RoA News

[Isaac17]

The Royal Family of Raizuha resides at this palace. The palace isn't as large as some of the other castles and palaces throughout Thaeyuran, but it is still a grand structure.

It has two floors, and is structured based on Chinese architecture (although not nearly as large as the real-life palaces). It is consisted of several main buildings and smaller pavilions, as opposed to being a single structure. A courtyard rests in the center.

It's yellow roof and red paint can be seen from quite a distance. The palace overlooks the city of Raizuha from a hill to the north. The mountains to the north act as a natural boundary, protecting it from potential sea invaders.

OOC: I will provide a layout map soon.

[From Raizuha - Town Square]

Mizuhebi flew towards the palace. She needed to inform the Emperor that he would be having a very peculiar guest shortly... A soon as she was spotted, guards darted about the palace. The Emperor was being informed...

Mizuhebi landed near the front gate. Several guards approached.

"Please, I must speak with His Majesty briefly," she told them.

"He's being informed as we speak," one of the guards replied. "Please wait a moment."

[Revamp]

[From Raizuha - Town Square]

It seemed he had entered by the West gate, rather than the main one, as there appeared to be some commotion going on near the main gate. He walked that way, as he had no better directions, and molded his hat into a helmet when no one was looking so that he would match the other guards. There he saw the Serpent, Mizuhebi, standing infront of the palace as though it was her own. The people rejoiced at her sight and seemed to fear her as much as they would a toddler, as though they had only respect (rather than reproach) for the friendly monster. This is exactly the sort of thing I'm working to achieve thought Perry as he watched her, monster and man being treated as equal, rather than as objects of hate. Its a nice thing. That thought in his head he allowed a smile upon his temporary face, and so he waited patiently to see how they'd react when whatever or whoever they were waiting on appeared.

[Isaac17]

OOC: She's not being led into the palace. She's just outside the gate. I guess it's my fault for not specifying clearly.

[Revamp]

OOC: Sorry, i assumed they would invite her in. I'll fix it.

[Isaac17]

Word of Mizuhebi's arrival quickly spread through the palace. The dragon stepped back several paces when the doors opened once more. A man in an elaborate red and gold robe stepped past the samurai guards. He was accompanied by two other guards, each brandishing a spear. His black hair hung down in a small ponytail down the back of his head. A Fu Manchu rested on his face.

"Emperor Raizen," Mizuhebi greeted. She bowed her head as low as she could in respect.

"Mizuhebi," the emperor greeted. "What brings you to the palace this evening?"

"Well... I needed to tell you that an emissary from Harlequin Isle is here. He will be arriving shortly to discuss the... incident..."

"I see..." Emperor Raizen said with a frown. "Very well... Thank you for the news."

[Revamp]

As the emperor appeared through the gates Perry made his way to the front of the crowd, standing in the front row so he could make his entrance more dramatically. He had a penchant for the dramatic, but it was rare he got such a great opportunity as this to do so. That said, he listened carefully to them as they spoke and watched the emperor and his guards, reading their expressions as best he could and trying to get a hold on what type of person this man might be. When the two of them finished their discourse Perry spoke up, stepping into the center with them and drawing the eye of the crowd.

"Arriving? Why I'm already here!" He said as he pulled his hat away revealing his mask which was hidden under the shadows of the helmet. Then, touching the mirror inside his clothing, his appearance altered back to its original state complete with his long cloak which unfurled from nowhere with great flourish. "Allow me to introduce myself!" he said with a bow, his hat in his left hand as he bowed deeply and respectfully to the Emperor. "My name is Baron Percival H. Arichino, Leader of the Harlequin Isle. I have come personally to settle this matter between us in as civilized and expedient a matter as possible." With that said he pulled himself up straight and placed his hat back on his head, the shape reverting as it plopped on top from a helmet into a tall top hat.

[Isaac17]

Several of the guards raised their spears towards the mysterious individual. Instinctively, they had risen their weapons out of fear. Both Mizuhebi and the emperor were caught off guard by Percival's timely arrival, and more so by his ability to change form. Raizen raised his hand towards his guards, signaling them to lower their weapons.

"He appears to be a doppelganger," he told them. "It's only natural that Harlequin Isle's baron have such powers."

