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“Right.” Clyde huffed a little, feeling a little insecure about his aim now. Shooting a moving target, whether it be animal or enemy, shouldn’t be too different right? Right. So, everything should be fine. Oh great, he’s just doubting himself now.

She opened her mouth to the gardener to reply with a snappy remark, but her thoughts were suddenly occupied by an incoming force. Her hair ornaments chimed to the collision that was her sister's sudden embrace. Slightly startled at first, her features softened and she sighed, settling her arms over Xiu to return the affection. She knew what the girl was anxious about; it wasn't easy asking such a thing of her people.

When it came to Xiu addressing her attendant for the moment, Levi coughed into her elongated sleeve. What was that look? He's come to set up the rest of the fireworks for the display tonight in your honor. Seems like we will have eve more reason to celebrate this time. It happened every so often. Levi had an affinity for the colorful explosives and so visited the shop regularly. However, this batch was an extra load she'd bought on a whim and so required the maker's immediate help transporting the rest of them back to the palace in order to have the preparations ready for the night's show.

If they are too heavy, feel free to settle them down, please, Westus. You must keep well and able if you are going to do as promised for the King. She tapped her closed fan on the box Westus carried just enough for the audible reaction to emphasize her point.

The talk about misfire and trust would have Levi bobbing her head in agreement with the illusion teacher. Unity is what makes us Red. What binds us close to our King. Wouldn't you agree? That was when she turned to the enlightened one. The purple face of the girl who stepped out of the shadow was a familiar one. One she and Xiu trusted often with verse and practice befitting of stature Xiu would need to uphold the kingdom. An advisor who knew the importance of such unity. Levi bowed her head in greeting this friend of many years past.

As their king slid past and moved on, West watched her silently, his head bent, nodding again once she had addressed him. She had said she would be honored to have him there during the battle, but would she really? Would she notice the hundreds who would fall to keep their kingdom out of the hands of the other six? He rolled his shoulders, looking to Levi as she granted him permission to release his burden. There had been nothing he'd wanted more a moment ago, but now... He didn't want her to think he was doing it just because she had said he could. Or because they were too heavy. He could carry some stupid... fine.

He placed the boxes where she indicated, straightening up and stretching in one smooth motion. "Thank you, my lady," he said, watching her as intently as he had the king. West might not have been a regular guest at the palace, but he had seen the silent (at least to him) sister Levi spoke to on a handful of occasions. He had heard she could converse without making a sound. The young man crossed his arms and waited to see if the rumors were true. How he would determine if she was doing so, well, he hadn't thought that far ahead yet.

Thinking to himself for a moment or so, Shun soon looked to see Levi with the fireworks man, West. He hadn't really thought anything of the two of them, though soon noticed that Riley was making her way over. Silently, he made his way over. It wasn't so much to deal with the two, but with the vestigal virgin.

"By the way, I believe you owe me a true fight after all of this is said and done. It's the least that could be done after putting up with your ways while training," he said flatly.

In the back of his mind, he had to wonder if it would be best to have a spar first and foremost. The woman hadn't touched anyone. Or picked up any weapons. It... made whether or not she was truly combat ready a bit of a question.

Clyde gave out a sigh, trying not to think too much. Shun was probably just trying to make sure he doesn’t do anything stupid, yes inspect this and then just move on. The hunter gave Rosc a nod in acknowledgement before sighing again, “It probably would have been better if everyone didn’t start harping on my aim. Oh well, I guess I’ll just have to prove that I have improved.”

He stretched, and tried to leave the thought alone. Doubt does not mix well with what is soon to happen.

Reeshie Hack

After some deliberation, it was finally time to make her choices. It had not been an easy decision to make either--those who had volunteered were all skilled in some way, but the Voice had specified a limited number in each of the ranks. For a moment, Xiu simply stood in silence, watching with faint amusement etched on her face at the conversations between her friends--conversations that ranged from training to concerns about Clyde potentially partaking in some friendly fire. It was nice to see that there was still some teasing and humor among everyone, even after news as grave as this.

Finally though, she cleared her throat to direct everyone's attention back to her. "I think it's time I made my choices, though honestly, I don't see why sorting you all into positions is necessary. Although many of you may see yourselves as humble and ordinary, each of you bring something important to this Kingdom and to this battle. These are positions that the Voice has asked me to fill, but that's all that they are. Roles, not rankings."

With that, she took a deep breath, trying to keep her expression even as stood before the group. "First, Levi will be my phoenix. She has been there for me ever since we were children--she is my friend, my sister, and has always been my perfect counterpart and companion." A warm smile at the girl, and then she glanced over to the next two.

