Dragon Knight's War (1st arc)

Cassius Arontinmato


"Very good. You are all dismissed, my knights. Joseph, I expect that report soon. Everyone else, I wish you luck for your tasks. Bring me results. Now go." Cassius ordered, gesturing his arm forward before he got up from his throne. 


"Tamamo. Some of that tea would be lovely. I'll be in my chambers." Cassius said with a small smile before he headed for his personal library/bedroom. As he walked, his mind was busy thinking and plotting. He wondered about how he could raise his army up and make sure that they do his every order without question. He thought about that singular thought as he entered his chambers and sat down at his desk. He sighed and massaged his temples. I wonder what is my sister doing right now...? Just as he thought that, an orb of light came flying through the window and landed on his desk. Cassius' widened as the orb transformed into an image of his sister who started to talk to him. A message. As he quietly listened to her pleas for him to go home, he clenched his fist and furrowed his brow in anger.


"After all this time... And you miss me? Tsk. How naive..." Cassius muttered, turning away from the message to grab some parchment. He started writing his reply, he choose his words carefully and then it hit him. He had a plan. His lips curled into a devious grin as he chuckled, finishing his message before using some of his necromancy breath on the parchment. 


"Oh Sister of mine... You have no idea what awaits... Annabelle. I know you are waiting outside." Cassius simply said as he got up from his seat. 


Annabelle Schwartz


Annabelle politely knocked on the door before entering. She bowed politely and showed a guilty expression on her face. She looked up to see the Cassius smiling at her and she couldn't help but smile back.


"Annabelle you amuse me with your worrying but I can assure you that I am of good health. In any other case, I would tell you go go back to your duties but I have a new task for you." Annabelle tilted her head in confusion and curiosity as Cassius walked up to her and handed her a rolled up parchment. She could feel a rather sinister aura emitting from it and shot a polite questioning look at Cassius.


"Its a message for my sister. I know you feel about her and her knights but I wish for you and Tamamo to send that message to her. Do not kill anyone but you may roughen up their regular guards if you want. Deliver the message and fly back here. I must return to my research. Wait for Tamamo to arrive here before leaving." Cassius ordered to which Annabelle replied with a nod of understanding. A displeased look on her face at the fact that she will be seeing her old Queen soon. 


@revior @SerenityAngel   
 
Tamamo Mizuchi


"Of course, I'll have it ready right away."


Tamamo headed straight for the kitchen to prepare the tea herself. Though ideally, she should have he servants prepare while she remains by the king's side as she should. But seeing the kings as tired as he is, Tamamo wanted to make sure that the tea will be its most excellent when it is served. Besides, Anna should be sticking around the kings at the moment, and no one, absolutely no one will want to mess with Anna.


One the water has been boiled to the ideal temperature, Tamamo poured them into a teapot, the herbs already inside, and waited about a minute or so before pouring it into a cup. First, she enjoyed its scent, and then carefully, she tastes the hot tea... all seems to be in order. She then places the teapot and a new cup onto a tray before carrying it to the king's personal room.


By the time she arrives at the door, she wasn't sure what to do. She has every intention to enter of course, but she has no hands to knock with, both are on the tray. For a few moments, she stood in front of the door, frozen, contemplating whether or not should she kick the door instead of knocking? But that would be rude wouldn't it? How about headbutting it? Not exactly any better is it? It was around this time that she overheard the conversation between the king and Anna inside, something about sending both Anna and herself to the Terashimasu Kingdom in order to deliver a message. To think this day would come, a day when she would return to that fated kingdom.


As she continues to stand there, another appeared before the door, a most displeasing presence, the one named Joseph. He took one look at Tamamo and immediately understood her predicament, and his hand reached out and lightly knocked on the door. Their eyes met for a moment, and Tamamo could see the playful ridicule in his eyes. Truly, she can never bring herself to like this man.


@Wandering Hollow @SerenityAngel
 
After being dismissed from the throne room, Adelaide decided to head to her office. Although she had been able to give a short preliminary report, it would be better to find more precise numbers of soldiers in service of the king. In the small room next to her personal chambers, she sat down at the large pine wood desk facing the door. She ruffled through a stack of papers for a while, her brow furrowed in thought, not quite paying attention to what her hands were doing. If the king was indeed planning on going to war against his sister, she did not see how it could end well.


