Sigismund
Experienced Novice
My kingdom of Doma is very quiet now.
Posts: 92
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Post by Sigismund on Dec 22, 2011 16:34:40 GMT -5
www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQ-7oPeIg6E::The video projection of GNN's broadcast flickered in the torchlit throne room, showing grainy amateur footage of a darkened stone cellar, and ungodly creatures coming out to bare their fangs at a mismatched group of people the Count deemed opponents. Kamikaze and Shizuka stood on either side of him observing the footage as the Count stroked his beard musingly. The reporter continued her rather drawl account of what had transpired that day when their broadcast had been hacked to stream the footage they were now showing themselves:: Reporter: What you just witnessed is the footage that was streamed on our network as well as several other mainstream media broadcasts earlier today after an artificial intelligence candidly calling itself HAL hacked our system. Off hand the footage appears to be of Iole Blakeney also known as the Witch's Surrogate in a battle against demons engineered by a man she claims to be Doctor August Krasnow, the notorious Autumn Harvester who terrorized the streets of Lindblum almost nine years ago, believed to be dead shortly following his arrest by the Lindblum police. Aside from a long time enemy of the Empire, Blakeney has most recently been the center of much controversy surrounding the Sixth World Kingdom of Doma in a crisis of succession with many claiming she is the long lost heir to its throne. A claim that has thus far barred Count Sigismund, the Kingdom's Regent from ascending to the throne. We're here with world famous Doctor of Political Science Anthony Green to tell us more. ::The broadcast cut to a split screen between her and a man in his early fifties, well groomed in a gray suit and half moon glasses. From the background he appeared to be somewhere in the Eighth World. His voice was heavily accented:: Reporter: Pleasure to have you join us all the way from Deling City Doctor Green. Green: Pleasure's all mine Rebecca. Reporter: Tell us, if this footage is not a hoax as many are already claiming it to be, what could Iole Blakeney hope to gain from exposing this to the public? Green: While the theory that this is a hoax is very likely, we cannot overlook the possibility that Iole Blakeney is in fact engaging herself in a fight to protect a kingdom from the Empire as she and others have been liable to do in the past with or without ties to said kingdom. Reporter: Do you think her recently found ties have anything to do with her behavior? Green: I cannot say for certain, but it is likely she has taken a great interest in this Kingdom's future, possibly feeling some sort of responsibility. Also considering her claims that the man in the footage is August Krasnow, one of the more resilient, if lesser known villains of Gaia's past, it becomes even more likely for her to seek active involvement in stopping what she sees as a hostile take-over of a small kingdom by old enemies. Reporter: Since the stream this morning, there have been reports all over the southern continent of uprisings in sectors under Imperial rule. Do you believe she knew this would be the outcome of her actions? Green: Once more I cannot say for certain. However knowing her history as a surrogate of the Demon Witch, a woman who was very likely to employ such tactics, I would not be surprised. Reporter: Some are calling this an act of terrorism. Is that also your opinion? Green: Well speaking entirely from opinion, if this footage is indeed authentic I actually find it to be a political breakthrough. We've all heard the rumors and the conspiracy theories surrounding the Empire and other major leaders of Gaia, and they are prospects that frighten us. Fear can rule over us in that respect as long as they remain theories. But to seem them brought to light in such a manner does not only give our fears a foundation, to know for certain that they are true instills nothing short of outrage. I believe what Miss Blakeney is showing us is that the people of Gaia will not stand for rulers who will employ hideous and archaic methods whether it's for their own gain or if it really is for the good of the people. If inciting rebellion was indeed her aim by showing this to the public, then she not only displays this idealism, but also a great deal of faith in the people of Gaia itself. And I for one am both humbled and grateful to see that her faith was well placed. ::The footage paused as the Count placed his hand over his eyes and shook his head. His shoulders shook slightly with a light chuckle, but soon his whole body trembled with a boisterous laugh that seemed to shake the throne room:: Oh what a show! What a move! What a most masterful play! Using the voice of the people to get your point across! ::He laughed again as if to roar approval:: NOW YOU ARE WORTHY TO BE CALLED MY OPPONENT IOLE BLAKENEY! ::He turned to his subordinates:: Shizuka, Kamikaze, pray tell what did you make of that?
