult my parents again, and I kill you and everyone you care about." Alexander tightly controlled his fury. He had never been so furious in his life. "How dare you..."

Jean scuttled backwards, recognising that murderous rage. "Your Highness, please... I didn't mean to insult..."

He slapped her again, sending her falling to the floor. Simon started to stand up, but he was slammed down to the ground by the Talon, who had stepped into the room. "No, knighty... bad thing to do."

Alexander didn't notice. "No, you just meant to call me the son of a bitch." Hot tears came to his eyes. "You can say what you like about me. But when you insult the people who meant the most to me in my entire life, the two people who I would gladly sacrifice myself to bring back, then you go to far." He kicked out, sending her to the ground. "How dare you, you ridiculous, ungrateful, useless bitch!"

Jean curled up, waiting for the hot flash of pain that would be the end of her. Nothing came. She looked up, and whispered, "I'm sorry... please..."

Alexander looked at her, all anger gone. He turned, and strode out of the room, not looking back. The Talon hissed at her and Simon, and followed his master.

Jean didn't move, just weeping. "I didn't mean to..."

Simon knelt down by her, and held her in his arms. "He knows. He knows." That's the only reason you're still alive.

Jean woke up in the night, to the sound of music. Simon shifted over, snoring gently. Jean got out of bed, and pulled some clothes on over her head. She left the room, following the gentle sounds of someone playing a depressing air on a violin. Someone has left the radio on...

She entered the common room. Alexander sat in there, eyes in intense concentration. The music came from a ghostly violin floating in front of him, its sound mournful. Jean accidentally tripped over a chair, and Alex's eyes opened. The violin disapeared. "Can I help you, Jean?" He asked politely, danger evident behind his words.

"Oh... about this evening..." Jean paused, and then rushed the words out. "I'm sorry... incredibly sorry..."

Alexander regarded her, passionlessly. "Is that all? You're not forgiven. Go away, and come back when you're ready to tell the truth." He turned, and signalled he wasn't listening.

This was too much for Jean. "Damn it, Your Highness! What do you want from me? I'm sorry about what I said. I'm sorry I called you what I did. And I'm sorry that I think you're less then human... but that's all. I still think those words. I still believe you're less then human. I can't help it." She stepped back, awaiting his punishment.

Alexander sighed. "And I'm sorry you're right..."

Jean wanted to ask what he meant by that, wanted to know what was going on inside him. She felt an overwhelming pity for this man before her. "Alexander... you loved them, didn't you?"

"More then anyone else... including my wife." Alexander said, absently. "There was nothing for me to do... neither times was I present for their deaths." His eyes closed. "And now my child is at risk of the same fate."

"Then why not return?"

"Because there are some things you have to do, when you're a prince. Merrech is a danger to this entire nation... and I will see him dead." There was a finality to that, a gentle anger that showed he was done speaking. He stood up. "You should go to get some sleep."

The group stared upwards at the abandoned tower. Simon coughed. "Not to doubt you, Alexander, but are you sure that's where we want to be?"

The Prince stared at Simon disdainfully. "Yes, I'm sure. Why don't you go up there and ask whoever is in there?"

Simon rolled his eyes. "After you, dear."

"Yes, Jean. Ladies first." Alexander smiled, and gently pushed her up to the path leading to the dilapidated building.

Jean rolled her own eyes. "Oh, send the woman. Sure." She walked up the path. As she walked, she thought she could hear muffled chanting, and see bizarre shapes appear and disappear in the air.

She was almost at the tower when the world grew dark around her. She fell, and as she fell she could see a man standing behind her, holding a heavy instrument.

Simon and Alexander looked up at the tower. They had sent the Talon up there to look for Jean, and he had yet to return.

They had seen neither the young woman or the evil assassin in forty-five minutes. Simon slammed his fist into a tree. "I'm going up there."

Alexander nodded. "Let's go."

As they walked, Alexander coughed. "Cute, isn't she?"

Simon looked embarrassed, and then smiled. "Yes, she is."

"And you would know very well, wouldn't you?" Alexander asked, holding his gaze. "What with seeing more of her then anyone else..." There was a subtle innuendo to the Prince's words.

Simon flushed red. "Maybe," he snapped. "But does it really matter?"