They had been living in Tasogare for two years, the king and his knights, and whatever conflicted feelings Adelaide had felt over their banishment from her homeland at the time, she had accepted it by now. The initial confusion, anger and home-sickness had long faded, and even though she would love to lay eyes upon her place of birth one more time, she was convinced it was too late for that. She pulled out a sheet of paper, glanced over it, tossed it aside. It wasn’t that she thought of herself as defeatist, but it hadn’t worked the first time around and she had worked hard on letting it go. They had made their choice – some would call it a mistake, but Adelaide had decided long ago not to concern herself with that particular question. She wasn’t keen on upsetting the balance once more. With how much of this was due to Tasogare’s military disadvantage or because of personal reluctance, Adelaide tried not to occupy her mind either.


She pulled up another stack, leafing through some sheets before finally finding what she was looking for. She sat and read through her latest report of the army’s soldier count. It seemed her first estimate had been fairly accurate. She looked out of the small window in the thick stone wall that faced the courtyard, then checked and double-checked the numbers, more to kill time than anything else. The others would likely be speaking with the king now, so Adelaide waited for a few minutes before heading to the king’s quarters. If she spoke to him alone or at least not in the company of all the other knights, perhaps she could politely express her doubts. She stood from her chair and started towards the door, and out into the hallway at a leisurely pace, much slower than her usual walk. On her way to the king’s chambers, she considered what she would do if he did not consider her opinion. Of course, it wasn’t much of a question: she would damn well follow orders, is what she would do.


@revior@Wandering Hollow@SerenityAngel
 
"You are very right Gilbert, but I must try. I must be the example that you and the others look up to as your captain. It's one of my duties. Just like it is my duty to both teach and protect this kingdom from enemies both foreign  and domestic. I will not abandon my humanity, you need not worry about that but my temper can cause a lot of damage so I have to be careful and keep it in check often. You should know that not all of us Dragon Kind are the same. My dragon nature is very....wild, to say the least. It heightens many aspects of me, both mentally and physically. My senses, my strength, my thoughts and my emotions. If I am not careful, my anger could lead me into a rage so to let it get the best of me like that is not good. Your dragon heart may not persuade you as strongly as mine as you did not receive the same training I have and you have yet to feel your true nature take over you completely. It's a dangerous time when that begins, for both you and those around you." she looks at Gilbert very seriously as if to peer deep into his heart and carve these words as a warning into it, "Both the queen and I have gone through this and know the dangers it possesses. Few others do. The prince has experienced this as well, so had Annabelle and Adelaide. The queen experienced hers far too early and it has scarred her deeply because she was not ready. Know this, if anything, when the time comes, you will know what it means to be restrained by your own will. As Dragon Kind we do not shut ourselves off completely, though there have been those that chose to do so since they could not moderate themselves, we control ourselves better because of our bestial nature." she smiled a little when Gilbert explained his concern for her and not wanting her to turn into something that could not feel and believed that her soldiers were like that. It made her chuckle a little and she shook her head. "They are not unfeeling. They are very human and will cry at the drop of a hat but only when not in their armor. When they put on the armor with the kingdom's insignia, they are representing the pride of their home and loved ones. They do their own duty with all their hearts and souls and they do not wish to tarnish the armor he wear nor my or the queens name with displays that could do so because of their emotions. They learn human restraint and it is a very beautiful thing in my eyes as once that armor comes off they can be themselves with as much pride as when it is on." she wanted to give him a new perspective on the people and  the kingdom as well as the rules in place to try and help the kingdom grow. Everyone and everything has their own secrets and the only way to understand those secrets is to ask and be one with an open heart and mind. Serenity was wise beyond her years but there were reasons for this and of course it would be revealed in time but for now, nothing will be known.