Mizuhebi simply frowned at the entire scene. She knew Percival had the scent of a monster, but she didn't expect him to be of that caliber. However, she remained quiet. Emperor Raizen spoke once more.

"It is my wish also that we settle this matter peacefully," he said.

[Revamp]

"Oh good, because that is my wish as well. I'd rather we could do this peacefully than have to go through the long drawn out process we have been. The lesser politicians that handle minor affairs thought they could handle this but obviously they are just as incapable of good judgment as I originally deemed them to be. Of course, that may be just what is to be expected by letting goblins run the diplomatic portion of the government." With this bit of levity he swapped the smiling mask he was wearing with one that was serious in a quick flash of movement, fast enough that none would see his appearance unless they were of far superior eye sight.

"That aside, I do believe the matter itself is rather superfluous. A ship sinking because someone crashed into a bathing golem... It's more an accident than an incident, yet it has caused quite a bit of tension none-the-less." Saying this he put his right hand to the side of his head, bracing it by putting his left hand under the elbow and leaning to the right a bit. "As such I wonder if we could simply forget the matter all together? Restitution doesn't seem to be in order, as no goods were lost as the ship had already been emptied. And of course there is no need for retribution considering none of the sailors aboard the ship died. In fact, all that seems to be of issue is the loss of the ship itself, and to our investigation of the wreckage it seems normal enough."

[Isaac17]

Mizuhebi blinked. She thought she knew enough about the situation to say that the inhabitants of Harlequin Isle had been at fault. However, now that she knew that no one was hurt, the incident seemed laughably absurd.

"Hrrm..." Emperor Raizen said while rubbing his brow. "Raizuhian sailors are rather... proud. They won't forget the incident personally, but it's their fault, I suppose, for not noticing what they were about to crash into..." he paused for a second before looking back at Percival. "Consider the issue settled, then. I will publicly announce that Raizuha will not pursue any course of action against Harlequin Isle."

[Revamp]

Perry switched quickly back to the joyful mask at his reply, stating with an upward inflection: "Oh good, i was hoping things would go this well!" That stated he pulled the sword that was on his hip, a remainder from his transformation into the guard, and placed his hand on the sheath of it. Then, sliding down the sheath, it changed back into a cane rather than drawing the sword. Cane now in hand he leaned on it and watched the guards out of the corner of his mask, making sure they hadn't tried to draw on him for his trick. It did have some flare to it, but it was merely meant as a parlor trick rather than an affront. Still, he knew it could be taken as such and made a note to be more weary of his actions. "Well then, I suppose I'll make my way back to the Island now if this matter is fully settled. I will do my best to have a ship sent here as compensation for the one that was sunk in our harbor as soon as I get back, so be expecting it within a month or two.

[Isaac17]

The guards flinched upon seeing the sword, but began to relax again when Percival transformed it back into a cane. One of the guards couldn't help but grin at the scene before quickly reverting to his serious composure.

"Very well," Emperor Raizen replied. "Hopefully, nothing more drastic will happen."

[Revamp]

"Hopefully. Now then, I suppose I'll stay the night in town if you don't mind and then I'll be on my way to the isle again in the morning." Said Perry, taking his cane in hand and turning toward the gate. After a half step forward though, he turned back and looked at the emperor again, an air of befuddlement to his movements. "Which reminds me. Do you happen to have anyone who is able to operate the teleportation circle on that isle just out there in the harbor? Thats how I arrived here, but it would seem its not manned anymore. With out a circle to use it might take me months to get home."

[Isaac17]

"Hmm?" Raizen uttered as he looked off towards the harbor. It was a decent trek from the harbor to the main city, but from the palace's vantage point, it was still visible.

"That's strange... I don't remember a Teleport Circle out there," he said.

"It's technically part of the Ylya Archipelago," Mizuhebi stated. "I think I remember some sorcerers conducting a teleport circle test there when they first installed it. They teleported from the isle to Raizuha to see if the incantation worked. It must have been left over from the testing... Or intentionally left there as a one way transport. That seems unlikely though."

"Hmm... A careless error on the mages' parts," the emperor said with a frown. "Raizuha's actual Teleport Circle is in the city itself. It's located in the trade district."