"Of course not, Simon." Alexander laughed, a disturbing chuckle. "It's good. You need a woman... to keep you out of my way, even if for no other reason." He sped up, leaving one last parting shot, "And of course, the only woman who'd ever look at you is one who used to be a man."


Simon blinked, and then charged after Alexander. "Why you... Prince or no Prince, I'm going after you!" He drew his blade, and Alexander ran directly back up the hill.

They both paused when they saw signs of a struggle, and blood dotting the ground... a trail of blood leading right up to the tower...

Jean woke up. Her head was pounding, and dots of light flashed in front of her eyes. She looked around. The room surrounding her was dark, and dreary. The word dungeon spread to mind. "Just great."

I trust you are comfortable? The voice came from all around.

"Merrech... what do you want with me?"

I want you to die. Merrech himself appeared, and Jean stared up at him. He wore a dark robe, completely covering his body. Over his hands were black gloves. Once you're dead, then my plans can be put into operation.

Jean just stared at him. "All right, so kill me."

All in good time, all in good time. I have preparations to make... Merrech faded out of view.

Jean sighed, and leaned back against the wall. Simon was right... villians are dramatists.

Simon and Alexander gently pushed the door open, and entered the tower. Alexander drew his sword. "Hello? Anyone home?"

There was, not surprisingly, no answer. Simon rolled his eyes. "For a Prince, you really can be stupid sometimes."

"At least my love was born a woman," Alexander retorted.

A bolt of black energy shot between them, saving him from being cut to pieces. A mage laughed. "Begone! Or we'll turn you into frogs."

"We, traitors?"

The mage stepped aside. 5 more cloaked figures stepped into the room, followed by several mercenaries. "Yes. We."

Alexander swore. "Simon, get going. Save Jean. I'll handle these bastards."

"What?" Simon asked, drawing his sword. Alexander punched him, and pushed him through a door.

"GO!"

Simon darted out of the room. Alexander faced the enemies. "So, which of you dies first?" He closed his eyes, and struck out with his mind. The warriors tumbled to the ground, screaming in fear. Alexander lapped it up, and then struck at the mages.

His sword lashed out, leaving a red line on a man's neck. He licked the edge, tasting the blood, the emotions and terror within the blood. Then he plunged the sword into a mages heart, twisting it and sending the man spinning down. Blood and gore spattered his clothes, but he ignored them, lost in the thrill of the fight.

One by one, his opponents fell before him. The swordsmen had their internal organs brutally detached and scattered across the room. Soon, only one wizard was left, cowering in terror. Alexander stroked back his hair. "There, there...," he drank in the terror, his face twisting into a dark smile. "Tell me where your master is, and I'll let you live."

"He's... he's in the chapel!" The mage spluttered out.

"Ah, good. So he's in the chapel." Alexander drew his sword.

"You... you said you'd let me live!"

"And I will... but my sword has other ideas."

The man screamed.

Simon looked around. He thought he was being watched... a feeling that was vindicated when someone stabbed right over his head. He wheeled around, and faced the Talon. "Oh, thank goodness I found you, Talon."

The Talon didn't speak, just stabbed at him.

"What's going on?" Simon asked, knocking the katana away with his broadsword.

"Quiet, knightling. Merrech wants you dead."

Simon suddenly realised what was going on. "Traitor..." The Inquisitor backed away, keeping his sword pointed at the Talon. "How long have you been working against us? I should have known when you suggested that we hand Jean over to Merrech."

"Yes... then I would have been free... but he had to pay attention to the remnants of his soul. The pathetic weakling!" The Talon stabbed at Simon, once again cutting through his armor.

"Damn it! JUST KILL ME! WHAT IS THIS? Do you have any idea how much they charge for this armor?"

The Talon didn't respond, just attacking again and again. Simon felt a hot explosion in his side. He spun his blade around, cutting towards The Talon's head. The assassin ducked, and again stabbed forward. Simon sighed. By the power of light and holiness, begone!

The burst of light hit The Talon, burning his clothes away, and revealing the horror underneath... the Talon was a golem. The creature turned and laughed, a harsh, grating sound. "Foolish knightling!"

Then it stopped. An unusually sharp sword was lodged in it's midsection. Blood splashed out from the Talon, as Alexander pulled it back. "Abomination... knew it would betray us. Your girl is in the chapel... think you can use some sort of 'holy magic' to find it?"