The queen nearly wept as she walked toward the Dragon Hall. She still had hope that her brother could be saved from his dragon madness, as she called it though that was only part of why he became the way he is. She had to tell him the secrets or he may never forgive her for becoming the ruler instead of him. It was as she was reaching the door that the scar that her brother had left her with started to hurt so badly that it brought her to her knees but she would not scream and alert anyone of it. It was often like this now days. Whenever she would think about her brother and what she has to tell him the scars he left her that day would sear in pure agony, trying to force her mind away from those thoughts of shadow. "Please brother....I can't go on like this....it has to stop....so one way or another.....it's going to end. I'll bring you back, even if it cost me my life." she said to herself before getting back up after most of the pain had subsided. It was getting harder to do her duties this way. After a little while she entered the Dragon hall and greeted bot Knights with a warm and kind smile. She saw that all four of her Dragon Knights in the hall and waiting for her. She smiled at them all and approached them. "My Dragon Knights, tank you for coming upon my request. I have some very important matters to inform you of." she announced and took a deep breath before continuing, "First, it's been two years since my brother's banishment and...I want to bring him back, but I cannot do that alone. I want to try and reach out to him and his new kingdom. I want to help him become the person he needs to be and help his people. I would like to know what you, my knights, think I should do."


@Captain Arpeggio @Ariettie @Iskander @revior @Wandering Hollow
 
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[FONT= 'Comic Sans MS']Gilbert[/FONT][FONT= 'Comic Sans MS'] Beilschmidt[/FONT]


Gilbert listened attentively to Serenity, nodding his head at some intervals to show his mind had not wondered off, and that he understood. His mind did, however, wander off when she spoke of taming the dragon inside. Gilbert had always been in perfect sync with his dragon (a feet that had been accomplished by few, though Gilbert didn't know that), and didn't quite understand what Serenity meant by his dragon heart not persuading him as strongly as hers. He knew his dragon. His dragon was a strong, powerful beast, and they both knew it. It was part of the reason they were both as cocky as thy were. The low self worth was all Gilbert, but the overconfidence was all his Dragon. The two were like Yin and Yang, as different as their colour scheme, but perfectly balanced. They mixed together in the oddest way, both sides working together for every aspect of their personality. This was why Gilbert's personality only shifted slightly between forms, and why he could use aspects of his dragon form in his human form as well (i.e. absorbing electricity).  


He shook his head to rid it of his strange train of thought, before he said, "I don't quite understand.... You mean, you don't work together with your dragon side?" Whatever answer he may have gotten was cut off by the Queen entering the hall, and beginning their little conference.
 
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Cassius Arontinmato


"That must be Joseph. Right on time... Come in." Cassius called out when he heard the door knock. To his surprise, he wasn't alone. Tamamo was with him and she had her hands full with a tray holding a teapot and a tea cup. No doubt that was the herbal tea that she offered to make for him and the sight made him chuckle at the thought of Tamamo being stuck outside until Joseph came along. He was well aware of Tamamo's dislike towards his spymaster while Joseph was rather partial to teasing Tamamo. Annabelle can be included in that list too seeing as Tamamo's the youngest of his four knights. 


"Ah. There you are, Tamamo. Just the person I needed to see. I'm sending you and Annabelle as envoys to my... Sister's Kingdom. I highly recommend that you don't kill anyone but you do have my permission to roughen up their regular guards if it so pleases you but avoid entering combat with their Dragon Knights. After all, I am sending a peaceful reply. Now go. I wish you a safe journey." Cassius ordered, a spiteful smirk on his face. His mind is busy planning his next move. Once Tamamo and Annabelle left his quarters, he turned his attention towards Joseph. 


"Well? How goes the information gathering? I hear that there is a rather... interesting mercenary group out there that are loyal to a fault. Care to discuss?" Cassius asked, sitting down in his usual chair before taking a sip of the herbal tea. 


Annabelle Schwartz


Annabelle politely bowed before she left Cassius' quarters. Her face locked in a sort of stony glare at the thought of having to go back to the Kingdom that betrayed them. The Kingdom that banished their own Prince. The Kingdom that allows corruption to spread in their border towns. Either way, she did not want to go back. Sure their new home is cold, rugged and the people are poor but she did her best to show them that the King and his knights cared for them. Yes, Tasogare is imperfect but she will work hard to make it a utopia under King Cassius' benevolent rule or die trying.