[Revamp]

Upon hearing this Perry frowned within, his voice betraying that he was now less happy than the mask displayed. "It seems that the portal master at the Isle played a cruel trick on me then. I asked the dragon that man's our portal to send me to the closest portal to Raizuha. It seems she decided to take that entirely literally and sent me to the closest portal to Raizuha, rather than the portal in Raizuha. Oh well, I'll have to deal with it when I get home. For now though I suppose I'll head on back, rather than spending the night. The knowledge of this has rather affected my mood." With that he switched his mask again, this time to a frown, and turned and made his way toward the gate. As he walked away he stated "Thank you for your hospitality, and I'm sorry for being such a downer." Once done the light around him intensified and he vanished in the glare into the city streets, the light erupting from beneath the brim of his hat.

[To Raizuha - City Square]

[Isaac17]

"I don't have a good feeling about that," Mizuhebi said as Percival disappeared. Emperor Raizen sighed and turned back to face the palace. He took a few steps towards the door. Mizuhebi noticed this. "Your Majesty," she said. "Do you really think you should trust him?"

"Miss Mizuhebi, I'm surprised by this," he said while turning to face the sea dragon. "It's not like you to distrust someone so easily."

"He's from Harlequin Ilse. I know you've heard the stories about it," she reminded him.

"Anecdotes and rumors, no less," Raizen replied.

"But... He's a monster. He's a doppelganger. Who knows what secrets hide with his multiple forms."

"Are you not a dragon, Mizu?" Raizen retorted. "You are a monster as well."

"But..." Mizuhebi tried to respond. Raizen brought up a good point; Mizuhebi was being a hypocrite.

"Besides... You and I both know there are monsters we can trust..." and with that remark, Raizen disappeared back into the palace, followed by his guards. Mizuhebi sighed and flew into the air. She had no idea where to go to now... Perhaps back to the Ylya Archipelago...? Perhaps to her underwater dwelling...? There was something bothering her, but she couldn't place what it was... There was a tension in the air, as if something dreadful was beginning to unfold...

[Isaac17]

Mizuhebi flew off over the city of Raizuha...

[To Raizuha - Town Square]

[Isaac17]

[From Midori Field]

Mizuhebi once again approached the palace from the air. Her blue scales glinted beautifully in the moonlit sky. Her presence was clear. She landed close to the door, but did not approach just yet. There were guards on duty; two approached her.

"Lady Mizuhebi? Is something the matter?" one asked as he approached.

"If His Majesty is still awake, could you please inform him that there is a squad from Yamato Village approaching to discuss an urgent matter?"

"Emperor Raizen should still be awake," the guard replied. He turned to his fellow guard. "Please inform His Majesty at once!"

"Yes, Sir!" the guard said while running towards the entrance. The door was opened, and he ran inside....

[Isaac17]

Mizuhebi waited patiently. Her blue scales still glistened beautifully beneath the moon's rays. The dragon contemplated recent events as she waited. She stared up at the moon; her memories seemed to be almost projected onto its glistening, white surface.

First there was the ship wreck... Then the lone survivor... Then Percival, from Harlequin Isle... Then his disappearance... And again, more talk of demons... Strange things were beginning to happen as of late. She could feel the demonic presence begin to thicken over the world. What was going to happen? What disaster could be headed towards Raizuha and the Ylya Archipelago as they waited?

Footsteps caught her attention. Emperor Raizen once again appeared at the gate.

"What's this, Lady Mizuhebi?" he asked. "A group from Yamato Village?"

"Yes, Your Majesty," Mizuhebi replied. "They'll be here shortly."

[Megamanwiz]

[From Raizuha - Town Square]

Finally proceeding up the mountain where the palace lies and watches over the town, Kai spots the gates of the palace, as well as the sea serpent he spoke to outside right in front of it. Even though he is now away from the town, he still doesn't want to startle the guards or anyone else with his fast movement, so he slowly makes his way over to the gate.

A few moments later, he is merely several steps away from the gate, as he could see Mizuhebi, the samurai guard, and a man in a red and gold robe. He assumes that's the Emperor, as he have never meet or seen him personally. With enough thinking to himself, Kai finally decides to get even closer to the point where he is directly in front of the dragon and the Emperor before kneeling down and placing his right fist on the ground in front of him, bowing out of respect to show no hostility.