Simon concentrated. If Jean was in the chapel, then Merrech would be there too... "Got it."

"Good. Let's take that bastard down."

<--------------->

"All right, Merrech. What's the plan? World domination? Becoming a god?" Jean asked as she was tied to the profaned altar.

"A little bit of each, I suppose. But mostly, I wish to find a way to come back to life..."

"You look alive to me."

"Really?" He threw his cowl back. A grinning skull looked directly at her. Jean screamed. Merrech laughed. "How about no?"

Jean tried to wriggle out of her bindings. "You'll never get away with it!"

"Oh, but I will. That idiot Vorshack was a perfect tool for my purposes." The lich laughed. "Once you join your former comrades in death's icy embrace, then the portal to the hells will open... I'll go to meet the Nameless One, and offer him my servitude in exchange for the return of my life." Merrech chuckled, and tightened the ropes. "Now, you just wait there, and I'll make this quick."

Jean spat at him. "You're mad. Raving mad!"

"Yes, but I am immortal."

A blast of light silenced him, as Alexander and Simon stepped into the room. "Want to bet, lunatic?" The Inquisitor asked, light coming from his hand.

Merrech stared, not worried. "I warn you, I can have several soldiers in here in five seconds."

Alexander threw a bunch of helmets onto the floor. "Met them. Killed them." He smirked, a dangerous, humorless grin playing on his face. "You're all alone, Merrech. Just you, me, and," a blast of purple magic fried his hair, "your scary magical powers."

Simon rushed past the scorched Prince, charging directly for the Lich. "I'll kill you!"

"You can not kill that which does not live." The Lich backhanded Simon, a magical slap that sent the Inquisitor into the floor.

"Yes... I can..." Simon pulled himself off the floor and slashed his blessed sword through Merrech. The Archmage laughed.

The sword passed through as easily as you or I would cut through a piece of paper. And Merrech didn't even flinch, just laughed and sent a spiral of magical energy directly towards Simon.

Simon was sent flying backwards into the wall by Alexander. "Ouch..."

"HA HA!" Merrech laughed diabolically. "Sit. Stay. Good boy."

Alexander helped Simon up. "Okay, Merrech. You want it? You've got it!" He closed his eyes, and held his sword in front of him. By the power of balance, and the eternal scales of justice... eternal judgement!

The ground around Merrech shook, as fires leapt from the ground and on to his skin. Merrech just laughed. When the fires had died down, he stood there, as tall and erect as ever. "Have to do better then that, Princeling."

"What? Impossible! Simon, let's sword this guy."

Jean coughed. "Um... can one of you rescue me?"

Alexander charged at Merrech. "Simon, get her out of there. He's mine."

Jean stretched as Simon cut the ropes. She kissed him. "Thanks. Where's Alexander?"

Simon looked around. Then he saw Alexander get sent flying overhead. "He's... out of action." The Prince pulled himself out of the rubble and charged back into the fray. "Or not. Excuse me, I really should help him." Simon drew his blade, and followed Alexander.

Jean rolled her eyes. I've been a woman for two weeks, and already I think men are idiots who think with the hair on their chests.

Simon and Alexander charged at Merrech as one, running side by side, both preparing to skewer him. The lich clapped his hands, once, and both of them froze. "Pathetic mortals..." He walked over, and punched out, knocking them both over. "Now, where were we, my dear?" He asked Jean.

Jean stared at him. Her head was hurting. Bizarre colors flashed in front of her eyes. What's happening to me...? She felt an amazing sense of power. I... can do this. I'm not letting him take me without a fight!

Simon pulled himself up. His head was pounding, and the multi-colored light show before his eyes wasn't helping. Jean was... was... Simon shook Alexander awake. "Alexander, is she floating?"

Alexander blearily opened his eyes. He had not been having a good day. "Of course she isn't. She's hovering." He blinked. "Hovering?!"

Simon sighed. "Go back to sleep, Alex." He hoped Jean was all right...

<----------------->

Jean hoped Simon was all right. She had seen him get sent flying into a brick wall, next to the Prince. Don't worry... I'll take this undead bastard down. For the first time since her transformation, she could bring her powers under her control. For reasons which she didn't quite understand, she was also two feet above the ground. "Um..." She tried to return to the ground, closing her eyes and concentrating.

