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 Posted: Fri Jan 25, 2013 12:48 am
Riley gave Levi a long, hard look, before trying very hard not to snap at her. She had good intentions.. but Riley never dealt well with people who sacrificed a plan for their own agenda.
I can promise you that we won't touch Demi or West. But you're right. Xiu will take much more than just one of us. Unfortunately, I really don't think that will be up to us - the point of this war is to eliminate the kings. If we help the other kingdoms bring down Xiu, we're actually making things much, much harder on ourselves. She hoped that made sense to the ghoul - there were only four of them, with such a daunting task ahead. Riley didn't want to risk losing Levi's assistance. So my only suggestion to you is - patience. We are all here because we love Xiu. She is dear to our hearts, and seeing her like this is killing us. But she, and none of the people we love, will be free unless we eliminate everyone. Killing Xiu, killing West, killing an individual person will not save them. The way is clear - we must kill everyone. Only then, will they stop suffering. So if you want to help Xiu, help her by killing everyone else. That way, you remain stronger, under her protection, a little longer.
It was a shame, that the people Levi wanted to end herself were all people in their own kingdom. But that couldn't be helped - it was just the way of things. She only hoped that she could count on Levi to focus on task, in the end.
We've been in here enough. Riley was getting agitated, worried that people would be wondering on their absence. Return to your role, you will play it only a little longer. Once we are on the battlefield, all bets are off.
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Posted: Fri Jan 25, 2013 1:05 am
Xiu smiled at the three new Red Kingdom citizens fondly, but the warm expression was wiped right off of her face at the loud chime that sounded over the Kingdom. The moment she heard the Voice speak, she prickled in fear, her heartbeat quickening and her hands growing clammy. Had a kingdom fallen, as it had threatened?
...It had, of course. The Black Kingdom. It was terrible, so, so terrible, but a tiny part of her was relieved that it had not been her kingdom and her people who had fallen. Still, what now? Were the people of the Black Kingdom still safe, or had they been...? Surely their home was destroyed now--even if they were alive, where would they go?
Her heart ached at the thought, but the Voice's next words that snapped her out of her stupor. A cold chill settled over her, but it was quickly replaced by something else, a burning rage that started from her center and burned outwards. A sacrifice? The Voice wanted a damn sacrifice--or rather not one, but two--after everything it was already putting them through? They had all been well aware that by taking part in this tournament there was a chance that they would die, but her people had been willing to risk that for the sake of their Kingdom and for each other.
But in comparison, what the Voice was asking for now was meaningless! It was just...stupid!
The King's eyes were blazing, her nails biting into her palm and leaving crescent marks as she clutched her hands into tight fists. She looked very close to storming off but when the Voice went on, she quickly came to realize that this was not the only option that was offered to them. It was telling them that the kings could either kill two of their people with their own hands...or they could risk themselves to fight alongside everyone else in the battle.
The choice seemed obvious enough. Her expression was stony as the Voice faded away, but with a deep breath, she forced her tensed shoulders to relax, squeezing her eyes shut. It was okay, it was fine. This was how it should be--enough of this "being defended" stuff, it was time to actually do some of the defending. Her eyes slid back open when she heard three voices speak up in succession, and she turned to look at Etzer, Rosy, and Clyde, her gaze sliding between each of them in turn. There was a moment of pause, and then she reached into her sleeve.
All three of them got a nice, hard hit on the head with a fan.
"Don't you dare talk like that. I refuse to sacrifice anyone to the Voice." She scolded, before turning to glance at the others who were gathered in the garden.
"I will be accompanying all of you. It's been a while since I've had the chance to fight anyways, and I'm tired of sitting around and praying that you all come back safely. This time, I'm going to go out there and make sure that you all live through this." Even if it meant striking out at other kingdoms.
And with that, she sharply tossed her fan off to the side and went to change into some more battle-appropriate attire.Quote: Time to prepare for the upcoming battle! Instead of sacrificing two pawns, Xiu has decided that she's going with everyone else. Seems like there are four Red Kingdom citizens who are acting a little strangely though... Note: Wild Cards also take part in this fight, even if unconverted! The only thing is that you do not have the chance to take on the role of a higher rank if you kill someone in battle.