[SIZE= 14px]She sighed as the pair reached the castle walls. Annabelle turned to look at Tamamo and shot her a kindly smile. She got up on the parapet and stepped forward, sending herself plunging down a sheer cliff before she transformed into her Dragon form in midair, [/SIZE][SIZE= 14px]spreading[/SIZE][SIZE= 14px] her wings to catch the wind. She hovered on the spot as she awaited for Tamamo to join her before they flew off towards Terashimasu. [/SIZE]


[SIZE= 14px]@revior @SerenityAngel @Iskander   [/SIZE]
 
Tamamo Mizuchi


What's this? She's being sent away? Even though she's his bodyguard? Tamamo wasn't quite sure what to make of this. Then again, it wasn't as if the king needs protecting at the moment, and it wasn't as if he could have sent Adelaide who is the captain of the guards, nor could Joseph be sent because he's, well, Joseph. So perhaps this makes perfect sense. And of course, it wasn't her place to question the one she serves, she's here simply to carry out what is required of her, nothing more, nothing less.


"Understood." she replied resolutely, then placed the tray of tea down before heading out with Anna.


Anna felt... somewhat odd since she and Tamamo had been ordered to deliver the message. It wasn't as if Tamamo doesn't understand however, as she knows it's normal to feel enmity towards one's enemy, and the she herself was the exception. While Tamamo was glad to be able to have a chance to see Serenity and the rest again outside of the battlefield, it was perfectly reasonable for others to not feel as thrilled.


There were certainly questions when Tamamo and Anna stood atop the castle wall. Tamamo thought they were supposed to be heading out, so why aren't they at the gate? But soon it has became quite clear that they weren't going to be walking as Anna turned into her dragon form and spreaded her wings. In a haste, Tamamo quickly grabbed onto Anna's tail as she dove down the cliff, screaming as adrenaline is pumped throughout her body and tears gushing out from her eyes. it was only when Anna came to a sudden stop apparently to wait for her that she had time to catch her breath, struggling to regain composure as her heart beats rapidly beyond the normal speed.


"A... Anna... I can't fly... my dragon... has no wings...... did you forget?" uttered the poor girl while grabbing on tightly onto Anna's tail.


Joseph Tauber


After watching the other two of his fellow knights leave, Joseph got into a rather friendly mood and decided to perhaps pour a cup of tea for the king as a friendly gesture. However, just as he was reaching out to the tea pot, he retracted his hand and decided to let the king do it himself. It was not because he had changed his mind, but because he realized how easy it could have been for him to poison the tea as he serves it. Not that he would of course, but only he knows that for absolute certainty, and seeing that the king has been quite restless lately, he decided to at least give him a peace of mind when he's around him.


"Well? How goes the information gathering? I hear that there is a rather... interesting mercenary group out there that are loyal to a fault. Care to discuss?" Cassius asked, sitting down in his usual chair before taking a sip of the herbal tea. 


Hearing that, an amused smile appeared across his face, and a desire to tease began to rise.


"Well, well, well,have you heard of it already, at this rate perhaps you'll have no need for me any more."


Only when alone with the king does he speaks freely like this, as only the king knows what Joseph truly looks like, and only the king had seen his dragon form. It is so that Joseph may freely walk among his enemies whether they be within or without. A dangerous blade that can be incredibly deadly when used properly, but also unfortunately, something that can only be wielded once before losing its effectiveness.


"Jokes aside, here's what you asked for."  


Joseph lays the three folder documents of the various swords for hire on to the king's desk one by one for easier viewing and pointed at the one he laid in the middle.


"This one is the one you're looking for, but strictly speaking they aren't mercenaries, and once you hire them they'll be loyal to you forever, and that's no mere expression, they intent to serve for a long time. Rumors says that if you discharge them they'll slice their own stomach open or something, but those are mere rumors, at least that's what I'd like to believe. But it is true that they intend to serve over a long term, and discharging them without a good reason may cause them to bear some grudges against you, so their loyalty isn't exactly without it's downside. I would like you to consider carefully before hiring them, we may not have enough resources to keep them around."


Then, Joseph lays his finger on the first document he laid down.