Then a magical blast shot right into her. "So... the bitch has some tricks to her..."

Jean was sent skidding backwards, and into a wall. She winced. "Ouch..." Her shoulder felt as if it was broken. She put her hand up, trying to see if she could move her arm. A green blast of energy shot from it, sending Merrech sprawling.

Jean stared at her hand, horrified. "That's never happened before..."

Merrech pulled himself up. "Insolent girl!" He fired several continuous bolts of dark energy into Jean, each with enough force to destroy a tank.

However, every time they got within a foot of her, they whirled into a green aura around Jean. She floated once more, and she could feel an immense energy growing within her. What's happening? How am I doing this? She extended her hand one more time, and a large blast of energy shot from it, sending Merrech flying into a wall. "That was for the first legion." She said, though it would have been nice if she knew what it was she was doing.

"Don't worry, girl... you'll see them soon enough." Merrech's skeletal eyes flickered, and then he began to grow a large purple orb in his hand...

A hot pain exploded in his side. Alexander smirked, and watched as Merrech tumbled to the ground. "Not so haughty now..."

Merrech was about to pull himself up when he collapsed, another black shot knocking him to the ground. Alexander laughed. "No, you don't like Tarot Rush? I always thought it was one of my nicer spells."

Merrech realised he was stuck, at least temporarily. But he smiled. "You can't kill me..."

"He might not be able to, but I can!" Jean yelled, in a voice that was like hers, but different. "Simon, Alexander, get out of here!" She was losing control over her powers. They were growing too much for her to handle, and she couldn't slow them down. "I must sacrifice myself to save my country..."

Simon realised what she was planning. "NO!" He ran for her, but was tripped up by Alexander.

"Sorry, Simon... but we're leaving. In the words of a twentieth century comic genius... 'exit, stage right'," the Prince said, as he stabbed his sword into the air and cut down, opening a portal. This sword... so useful... and they said it was folly to bargain away a part of my soul... He dragged Simon out, and they both landed in the plain below the tower.

Jean and Merrech were alone. A greenish tinge was coming to her skin. Merrech started to struggle. "No! What are you doing? Together, we could do great things!"

Jean didn't answer. Her hair expanded around her, becoming the same color as a forest. I will destroy this evil...

"Answer me!" Merrech tried to pull at his bonds. "You fool! You'll kill us both!"

"If I must..." Jean's eyes closed. Forgive me Simon... my love.

"NO!"

<------------>

Simon and Alexander turned at a loud explosion. They both watched, open mouthed, as the tower detonated, bricks and mortar flying everywhere. Later, they both swore that at the very last, they could hear the sound of loud screaming...

Simon and Alexander reached the crumbling remains of the tower. Simon looked around. "Jean?" He screamed, looking for her.

Alexander moved some rubble aside. He stared right into the bony face of Merrech. "Grrr..." He brought his foot down, hard, crushing the skull to dust. "Found her?" For something so powerful, his skull crumbles easily.

Simon stared at the broken and twisted body of Jean. Alexander walked up behind him, and swore. "Oh... oh, no. I'm sorry, Simon..." The Inquisitor picked the body up, and cradled it in his arms. Her clothes had been almost completely scorched off, and her body was covered in burns.

Simon didn't say anything. He started to weep. Alexander gently put a hand on his shoulder. "I'm truly sorry... maybe the Bene Tleilax could do something for her..."

Simon just held her. "I never did get to really tell her how I felt..." He didn't look up.

Alexander coughed. "Well... maybe not... what about your healing abilities?" Poor man...

Simon laid her out. "Heavenly Father... may it please you to help and deliver this woman from tribulations, and take her unto your bosom..." He began the Roanian funary rites.

Alexander slammed his fist into Simon's head. "Out of my way... I trained as an Inquisitor..." he closed his eyes and put his hands on her stomach. I don't know if the Lord will heed me... but I must try. "Heavenly father, I beseech you and pray before you that you will return the health of youth to this follower of you. May it please you."

Nothing came. Alexander sighed. Didn't think so... He stood up, and put an arm around Simon's shoulders. "We'll put her in the Tomb of Heroes."

Simon started to sob. Tears rolled down his face, and he just collapsed to the ground.