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Post by Nu on Dec 23, 2011 1:03:34 GMT -5
Kamikaze: Shows we should never underestimate them. Warriors like the heroes are more dangerous in groups than they are alone.
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Sigismund
Experienced Novice
My kingdom of Doma is very quiet now.
Posts: 92
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Post by Sigismund on Dec 23, 2011 1:09:56 GMT -5
::Shizuka's voice whispered from beneath her Noh mask::
Shizuka: I believe the ringleader poses the largest threat to our plans. Plainly speaking my Lord, she's gaining too much support. I don't like it.
::The Count chuckled again. It had been a long time since they had seen this level of enthusiasm in their master::
Quite right Shizuka. We can't let our little princess take all the glory. If anything she's taught us that we've become too complacent! The people in the Southern Continent are rebelling are they not? Let us lend them our support! Assemble the forces at once!
Shizuka: Forgive me my Lord, but... have you gone mad?
If I have it's simply the best thing to ever happen to me. I've been inspired! This fire, this passion! I haven't felt this alive, this anxious for battle and glory since... Yes. Since my battle with the Demon Witch and the Timeless Knight. That's what has been missing! The Doctor and the Sorceress, nothing more than an arrogant school boy lording his brains over his peers with useless old books and a pasty little girl playing theater with her marionettes next to those two. No that pair were my greatest, and almost my final opponents. Hearing her dead and he still missing in action I must have lost hope to ever come across a worthy challenge again. But now this young dark horse I dare say may be as cunning and tenacious as her mother before her. And I will roast in the lowest hell of Shin's Underworld before I let a challenge like this pass me by.
::The footage on the screen had started playing again, starting from the beginning, displaying a tall muscular man with red plated scales covering his body::
Stefan: Here me Imperial dogs! I am the Blood Red Knight of Doma! Her Champion and her protector! And you will pay for your crimes against the weak!
::The Count pointed to the projection::
There see. My boy has the right idea. Kamikaze, assemble the forces. Shizuka, prepare the ships. We ride to glory! Let the Empire taste the power of the Burning Red Hand of Doma!
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Post by Nu on Dec 23, 2011 1:24:07 GMT -5
Kamikaze: As you command mi'lord. ::He turns and hurries out of the room to relay the order.::
At least now we don't have to deal with Mr. Krasnow anymore. Though knowing them, his date with Shin hasn't been scheduled yet.
Kamikaze: Attention everyone who can fight. Report to the armory for equipment then to the airship docks. We have been given orders to assist the people of Maranda in rising against the Empire. Victory and glory to Doma and Lord Sigimund.
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Sigismund
Experienced Novice
My kingdom of Doma is very quiet now.