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Posted: Fri Jan 25, 2013 1:59 am
Rosy blinks a few times before she lifts her hand to rub at her head. Did she really just get smacks with a fan?!? She rather been kicked in the butt, or smacked in the head with a head. Looking at the King rather confused, she kept rubbing at her head before she chews on her bottom lip. Okay so no offering up her life, got it. Her head turns, to glance at Spinar for a brief moment, just to wrinkle her nose up at him before looking back towards the King as she spoke.
She wasn't sure how the others felt, but the thought of The King stepping out into this war. Well needless to say, it made her gut twist and she felt sick to her stomach for a moment. Opening her mouth, she wanted to say something, but instead just snapped it back close as she looked down. This was her kingdom, her choice. No she wasn't going to even think about questioning her, not at a time like this. Not to mention, she did not want to get hit by that fan again.
As the fan that hit her in the head, went flying to the side, she quickly steps aside before she glance around at the people who were still here. Biting on the inside of her mouth, she gives a weak laugh before she nods. Her eyes never went back to Spinar, not that she really could after what she did.
With a slow deep breathe, she closed her eyes again. Her expression taking on that of a serious look as she opens them once more, it was now or never.
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Posted: Fri Jan 25, 2013 2:55 am
Startled into standing up, Etzer reached up and rubbed the bruise with his hand gently, staring after his King with surprise. Was that really her choice? Was she really going out there to fight everyone?!
She was braver than he could ever be, but he had been beyond inspired.
So she wasn't sacrificing anyone, but she was going out there to fight. He loved that about her. He loved it.
Etzer wanted to be just like that. Being able to protect others, not being weak... his fingers twitched as he fought to keep his form from shaking, gritting his teeth. His head ducked down, black bangs cascading over his eyes and hiding them from view. He wouldn't cry, he wouldn't cry...
He wished he wasn't so weak...
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Posted: Fri Jan 25, 2013 7:40 am
The harmony of being one with the garden was being tested at its limits when the scream of something horrible from behind the hound disrupted his focus. "Wha, whats happening?" he asked quickly, watching the shape of the queen being dragged away by a multitude of tentacles.
"That was..... odd."
But there was no time to think about that, this bush over here needed some pruning, it was getting out of shape.
snip snip
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Posted: Fri Jan 25, 2013 8:05 am
Terra was so confused. So she just stood there and watched things until the King said to get ready for war.
So she went inside to change into something scandalous--pants.
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Posted: Fri Jan 25, 2013 8:11 am
Shun continued to listen, keeping the names given in mind. Very well. He'd avoid killing those people. Still, they had one hell of a task set ahead of them. There were many people throughout the kingdoms. Even with the other 'true' fighters in the other areas.. they were still vastly outnumbered.
When Riley said for them to return to their roles, he nodded silently before pushing himself away from the wall and making his way back into the gardens. There, he had arrived just in time to hear Xiu declare that she was going to be out on the battlefield.
He expected as such. Xiu, fake or not, would never allow anyone to be sacrificed in her stead.
"Do take care... Oyakata Sama," he said quietly to her in passing.
It felt incredibly weird referring to her as such, but that was what his kingdom self called her.
"I hope the rest of you are prepared for battle."
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Posted: Fri Jan 25, 2013 8:14 am
All was said and done, and it was time for battle. Mot felt shaky and uncertain, but readied himself regardless. His armour was in place, and all that was left to do was follow his King into the fray when the time came.
It will be fine, Mot! Remember your training with Shu----
The Stick.
Mot held back a shiver.
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Posted: Fri Jan 25, 2013 9:46 am
He sat silently through all of the movement and commotion, nursing his cup of gunpowder until what remained was chilly in his hands. Ever since the king had brushed her hand against his shoulder he'd felt comforted, and he basked in that feeling, knowing it couldn't last long.