"...I apologize if you were resting, but are you Emperor Raizen?" The black garbed ninja asks. "I'm Kai Hayashi, a shinobi of Yamato Village. I am here under orders from Chief Osamu regarding a very urgent matter."

[Isaac17]

"Yes, I am he," he spoke frankly. "What's going on?" The emperor showed slight irritation, but also a level of concern. Yamato Village was a cross-continental ally. What could possibly be happening that needed his attention?

Mizuhebi listened in, although she stepped back a bit more to allow for more space. The dragon didn't want to intrude on ever matter. This was the emperor's matter, not hers, per se.

[Megamanwiz]

Kai stands from bowing. As there are no common citizen around, he feels as though an explanation of things out here would suffice without starting a panic.

"Very well, Your Majesty. I shall explain everything...It's regarding demons that are hiding in and out of Raizuha." Kai begins. "According to our secret shinobi squad, they fought off a few demons that were seen in this town earlier, but according to our chief, everything happened so fast that it was barely noticed by anyone here. There was also a minor skirmish outside of town. This means that these fiends are still in Raizuha...or the area around as we speak."

Kai pulls down the mask covering his mouth and nose as he begins to get deeper into the story. "The reason the chief sent me as a messenger is that Raizuha will most likely be in involved in something big...something that we of Yamato alone were supposed to handle. These demons...aren't the average fiends we all know of. These individuals have threatened our people for generations, attacking in well-organized groups and perfectly thought out strategies. You could say they are the opposite of our kind...Our sworn enemies, but of a completely different race..." Kai clenches his fist, not wanting to think about Akane while on such an important matter.

"As we should know by now how their deviousness works...they are most likely hiding out in the shadows of Raizuha, waiting for the right time to reek havoc upon your people...as this is also another bait attempt on our village, since surprisingly, they found out you are our only outside ally. I was sent to warn you, as the moment we show ourselves here, they begin to move. Two of my comrades I came with are scouting the town as we speak under disguises of common travelers, while I made my way here quickly without attracting much attention. I still believe they do not see any of us shinobi from our village as of yet, so this gives your forces the only chance to prepare yourselves...even in the night. These fiends do not have any heart and show no mercy. They'll strike when least expected."

After Kai finishes and loosens his fists from clenching them so tightly, he lets out a small, yet silent sigh before giving the Emperor directly eye contact. "I apologize deeply...I know this very sudden, but it's the only way I can describe the situation we all are in without confusing you as much. But I realized that the chief specifically entrusted me with this mission is mainly because I can use the shadows itself better than our enemies to attract less attention. Seeing as things are all right in town now, they must've not seen me..."

[Isaac17]

Emperor Raizen frowned and rubbed his chin anxiously. "Demons... Indeed, there have been rising numbers of demons around the world lately, it seems. I'm not entirely surprised by this. The mainland of Konad seems to be suffering the most at the moment. It seems to be spreading from the mainland areas to the smaller continents and islands."

Raizen paused for a moment. "Very well. Thank you for your warning. Please, continue your operation." Raizen paused again and looked towards a nearby tree. "Tenjou," he spoke. A man garbed in black descended from the tree. A metal headband was the only visible feature aside from his eyes.

"Yes, Lord Raizen," the hidden shinobi responded with a kneel.

"Inform the shinobi captain about the current situation. This squad is from our ally, Yamato Village, and is on a covert operation to quell a demon threat."

"Yes, my lord," the shinobi replied before vanishing in a blur.

Mizuhebi turned to the Yamato ninjas and spoke. "If there is any way I can help, please, let me know. As Raizuha's guardian, and the guardian of the nearby waters, it is my duty to protect it."

[Megamanwiz]

OOC: Actually, it's just Kai here for the moment.

---

Kai nods to the Emperor, also aware of the increased demonic activity all around. Although he has his doubts whether all these demon sightings are related to their own enemies.

Hearing Mizuhebi speak, Kai smiles before covering his mouth and nose with his mask. "That's much appreciated. Some times, these guys can summon much larger beings than themselves. If that does happen, it'll be extremely tough for our small squad to take it down alone."