Posts: 92
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Post by Sigismund on Jan 29, 2012 1:17:37 GMT -5
::Following the Major battles on the Northern Continent:: ::In the War Chamber of Doma castle a round table was positioned in its center while its walls were adorned with maps of the six worlds, weapons of all manner; swords, axes, halberds, lances, spears, even more exotic ones like katanas, tantos, shurikens, kunais, sais, and the like. The room recounted history of Doma's long and illustrious history of not only existing, but surviving and triumphing as a kingdom of warriors. On the table was a map of the sixth world, dotted all over with steel figurines of knights to display the Count's various forces spread across the Northern continent. Gathered around the table in council with the Count were his new allies from Lindblum and Alexandria. All except Alicia Strauss seemed present at the moment. Standing at his side as always was his trusted advisor and servant Shizuka. Her billowing black robe hung from her arm like a shadow as she waved her black gloved hand over the map. Even muffled from behind her wooden mask, her voice was quick and concise as the edge of a dagger:: Shizuka: At this point, the Imperial forces in the Northern Continent have been all but eradicated. Casualties on our side remained at a minimum thanks to the civilian support we received. They've pulled back to the Southern Continent where the bulk of their forces are still at odds with the regime of Lord Leon, the Black Knight of Thamasa. While his position towards us remains uncertain, it cannot be denied that his blockade against their push north has been advantageous to us. However, his forces can only hold out for so long now that they're gathering their full might for a push forward. ::The Count sat forward:: That is where you come in. While negotiations between myself and the Black Knight have been all but empty, it might not be unreasonable for him to accept aid from an outside force. Should you give him aid and end the stalemate with the Empire, he may be more willing to listen to our proposition. For this I would request that Sorceress Melanie be our ambassador and field commander on the Tzen front. ::Melanie who had been taking in the whole meeting slouched in her chair with a bored expression bolted upright:: Melanie: What? Me? Who better. Shizuka, the intel you and your subordinates gathered. ::Shizuka produced a furled scroll from her robe and unfurled it on the table, letting it roll from where she stood all the way to Melanie's place at the table. It appeared to be a surveillance log of the regime:: Shizuka: The Mage Knights of Thamasa who are under the banner of Lord Leon are the second generation. The original Mage Knights were a secret society of outcast mages who avoided contact with the outside world so as not to be exploited for their magic. They gained sovereignty in the first great war with the Empire, however during the Sands War their fears were realized as the settlement was conquered by the Empire. Imperial Forces remained there even after the war ended. Any within Thamasa who displayed magical talent were either killed for rebellion, exploited for labor, conscripted into the Imperial Army, or in most cases experimented on. As such the only Mages living in Thamasa at that time were those who were too young to be of any use in the army. However, two years ago a man came from the south calling himself Lord Leon who has since come to be known as The Black Knight of Thamasa; a man who seemed familiar with the tactics of the Empire and how to exploit their weaknesses. Taking charge of the young men and women with magical talent he formed an underground resistance, training them as ruthless soldiers. Their cruel treatment at the Empire's hands has made them its enemies for life. In a single night they leveled the Imperial occupation. When the Empire began its march north from Vector, Lord Leon and his Mage Knights were the first to respond, clearing out the Empire's troops in Tzen and erecting a stronghold there where they've remained ever since. ::Melanie listened to the recounting of the Mage Knight's history. The whole thing sounded reminiscent to her, sparking old memories of her former life. That feeling of rebellion, camaraderie, of fighting against injustice was still fresh in her memory of her time in The Coven. The Count eyed her with a mix of amusement and something else she couldn't quite identify:: You see now Sorceress Melanie, it has to be you. This is a group of society's outcasts, maltreated and scorned for who they are and what they can do, not unlike the Sorceresses of the Eighth World. Not everyone believes the Coven was a terrorist organization. In fact where some say terrorism, the majority of the Sixth world says freedom fighters. With you at the head of our forces in Tzen, those young knights will have someone in our ranks at once with whom they can identify. And your experience in magical combat and warfare would not go amiss either. ::Agreeing with the Count, but still feeling somewhat unsure, Melanie's eyes flickered a meaningful glance in "Eric's" direction::
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Post by Nu on Jan 30, 2012 3:25:26 GMT -5
::His eyes told her to go along for now. But the silence of the room is shattered by a ringing sound. Eric looks down and has the decency to look sheepish as the ringing was coming from his PHS::
"Terribly sorry about that. Thought I put the blasted thing on vibrate."
::He checks the ID and Sigimund sees his eyes widen before opening and looking at the content::
"Seems we know where they are." he said, everyone knowing who they were. "The Blackjack was sighted entering a restricted zone. What's puzzling to me is, why would they go to a god forsaken place like Burmecia?"
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Post by Book of the Twilight on Jan 30, 2012 16:07:08 GMT -5
::Meanwhile in the private chambers of the castle, there was a reason Astaroth had not attended the council::
Astaroth: WHAT?!
::Back in her true form, she stared with wide amber eyes at the blond girl in front of her who folded her arms defiantly::
Yami: You heard me. I'm choosing to stay here and serve Lord Sigismund instead.