When The Voice spoke again West tensed, very nearly dropping his drink onto the stone path beneath his feet. Two tributes or their king? He knew which he would choose. Xiu had to remain safe at all costs or the kingdom would crumble. He would gladly take on the burden of death so that the Red could reign supreme. West readied the muscles in his legs to rise, even leaned forward a bit in his intent, but still nothing happened. The master of fireworks, so quick to ignite when it didn't matter, was paralyzed now. He knew which path he would have chosen before all of this began, but now? He didn't want to die. He was relieved when a number of other Lions offered themselves. He was ashamed.
West finally rose to his feet in a sudden rush after the Dragon had made her wishes clear. No one would fall to save her, at least not until the fighting began. He had to get out of this garden, but where could he go? There was no backing out. He had taken his king's mark and now he had to see this through. With a halting sigh he rose, shuffling closer to the sooty husks of his creations. The least he could do was clean up.
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Posted: Fri Jan 25, 2013 10:10 am
Although she could not stop the thoughts that were swirling in her mind, Xiu found that she was surprisingly calm despite her decision. In many ways, her choice was a dangerous one--would her people survive even if their kingdom were to crumble and be destroyed?--but it was simply a risk that she had to be willing to take. Although a sacrifice of two lives meant that she would be allowed to remain behind in the safety of her Kingdom, it was not guaranteed that these two lives would save the dozen others of her warriors who were gearing up to fight. On the contrary, if she were to join the battle, at least that meant that the Red Kingdom would have one more fighter on their side, both to attack and to take attacks. At least in this case, not only did she not have to spare the lives of two people, but she could potentially help save others on the battlefield itself.
And if she were to go down and their kingdom fell, she prayed that her people--like those of the Silver Kingdom--would be able to flee and find refuge somewhere else.
There was also, of course, the prospect of fighting. For a Kingdom that was known for training each and every one of its citizens, the King herself rarely had a chance to go out and put her own abilities to use. It had been a long, long time, and despite the gravity of the circumstances and the situation, a small part of her was looking forward to being on a battlefield. Retreating to her room, Xiu traded her flowing robes for something simpler and easier to move in. Her necklace, earrings, and hair decorations were all removed, her long hair pulled up in a bun. By the time she walked back out into the garden, she looked less like a King and more like a common soldier, but her eyes were blazing with a life that had not been present earlier.
"Well then, I think that that will do. I ask that everyone please get ready for battle. Gather your armor and your weapons, and should you wish to go...say goodbye to some of the other citizens, I welcome you to do so. Tortoises, I ask that you join me soon so that we may discuss a proper strategy for this fight."
Her gaze flickered to the side then, where a familiar figure caught her eye. There was a moment of silence, and then Xiu moved forward, stopping in front of Etzer and holding something out to him. Her handkerchief.
"A Kingdom is only as strong as the people in it, Etzer," She murmured, her voice soft but firm, "Stand tall and stand proud--we're all going into this battle together, and should fate will it, we will all come out alive."
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Posted: Fri Jan 25, 2013 10:30 am
She'd keep it up for now; the promise of the battle field to come actually put the tatzel at ease. Following her three awoken peers, Levi listened to the King's words. It really did sound like the Xiu she knew even if it wasn't. Mostly, Levi was trying to remember her training in Amityville. Evasion, invisibility, to been seen but unseen- this was something of a challenge to all she'd been striving to master. If it meant trying to be fancy-pants, Levi would try her best to keep to this plan of secrecy by playing a Queen.
At least he wouldn't be calling her a princess.
Walking across the bright lush grass, Levi's eyes followed West. Once she'd assessed where Demi was, West was her next target. When the not-so-wrathy demon boil replica huddled by his fireworks, the tatzel ghoul hovered over him, stepping so close, he'd be able to feel the brush of her qipao if there was a strong enough breeze. Opening her mouth, Levi tried to compile words that would not alert him. Even a ghoul like her knew she didn't sound the way she had before.
... Come.
Using her hand to grab onto one of his, Levi gently tugged for the fireworks man to follow her further away from the crowd. Levi's eyes looked around for her companions. If they looked worried, she'd offer a nod- she'd remember. No killing. Yet.