"However, in the question of resources, there may be an easy solutions. These lawless bandits here will do anything for the right amount of gold. Pillaging, terrorizing, stealing, and can be easily gotten rid of without anyone batting an eye. They'll do all the dirty deeds for you without a single stain on your name I you play your cards right. However, it'll be difficult to make them obey, being the lawless men they are. I suggest sending in Annabelle to take them over first if you intend to use them, once they've got a taste of her, it'll be doubtful they'll try anything. One last thing to add is to not reveal one's identity to them when doing business, being able to do dirty work without getting implicated will be the best use for them."


Joseph then paused and observes the kings expression for a moment, and decided to add a few more lines.


"I understand that you may be uncomfortable with this, as gentle a person you are deep down. But sometimes, sacrifices will have to be made. The world isn't so kind and gentle as to bend over for you when you require it too, unless of course, you're born all powerful and loved that is. Not to mention, being willing to make sacrifices and go to lengths your opponent won't, will certainly give you an edge over him, or her."


Purposefully, Joseph drew parallels between the king and his sister, knowing that, if this wouldn't convince him, nothing will.


"Lastly," said Joseph as he lays his hand over the final document, "this one here is your standard mercenaries, they'll serve as long as you pay. They're loyal to their employers and recently some of their members are trained to be able to perform tasks outside of the battlefield such as espionage, sabotage, and even assassination at the pleasure of their employer. They won't be cheap, but I can personally assure you that they will be worth every piece of coin."


And now, he waits for the king's response. Hopefully he'll be pleased with Josephs work, no, he had done all that he can, even if he's displeased, nothing can be done of it. At the very least, Joseph was sure no one here can do his job better than he.


Finally, Joseph has one last thing to add to this conversation.


"One last thing, Cassius, I may be leaving you in the near future." said Joseph suddenly, a sinister smile hangs behind his mask.


@SerenityAngel @Wandering Hollow @Iskander
 
Serenity smiled a little at Gilbert when he asked if she didn't get along with her dragon side. He had no idea how much she wanted to be one with her dragon heart but her duty prevented her from doing so. She wanted to be that ball of energy and raw emotion that she rarely shows. Because of her station she has to represent the kingdom and the knights both human and dragon. She wanted to explain to him that not everyone is as similar to their inner nature as he was. Some, like her have a hard time identifying with themselves. She admired and respected Gilbert for being one of the few who would resonate so well with their dragon heart so early and so well. It was a rare gift to be so honest to others and to themselves. Gilbert is truly a man of rare quality, even if he is uncensored. She was about to respond when the queen entered the room and began to speak with them. She politely bowed deeply at the waist as was proper in the kingdom though the queen would constantly ask that they not do that as they were friends. After greeting the queen she was surprised to say the least when queen Angel asked for their input on proceeding on how to get her brother back and the peace that was once prominent throughout the land until the war two years ago. That war was not something that Serenity nor the queen looked upon with reverence. They dreaded and despaired over that time. She would eagerly welcome the prince back but she did not believe that the queen's desperate heart would bring a pleasant and peaceful end. She would happily give her approval but in this case she just got a bad feeling. "Your Majesty, I do not believe that it would be a wise decision to invite your brother back yet. I am sure he is still seething from the loss of his reach for the crown." she warned. 


Angel looked at her knight captain 's disapproving face and listened to Serenity's words and understood why she would not approve but she had her reasons and would speak to her about it later. "Take heart Serenity, I know it may seem like he has not forgiven me but I am sure that my brother will understand why I did what I did soon. I already sent him an invitation but the question is, will he respond? I have already thought of the consequences of how things could go over and over and I cannot go on and let this hatred between my brother and I continue. It would only dishearten the people of both kingdoms. I hope that he will see that I have done the best I can to bring happiness and peace to the people and land." She explained then turned to Gilbert and hoped he would see things her way or she would be standing alone against her brother in a battle of hearts. "I know it is dangerous and tempting fate but....you must trust me. I do know what I am doing. My brother is good at heart, he just doesn't see the steps in the dark before him. I have to try and help him see. So, I need you all to be on your guard. Will you do that for me?"