Astaroth: But you can't!
Yami: Why not? Kamikaze did it. So why can't I?
Astaroth: Because.... because you just can't!
Yami: Sissy, I'm sixteen now... I think. I believe I'm old enough to make my own decisions.
Astaroth: But--but--but...
::Astaroth couldn't believe what was happening. Not just that she was announcing resignation, but about how calm she was about the whole thing. Normally when Yami had wanted something in the past she'd thrown a tantrum, shouting, flailing her arms, holding her breath until she passed out, but now she was holding her own in an argument with her as collected and calm as a full grown woman. It was Astaroth who was losing her cool. The Demoness took a deep breath to calm herself::
Astaroth: I was under the impression you were happy with us.
::Yami stiffened. She hated it when her big sister tried to guilt trip her::
Yami: I was... I am. But Sissy I'm growing up. I'm stifled there.
Astaroth: What do you mean? Is it your Father?
Yami: I do love Father, but let's be honest. The only reason he even created me was so I could kill Iole, who if it weren't for the DNA in me I might actually like.
Astaroth: That's not true... You can't possibly like that thing she's... she's...
::She was struggling to find exactly how she felt about Iole. She'd hated the girl with a burning passion beyond a Demon's conventional disposition to hatred for awhile now. But... why again? Because Yami had been so set on fighting her, a battle that would likely kill her. But if Yami no longer had that desire to kill her, what did she have to fear?::
Astaroth: Look I can talk to your father.
Yami: It's not just that. Lately everyone's been keeping me under tight watch. It's like they're controlling my every move.
Astaroth: I can change that. I promise you'll--
Yami: Ha! You are the worst offender Sissy!
::It felt like a blow to the stomach that Astaroth wasn't ready for::
Astaroth: How can you say that? I've only been trying to protect you!
Yami: I don't need protecting Sissy. I'm growing up. I need room to make some mistakes. To learn some new things. I can't do that if you don't even trust me enough to pick myself back up after I fall.
Astaroth: I do trust you sweetie.
Yami: Prove it...
::The girl narrowed her eyes at her big sister::
Yami: The controller. The one for the fail-safe Father had implanted into me. Give it to me.
Astaroth: I... I....
::She wavered on indecision a second too long for Yami who sighed::
Yami: That's what I thought.
::She shoved past Astaroth and threw the door to her quarters open where she found Aizen waiting for her::
Yami: Come on Aizen. We need to talk.
::Astaroth remained where she was. She wanted to scream, to throw her fists against something, to fly out her window and kill something with her bare claws. Yes she remained frozen and unmoving as a glacier::
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Post by Nu on Jan 30, 2012 19:03:31 GMT -5
::A hand landing on her shoulders snaps Astaroth out of her thoughts. She looks and sees its Kamikaze::
Kamikaze: I take it Yami told you of her desire to remain here. Astaroth, you knew this day would eventually come. As much as you wanted her to remain that same little girl, time must move on.
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Post by Book of the Twilight on Jan 31, 2012 3:43:42 GMT -5
Astaroth: I don't like it. That Master of yours is... is... well he's a bad influence on her, that's what! This never would have happened if he hadn't started giving her ideas.
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Post by Nu on Jan 31, 2012 3:56:07 GMT -5
::He went silent after she spoke, trying to choose his words carefully, lest he gets torn apart by the angry demoness.::
Kamikaze: Spoken like a true sister. Just give her some time to have her think things through. Who knows, she might change her mind after seeing what Lord Sigimund's true nature is like.
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Post by Book of the Twilight on Jan 31, 2012 4:01:57 GMT -5
::He caught her blue ears twitch. He had peaked her interest::
Astaroth: True nature?
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Post by Nu on Jan 31, 2012 4:09:24 GMT -5
Kamikaze: Think back when you first met him. I saw how you reacted when you felt his power. You body indicated you felt he wasn't an ordinary human. though I will not tell you what he is, I will give you a hint. what creature in Gaea is said to dangerous, if not powerful.