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Posted: Fri Jan 25, 2013 11:18 am
Spinar was shocked still after the kiss, that was his line. Blues wavered in confidence as he watched Rosy slip away from him. Confused and startled for the time being he listened as a few more piped up in wanting to be the ones sacrificed. Moving. They would throw down their lives for the King. Something urged him and he had opened his mouth to volunteer too but swiftly shut it to hold back a snicker when the three that had volunteered were smacked a top the head with a fan.
Classy.
When the King afterword announced that she would join them on the field a boost was given to him and he smirked towards Rosy as she obviously avoided turning back his way. Moving over he stole a hug from behind and murmured, " I'll be expecting a return on that stolen kiss after we both make it back." With that and a devious chuckle he looked around and tried to prepare himself for battle as well.
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Posted: Fri Jan 25, 2013 11:23 am
Even though he felt someone moving closer, West didn't respond until he was addressed. The kingdom was still safe. There was no need to be suspicious of anyone here unless the palace was breached and the other kingdoms attacked directly. He turned and looked up, confusion evident in his expression as he was tugged to his feet. He smoothed his features, forcing a small smile that swiftly became more genuine. West bowed his head.
"I'm glad you made it out of the tower. It is—" He abruptly went silent as she pulled him along, at least until they had moved away from the others. "Yes, my queen?" His eyes narrowed, the question in them plain. What in the hell's the matter with you? "Is there something you need?"
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Posted: Fri Jan 25, 2013 11:26 am
Sheridan's eyes narrowed, his tail twitching. There was something wrong, and it found it extremely unsettling. There was suspicion in his eyes, watching those four who were acting very differently than they had been such a short time ago. What was wrong with them? Could it have been the horror and uncertainty of all that had happened, of all that would happen, had broken--no, it wasn't that, there was something else, but what he could not guess.
A sigh, he shook his head, maybe he was only imaging it, they were likely all near to breaking in their own way. Who was he to judge how others faced it...not that he was letting his guard down.
Whatever further thoughts he had were quickly forgotten as the sound of the Voice echoed in his ears. Great, now wha--the black kingdom had fallen. There was a sigh of relief tainted by sorrow. They lived to fight another day, but what of those who had called the black kingdom home, what was their fate?
And then there was anger, rage, a sacrifice? Did the voice really expect them, their queen to, to--it was unthinkable! They really were all being used as pawns in some sick game, he did not like it! How did they know the voice didn't wish to destroy them all, reguardless of outcome, would victory truly ensure their survival, he was coming to doubt that. A snarl, it was no longer just about protecting his kingdom and those he cared for. This was a fight for everyone.
Relief in Xiu's decision, she would not yield or offer a sacrifice, there was some consolation in that. She was indeed a just ruler, and he would fight for her, he would fight for everyone. This would stop with them, or they would all die anyway.
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Posted: Fri Jan 25, 2013 11:46 am
Sighing audibly, the white-eared ghoul now dropped her fake mate's hand, staring at him for a moment while he spoke. Jack, you look like him. I- His smile was a little unnerving. It wasn't completely impossible for the wrath demon to smile, but when he did, it was always a certain percentage of smirk. This smile was almost void of his smart-mouthed cockiness. He usually looked at her differently and this was what she was noticing. It made things all the more evident that this was not real; what stood before her wasn't real.
That being re-realized- Levi's eyes dropped downward to his chest, suddenly unable to stop staring at the open patch of pink she saw there. Her hand was working on its own, threatening within the blink of an eye to still itself just a few inches away from the boil's body. The ghoul made a fist with the outreached hand, clutching hard, instead when she realized what a bad choice of action this would be. But if there was even a shred of the same West in this body...
The knuckles of her fist would gently greet the firework maker's midsection. Before he was able to react in any form of protest, Levi's other hand shot up, grabbing at his shoulder, forcing his face to hers. Like she'd done when they'd become a pair in the real world, Levi let her expressions do the talking for her.
If there was even a shred of West in there, he would understand.
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