Serenity sighed and smiled, "Strong-willed and stubborn but that strength draws us to you, your majesty. I will stand behind you, you need not worry about that." Serenity assured and looked to her fellow knights and wanted to hear what they would do now that they knew that company was to be expected from the banished kingdom. Perhaps the banished king and his knights would return. 


@Wandering Hollow @Iskander @Ariettie @revior
 
[FONT= 'Comic Sans MS']Gilbert[/FONT][FONT= 'Comic Sans MS'] Beilschmidt[/FONT]


Gilbert hesitantly voiced his opinion, sorrow in his voice for not supporting the queen's plan. "I'll always stand beside you, my Queen..." Gilbert began, "But... Your brother... I do not trust him.... I fear he is cunning as a serpent, and ambitious to boot... I will always support you, Your Highness, but I do not support this plan.... You may have just given him the opportunity he needs to overthrow you..." Gilbert was worried for his queen, and didn't think the plan was the best corse of action, but he had no better idea, and he would never leave his queen's side. 
 
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For a moment Adelaide stood before the door to the Cassius’ chambers, silently listening to the voices within. There was the king, of course, but someone else too. The sound was indistinct and she couldn’t understand what the voices were saying, but she still didn’t recognize the second one from the little she could hear. Hopefully the other knights had gone off on their own, though Annabelle was still possibly there. After a few seconds she raised her hand and knocked on the door before carefully stepping inside.


She paused when she saw who was inside, with her hand still on the door knob. Joseph was the last person she had expected to be talking to the king, although she should have. Just the fact that he had been talking felt odd to her and she was a little disappointed that she hadn’t paid more attention to what his voice sounded like. For another moment she lingered, unsure of whether she wanted to talk to the king in the presence of Joseph. Adelaide didn’t like to admit it, but even after working together for years she still wasn’t entirely comfortable around the Phantom Knight. It bugged her that she did not know anything about him, but so far she had always trusted that the king knew what he had gotten into by confiding in the ever secretive knight.


Raising the papers in her hand and looking from Joseph to the king, she asked, “Is this a wrong time, your majesty?”


@SerenityAngel@Wandering Hollow@revior
 
Angel sighed as she heard Gilbert's reply and understood why he supported her but not her plan. She could only smile a bit sadly at him. "Thank you Gilbert. I understand your reserve but....without my brother....this war cannot end. If he does overtake me and ascend the throne then I was not meant to rule. It is as simple as that, but I must give him every opportunity for peace, for the people's sake." she explained. She wished she could explain that their fate was predetermined but the outcome could go either way. It all resided upon both hers and her brother's shoulders and their choices. "Well, it is too late now to stop fate. The ball is in his court at this point and all we can do now is be ready to greet the lost knights and my lost brother back home, at least for the time being." she then looked to Serenity and gently placed a hand upon the young woman's shoulder and spoke with her quietly so that they would not be overheard. After a little bit Serenity nodded her head in understanding and continued to discuss the future of the kingdom and how to prepare for the arrival of the traitors. It was at least an hour of discussion back and fourth between all of the knights and the queen taking al of their council into consideration and to heart as a good queen must. Afterword the room was dismissed and Serenity and the queen walked side by side out of the hall and down the corridors and came to a portrait of her family and walked through it as a secret door opened before them. They walked down many stone steps. Each step echoed and reverberated off the cold stone walls lit only by the warm glow of lit torches that hung above their heads. The further down they went the colder it became but their dragon blood kept them warm without the need for extra clothing. It was a gracious benefit to be sure. Once at the bottom of the long stair case they came to a large room filled with water that glowed as if it were liquid crystal. Not even the firelight was needed here as the water eliminated the whole room. Elegant white pillars stretched from the floor beneath the crystal-like water and supported the ceiling of ivory white. Serenity staid upon the stone stairs as it was forbidden for any but the rulers to step into this pool of beauty and purity. Serenity removed her lovely white shoes so that her tiny feet were bare and stepped into the cool water without hesitation. The shimmering and glowing water covered her feet and as the queen walked further in, the water became deeper slowly, soon coming up to her knees hen her thigh then her waist. Her gown now soaking wet from the waist down she stood in the very center of the pool and Serenity watched from the stone steps leaking back to the palace. Angel took a deep breath and held her hands over her heart to gather her courage and strength. "Pool of Doragon no shihai-sha, I beseech the....show me my and my brother's destiny in this world." she said quietly to the room as if praying to a god. Her hands trembled as the moved from over her heart to submerge under the water to cup up a small handful of the crystal liquid and held it to her lips to sip it into her being. For a few moments nothing happened but suddenly her grey eyes dilated into those of her dragon counterpart, causing her to tremble a bit and then she was suddenly pulled under the water as if the floor had vanished to let her drop into an unknown place. Serenity gasped as she always feared for the queen's safety when they did this but dared not touch even the water's surface, it was forbidden. She did not move from her post and calmed down as it was normal. The queen was puled into a place only she could go and Serenity must patiently await her return but it always made her heart pound with worry.