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Post by Book of the Twilight on Jan 31, 2012 4:12:01 GMT -5
::Astaroth whirled, claws extended, holding them just below his chin. He caught her by the wrist holding it steady, but he could feel the rage making her tremble::
Astaroth: You have caught me on a very bad day Kamikaze. Why are you here? Why are you telling me all this?
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Post by Nu on Jan 31, 2012 4:21:03 GMT -5
Kamikaze: I overheard your conversation with Yami, and thought you needed someone to talk to. But, seeing as you're not in a listening mood, I'll take my leave before you decide to turn all your rage on me. But know this, I will not allow her to come to any harm.
::But he felt a part of himself involuntarily cringe when he said that. He let go of her hand::
Kamikaze: But if you ever feel the need to talk to someone, seek me out. And if you're still angry, feel free to use the grounds to work out that anger, but do try not to let the others catch you in your demon form during that.
::He then vanishes from her sight, much like his name indicates::
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Post by Book of the Twilight on Jan 31, 2012 4:24:14 GMT -5
Astaroth: Wait! ::But he was already gone. With him away she felt more comfortable to voice what she would have otherwise been to prideful to ask:: Astaroth: You promise you'll keep her safe? ::As Kamikaze thought about it, a face not unlike Yami's floated almost guiltily into his mind:: ::Nicole sat on the window-sill of her small chamber in the quarters where the trainees slept with her knees drawn up to her chest, watching the night sky drearily. She seemed unable to sleep::(OOC: Okay for story purposes, just imagine the ribbon in her hair is black)
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Post by Nu on Feb 9, 2012 5:04:49 GMT -5
::She felt a hand lay on her shoulder that made her jump slightly, but her training made she didn't make a sound while startled. She looked and saw it was her sensei. He spoke in a hushed voice, as not to wake the others.::
Kamikaze: Something on your mind my little Nyx? You know you need your rest.
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Post by Book of the Twilight on Feb 10, 2012 0:27:58 GMT -5
::Nyx kept her eyes distant, reaching for the moon that filled her window::
Nothing. I'm just thinking about how the experiment went today. Shizuka Sensei didn't seem pleased.
::She spoke in a very subdued tone. Fear was not something she liked to admit to her sensei. She worried it would make him ashamed of her. Especially her growing anxiety toward his Sensei and their Master::
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Post by Nu on Feb 10, 2012 1:08:01 GMT -5
::He remembered the day's events as well. They finally discovered the spell Sigimund had been looking for. But they ran into some complications after reading it. Seems Shizuka couldn't cast the spell, and she was the best they had at that sort of thing. Upon further examination, they found only a sorceress could cast the spell. But the spell came with a warning. However, whatever the warning was, the parchment the spell was on had started to fade, causing it to be lost to time. They decided to have Nicole test the spell on a lab rat and a cloned body of the rat as she was the only sorceress. The result was a success, the clone body became animated. She was observed to see if there was any negative side effects, but saw none. Kamikaze couldn't help but notice the look of contempt Shizuka gave her as she cast the spell.::
Kamikaze: She's been through alot today, learning the only way she wanted to help was denied to her. But that's not it is it? Nyx, whatever you're feeling tell me. I will not judge you.""
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Post by Book of the Twilight on Feb 10, 2012 1:14:39 GMT -5
::Nyx could no longer hide her trembling shoulders from him::
Nyx: Sensei, why does Lord Sigismund want me to use my powers for this?
::She looked to him for the first time since he'd entered. He wondered if he were imagining things, but it seemed to him that her hair was a shade lighter today than it had been, her blue-green eyes a shade darker::
Nyx: I felt the rat's soul in my hand. It felt wrong. I felt wrong. But it was only a rat. What about when the time comes that Lord Sigismund wants me to do it on a person? A human being's soul!
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Post by Nu on Feb 10, 2012 1:33:39 GMT -5
::He suddenly snapped out of his memory. Realizing he was now in his quarters, but not remembering how he got there in the first place.::
Kamikaze: Where did that come from?
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