Kai turns his back, but still talks before taking off. "Nevertheless, we don't know how many they are, so any help combat-wise is greatly appreciated. Anyway, farewell for now. I'll notify you all if something happens."

With that, Kai does a quick sprint away from the gate to where he came, continuing to dash through as fast as he could until he couldn't be seen anymore. Almost as if he vanished.

[Kai back to Raizuha - Town Square]

[Isaac17]

"I suppose I should wait around here, then," Mizuhebi said as she watched the shinobi dart back towards the city. Emperor Raizen's demeanor still seemed formal and cautious about the encounter.

"Demons, eh...?" he thought aloud. "Their rising numbers are an omen." There was a pause. The silence of the night created a tension between the dragon and the emperor.

"You know I am here for you and Raizuha," Mizuhebi told him.

"I know you are... Thank you, Mizuhebi." The emperor then turned and began to walk back into the palace. "I must retire for the night. I pray for the success of the squad from Yamato Village." He went back inside, and the guards returned to their posts. Mizuhebi nodded to them and walked further away from the palace. She curled herself underneath a tree near the gate. All she could do was wait around here until the group returned with news...

[Isaac17]

=====After First Time Skip=====

Mizuhebi blinked and yawned. The dragon winced as she stared up through the leaves of the cherry tree towards the sun. She grimaced; she had passed out and overslept! But what of the shinobi that had ventured into Raizuha to track the demons?! Mizuhebi was worried, but immediately forced herself into an upright posture and continued her vigil.

[Megamanwiz]

[From Raizuha - Town Square]

Kai does a blinding sprint up to the level of the palace until he becomes visible, causing him to stop for a moment and catch his breath. He had no choice but to run as quickly as he could...seeing as he had to avoid being spotted easily by his enemies. With the guards recognizing him from mark of Yamato on his uniform, they didn't block his way.

After regaining his stance, he finally proceeds frontward to the palace. He feels as though he can be a little at ease here, seeing as the demons wouldn't be foolish enough to try and hide near the palace, where security is most likely strict. But ignoring that for a while, he still keeps a cautious approach, eventually seeing the sea dragon under the cherry tree near the palace. Without no one else he's encountered lately around in plain sight, approaching the dragon would be the best course of action to get the news spread, getting closer until he reaches talking range.

"...I have returned. Please excuse my prolonged absence...I had to hide out for the rest of the night to look after my companions...but I've come to fill you and the Emperor in on an update of the situation."

[Isaac17]

Mizuhebi stared at the shinobi as he returned. He looked exhausted. Her eyes were fixated with concern. Her scales continued to glint under the specs of sunlight passing through the tree's leaves.

"What happened?" she asked with concern.

[Megamanwiz]

Kai nodded, now being able to speak properly without exhaustion in his tone.

"First off, my companions. When I left here last night, they were attacked by the demon shinobi I spoke off...they were hidden under disguises like my friends were. When I arrived, I helped them clear the area from any innocent bystanders...but as a result, one of my companions were severely injured while the other barely made it out with a few injures. I'm hoping that as soon as possible, both of them can be treated."

"Following that, this also means that the demons have truly shown themselves to being hidden inside and outside of town. I still can't figure out exactly what they are planning, but regardless, Raizuha is in extreme danger right now." Kai concluded his explanation.

He knew that from their usual tactics, they just don't come out that easily. Even if Raizuha were to take the offensive, the demons would try their best to avoid them at all costs...that's when he had a plan.

"...These fiends fight dirty, so going after them immediately will only cause problems later. So in order to give Raizuha a huge chance to attack them at full force..." Kai says. "I'll go in town and lure them out in the open once the news is spread around the palace and possibly have all the citizens to safety. Being their mortal enemies, killing any shinobi from Yamato takes top priority over anything for them than anything else."

[Isaac17]

Mizuhebi listened intently. Her eyes glistened with a sense of concern. The dragon's tail twitched. Things were happening so suddenly around here. A sinister air... It seemed to be thickening around Raizuha and the archipelago lately. And with the mysterious shipwreck that had occurred, she couldn't help but believe these were preludes before something much more threatening happened.

"I see. I will inform Lord Raizen as soon as possible. In the meantime, please, bring your injured comrade to me. I can treat his wounds."