Meanwhile, under the water's reflective and crystalized surface Angel was dragged deeper and deeper into the freezing depths of a place known only to the royal family. It was impossible to breathe at this moment but the pressure began to build till it hurt and ached to torturous proportions. She forced her eyes to remain open so that the visions that the crystal lights that danced and swirled around her would not be missed. Voices of spirits, gender indiscernible, echoed in her ears and whispered to her as if to tell a tale that she would take part in. "In the palace of light the shadows will creep, the prince a crown to seek. The queen a knee to bend and four heralds of light to battle with the heralds of night are sent. Light and shadow spin and fight while blood and kin battle to make right. The truth revealed and fate will decide, weather a king will stand alone with kindness laid dead, or with his sister, the queen at his side." the voices said and showed her glimpses and still moments in time of her future and that of her brother. "The path before you, queen, is narrow as a the sharp edge of a blade. One misplaced word will pull you into shadow when your breath with will be staid. Weather your faith and love can reach the stone that is his heart, or your own soul and your kingdom will break completely apart." With that Angel could bear no more and she was released from the grasp of the spirits and let to break the surface of the crystal water and gasp for needed air.


Taking in greedy breaths and gathering her nerves she made her way to her loyal knight who held out her hand in comfort and a cape of white for her to wrap herself in to try. After the traumatic event the two made their way up the many stone steps and she recounted the prophecy to Serenity who listened with a comforting ear. They walked up to the queen's chambers where she was given a proper towel to dry off in and new clothes to change into.


"The other knights will me curious as to why you are given your brother so many chances. You cannot keep this a secret forever, my queen." Serenity said with a sigh as she tended to Angel as if she were the elder of the two.


"I know, Serenity....I just....I don't want to worry them....I need them to be themselves. Only with them not knowing the future can things go as they are supposed to." Angel replied, "I told you only because you were the first I had found and you are as close to a sister as I could ever become. Not only that but you and your dragon form and abilities are closest to the royal family and I am only allowed one guardian in the Pool of Doragon no shihai-sha. You know this."


"Yes, majesty. I know but they will ask questions soon. You must be ready to answer them," She then looked to the queen a bit coldly, but kindly as if to give sympathy, "and to your brother."


"Yes, I know." she then looked to her Dragon Knight Commander, "I have a task for you. I want you to go to my brother's kingdom alone. I want you to make sure that he has received my message and hopefully extend and olive branch to him."


Serenity sighed and bowed at the waist, "As you command, my queen." she said and made her way out of the room and down the hall. She donned her cape of white satin and along the way she stopped by her own room and picked up her polished golden helmet and let it rest under her arm as she strode with pride and purpose down the winding halls. She was sure to be seen by the other knights and most likely be bothered by Gilbert as everyone knew that when she got her helmet, and donned her cape she was leaving the castle walls.