"Shun and Yin Cang are to be the Tigers. You have both proven to be loyal allies and friends throughout the years, and I have seen firsthand your physical and illusionary skills. It would be an honor to have you two at the forefront, defending our Kingdom and our people."

"Next, the Tortoises. Riley, Gene," Xiu turned to look at each of them in turn, the corners of her lips curling upwards in a soft smile, "I have known the both of you for a long time, and I know that both of you are level-headed, but quick-minded. I have faith that between the two of you, you will come up with effective strategies to protect everyone here."

That left the last two positions, the Qilins and the Stone Lions. "The Qilins will be Mot and Rosciel. You two have the most extensive knowledge of medicine and tending to injuries, both of which are things that will be most important in the battles ahead. I leave the healing to the two of you."

"And finally, we have the Stone Lions, warriors who I believe will have an incredible ability to develop and evolve their skills in battle. Teamwork is key here--a Tiger cannot always take on opponents alone, but may need the support of the Stone Lions to assist them. Similarly, Tortoises and Qilins may sometimes need defenders as they work out strategies or heal others--each and every one of you standing here have an integral part in this war. Although I cannot be there with you all in battle, I promise you that I will do what I can from here to assist you. Now, if you could all step forward please, one at a time."

She waited for someone to step forward first, smiling when Shun was the one to do so. "As the warriors of this Kingdom, I will bestow upon each of you a little of my power." She moved forward to the Kingdom's first Tiger, stretching a hand out towards the man. When he knelt down before her, she reached out and gently pressed her hand against his right shoulder. For a moment, the man would feel a strange--but not painful--heat run through his shoulder, and the warmth briefly lingered even as Xiu drew her hand away. When it faded away, the only indication that the King had done anything was the new tattoo that was now spread over the Tiger's shoulder.

She then moved down the row until each of the warriors possessed a small piece of her power, evidenced by the new tattoo that they now bore. "Bear these as a sign of pride, for you are all citizens of the Kingdom of Dreams. May it serve you well and keep you safe in battle."

With this done, the King let out a quiet sigh, squeezing her eyes shut as she felt a wave of fatigue pass through her. Perhaps it would be time for her to retire soon.

It was too much. The fighter was addressing her now, and even the sound of his voice made her cringe, as if his crimes and corruption could somehow be transmitted through the waves of sound and his warm breath, to where she stood. Her fan shuddered, waving away from her face instinctively. She knew to answer him, but there was no time - the King had made her decision, and Riley bowed away, succumbing to Xiu's will.

She had made her decision, so wisely, so effortlessly. It was for this reason that Riley knew her services as the King's advisor were no longer needed. She had not faltered once, in her choices. She had not sought out a second's worth of confirmation. Riley was no longer needed, and she lived to serve the King in whatever manner was appropriate. Now, it seemed, that manner would take her far beyond the reaches of her training.

Shun's words struck cold in her heart. She watched him kneel before the King, and receive his mark of honor. As he stood again, and a shadow passed over his expression, she sought out his mind for just a moment.

I will take you up on your offer.

It wasn't so much an offer, as a demand, but she took it otherwise, as was befitting her stature. Then she moved into position, and bowed before the King. She fell to her knees, very carefully, and watched the gentle hand come forward. To be touched, for the first time since she'd been locked away.

If her vow were to truly be broken, she was glad it was to be done by the King herself.

Your decision honors me, my liege. I will serve you to my last breath. She murmured, closing her eyes as the touch of the King's hand rested against her bare shoulder, leaving its mark - and taking with it years of purity and virtue. She was more than willing to trade it for honor.

A soft blush darkened the woman's features as she was touched, and when she stood, she took the Kings hand in her own. The feeling of holding a hand.. her senses her overwhelmed. She brought the hand to her cheek, and left it there, for just a moment.. then she pulled away, and a shudder went through her. This was the King, the woman to whom she would give up her very life. Her love for her King burned, fierce and unquenchable, in her chest.

When the King placed her hand on his face, he had not expected it. A shoulder yes, but this...this was a true claiming. Her warmth inside him was not just marking him as her Tiger in bed, this was marking him for his King. For her Kingdom.

It was all he ever wanted.

As if in response the mark seemed to get even bigger, boldly standing out on his face. For a moment his expression flickered to one of pure bliss, the only outward sign of the ecstasy he was feeling. This was new, this was more pleasure than he had ever felt at the hand of another. Then he remembered his place, expression dropping into the smooth mask of a guard. They were friends, nothing more, and she was his King. He had never been happier.

He put his right fist into his left palm, bowing to her, yielding even as a flicker of worry danced in his eyes as she seemed a bit tired. "I am yours to command," he murmured, hoping his voice would reach her but not being so bold as to speak loudly or freely "The kingdoms shall be yours."