Alexander cursed to himself. Damn it. Heavenly father, my ass. You don't belong here... if you don't heal her, I order religion expunged. You hear me? I know I'm not the best of servants... I know I have betrayed your teachings often... but please... for his sake... I'll do anything... He knelt, and bowed his head in prayer.

Behind him, Jean's eyes started to open. "I love you... Simon."

Alexander smiled. Did I say anything? I meant... um... I'll have a new statue commisioned. Two new statues. And a church for the statues to go in. And a bell for the church.

Simon turned, and swooped her up. "Jean!" He embraced her, kissing her passionately. "I thought I had lost you."

She held him, unselfconcious. "I'd never leave you." Their lips locked.

Alexander coughed, and backed away. "I'll... just go warm up the speeder, right?" He watched them draw closer each other, and nodded. "Right." He turned, and left them alone.

They didn't notice. Simon smiled at Jean. "Jean... I love you. Truly love you."

Jean kissed him. "I love you too... you've been so good to me..." She snuggled into him for heat, their bodies being put into close proximity

Simon could feel himself growing warm. He coughed. "Jean... this is a completely on the spur of the moment... but..." he paused, and then continued, "Will... will you marry me?"

Jean looked shocked. "I... I..." her mouth opened and closed, silently. "I'd... are you sure?"

"Completely sure."

Jean threw her arms around him and gave him a huge kiss. "Yes! Yes! Yes!" She laughed.


<------------------>

Alexander heard her screaming on the way down. Just keep walking...

<----------------->

Simon and Jean stood in the private chapel of the Palace. Alexander stood behind Simon, roped into appearing as best man. The Priest began wrapping up the service. "Do you, Simon Darquis, take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, in richness and in poorness, until death do you apart?"

"I do." Simon smiled.

"And do you, Jean Otler," Alexander made a little cutting motion. The priest nodded, knowing what had happened to the last priest who had made a service go over the carefully schedule, "take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, in richness or in poorness, until death do you apart?" He finished the question in 2 seconds.

Jean hadn't caught a word of what had been said, but she could guess. "I do."

"Then, in the eyes of the Lord, and in the presence of His Highness, Prince Alexander... I declare you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."

Simon turned and removed her veil. He drew her close to him, and they kissed, long, deep, and hot. Alexander hurrumphed. "Sorry, Simon... but I really, really, really need some sleep..."

Simon rolled his eyes. "Whatever you say..."

Jean grinned, and turned. She grabbed the bouqet, made as if to throw it... but instead just passed it to Caroline. At that, Duke Darquis collapsed. No... god, no.

Then she and Simon turned, and kissed sweetly. It was a perfect moment.

The End

OOC: I'd like to dedicate this story to the many friends I met in NS. However, it's been drawn to my attention that I forgot a very special friend in my farewell speech.

So, I'd like to thank my good friend, Maricruz. She's been helping me with this story, and with NS, since soon after we first met. She's a good friend, and it's an honor to know her. Merry Christmas, Maricruz.

:oops: Thanks Alex, I really loved it. :cry: It's so touching and sweet that you're making me want to cry! I'll miss you so so so much! I'll wait for you though and until then, take good care of yourself and don't get into trouble. :) Love you boy! @---;---- Maricruz

*Everyone in FPS stands up, clapping. Police begin to move in to arrest people for disturbing the peace. Riots break out.*

Great job Roania, seriously. The story was unbelievable. Were it longer, you could probably make a book out of it...of course, I'm not sure it would sell, but I'd buy! At any rate, terrific job! This, if anything, deserves to go into the archives. Through the end, even into the dedication, there was non-ending drama, violence, plot twists...truly amazing. You should seriously do some more stories man (I'm assuming your a man, that is. If your a woman...sry). Your really great at it.

This was great *every one in Thelas stands up and claps, in THelas, the police let them clap*, I hope you will come back, and don't worry, I will take up your mantel as the loyal slave (did I say slave?) of Siri...

OOC: I want comments!... other people do stories, everyone comments... i do it, no-one does. :(

It's because they're too busy reading to type :)

OOC: Any women out there, don't yell... I'm a male, I don't know exactly what I'm talking about... thank god.8)

Well you have pretty darn good insight into the female mind. :)