@Wandering Hollow @Iskander @Ariettie @revior
 
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Annabelle Schwartz


[SIZE= 14px]"Grrnn...?" Annabelle growled in confusion at the sudden weight pulling at her tail and looked down to see Tamamo hanging onto it. She tilted her head in confusion before her draconic eyes widened in shock at finally remembering an important fact about her fellow Dragon Knight; she cannot fly. She quickly leveled up her flight and curled her tail over her back to let Tamamo hop on. As she did this, a trilling noise came from her throat and her head bobbed slightly. As if in laughter. [/SIZE]


[SIZE= 14px]Once she's sure that Tamamo was securely seated, she started flying off towards the place she once called home.[/SIZE]


[SIZE= 14px]Cassius Arontinmato[/SIZE]


[SIZE= 14px]"So they are not mercenaries but more towards soldiers looking for a Lord to follow? How interesting..." Cassius muttered as he read the report Joseph gave him. His mind went to work in thinking about which groups to hire. The bandits would serve as cannon fodder or perhaps a group dedicated to causing trouble in the borders with either Joseph or Annabelle keeping them in check. Not even caring if they managed to do their duties or die. The first choice would do well as his elite guard. Maybe he'll let Tamamo lead them, she might be familiar with them if what he's guessing is correct.[/SIZE]


[SIZE= 14px]  [/SIZE]


"I understand that you may be uncomfortable with this, as gentle a person you are deep down. But sometimes, sacrifices will have to be made. The world isn't so kind and gentle as to bend over for you when you require it too, unless of course, you're born all powerful and loved that is. Not to mention, being willing to make sacrifices and go to lengths your opponent won't, will certainly give you an edge over him, or her."


"Ahahaha.... Oh Joseph, surely you jest. You of all people should know that my kindness should never be mistaken for weakness. A loved ruler is simply a sign of a good one. After all, if the populace loves their ruler, they would gladly do anything for them. That goes for my sister too but she's far too soft." Cassius replied to Joseph's words. A hint of bitterness was laced with the last sentence. His feelings for his sister is both admiration and spite. He admired her strength but hated her emotional side. In fact, he would have respected her more if she had simply had him killed during their last meeting but she chose to spare him instead. Cassius's lips curled in disgust at the memory.


"One last thing, Cassius, I may be leaving you in the near future." said Joseph suddenly, a sinister smile hangs behind his mask.


"Hm? What's this Joseph? You are planning on leaving your duties so suddenly?" Cassius asked, trying his best to mask his surprise at his Spymaster's declaration. His eyes narrowed as he stared at Joseph, putting the documents down on his desk. What are you up to now?


"... Very well then." Cassius suddenly said, smiling as he got up and walked over to Joseph before planting a hand on Joseph's shoulder. "I wish you luck on whatever it is you are planning on doing. Just remember this... If I ever find out that you plan to betray me... You will regret it. Is that clear?"


Cassius locked his eyes into Joseph's, a rather sinister smile of his own forming on his lips. It was during that moment that he heard the door open and Adelaide's voice asking if she was interrupting something.


"No, no. Nothing of that sort Adelaide. Come in." Cassius said, turning to look at Adelaide before he walked back to his seat and settled down. 


[SIZE= 14px]@SerenityAngel @revior @Iskander[/SIZE]
 
Joseph Tauber


Joseph stared into the king's eyes as he laughed. He wasn't exactly pleased at being thought as jesting, especially when he's serious, and even more so when he could comprehend what was so funny. He had always thought of the concept of kindness a tool, do a favor to gain a favor later, never had he though of it as weakness or strength, just a tool to be applied when needed and kept away when unnecessary.


"Very well then, I'll trust your judgement."


And when Joseph spoke of leaving, he had observed the king's expression closely, wondering what kind of response he'll get, but disappointingly, it was rather underwhelming. The king had exerted a surprising amount of self-control considering the lack of sleep. It would seem that he had grown somewhat over the years, even if a little. Behinds his mask, Joseph smiled warmly, feeling proud of his king.


"No worries your majesty, if there comes a time for betrayal, this is not it. Things have become far too interesting here to switch sides now. If you're worried, I'll even write to you every now and then."


It was then Adelaide knocked upon the door and was allowed to enter. As she walks in, Joseph shot a glance at her, wonder how much she had heard, before a smile forms on his lips once more.


"I'll come see you again once the preparations of my departure are completely," Joseph continues to speak despite Adelaide's presence, "do look forward to the souvenirs  I'll send you."


And with one last glance at Adelaide, Joseph left the room, his mind already scheming the steps he'll be taking.


@SerenityAngel @Wandering Grim Hollow @Iskander
 
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