Princess Zari Leo's Story

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Declarations of war. The thing many rulers fear, while others embrace it with a fire burning deep within their soul. Now that the Cosmos and all those who reside in it are under the threat of war, the two major sides have chosen to meet within one of their allied kingdoms. For the King, it was the Princess of Virgo who would host, while the Queen the Princess of Capricorn. 

As for all those declared ‘neutral,’ many have highly advised them to consider a side; to at least look at those who are potentially arming against them - and consider those who are primarily around them. For while many prepare to depart, those who have not chosen to align themselves with a side still must choose if they need to call a meeting among themselves.

Once the war begins, no one will be safe. But for now, we turn to our stars that shine brightly in the skies of spring.

Thanks to Verix for helping out with the first post!

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It was early morning in the city if Verasey, a city where forges burned all day long as the sound of hammer hitting the metal was echoed all over the city. It wasn't a surprise that many people had gathered to observe the work of blacksmiths, the forges were a great source of warmth in the cold, harsh environment of the mountains. Among the alleys you could see children playing as their mothers watched from nearby, chatting amongst themselves in the process. From an outsider's perspective, there was more unusual aspects to the city; Besides from blacksmiths and traders, the men were mainly soldiers. For those knowing the history of the Leos it was nothing to be surprised of. In fact most of the mothers had once wore the armour themselves along with the children. The people of Leos were mercenaries and, despite their gender, every child had to go through military training. Verasey was the only city in the whole kingdom, in which you could find several training camps scattered across the Kingdom of Leos.

In the northern part of the city located a sturdy stone castle, inside of it a small room filled with bookshelves containing books of many origins. The dust danced in the air as the morning sun shone through from the only window in the room, leaving a small patch of light on the central desk with a large Claymore left leaning against the side. Upon this desk sat piles of papers waiting to be signed by the Princess of Leo. However these papers were forced to wait as on the desk sat three letters that were of more importance. Sitting on the chair behind that desk was the princess herself, Zari, dressed in her usual black leather armour. At first glance she definitely didn't look like a Princess, due to the fact that she was never supposed to become one. Since young age she was trained to be a warlord and that was shown in her everyday life.

The three letters all described applications to hire the mercenaries of Leo in the upcoming war between King Constellation and Queen Stars. As she had expected, there were letters from both the King and Queen but to her surprise there was a third one from Virgo as well. Before receiving these letters Zari had thought the further negotiations would have been easy but once she had the letters in her hand it was understood that this would be one of the most difficult choices in her life. It was a known fact that Zari was a risk taker and wasn't afraid of danger; however when it come to war that would affect on her whole Kingdom and it's people, Zari didn't want to make the wrong choice. And that was why she didn't just accept the highest offer right away. She was planning through this war, taking all aspects into consideration. Which Kingdoms were siding with King and which with Queen? Which Kingdoms were most of threat to her? Of course, she wasn't completely alone with this decision as within the castle walls many parties had discussed the matter with her. Griffen, her younger brother had been taught more about politics as he was predicted to be the next Prince of Leos. Then there was Cayden, Zari's right hand, counselor and one of the top three captains of the army. Finally, there existed a man Zari couldn't avoid having conversations with, despite sending him to visit other Kingdoms as often as possible for 'business' reasons. The man was Cashmere, her husband of ten years and in Zari's opinion as annoying as a kid.

Knowing all the parties were gathering to meet this same day, Zari was hoping to make the right decision. After days of thinking different choices and outcomes, while also talking about the matter, she finally had an idea on how to continue. Letting out a deep sigh, Zari stood, took the claymore, and left to find Cashmere. "I have new job for you. I'll go to Virgo and negotiate more with the King. You go pay a visit to the Queen. She's probably already arriving at Capricorn's castle so just go over the mountains on her side of the border. But just in case I'll send a letter to her informing you're coming." her tone was firm, one of a ruler who knew what she wanted and wouldn't accept any objection. She was always talking to him like that. Not caring if he was her husband or not.

With that said, she left to find Cayden and Sevi to come along with her as she would travel to King's meeting at Virgo's island. "Damn it, I hate water." she muttered to herself lighting up a small flame of fire on her finger.

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XXThe sun shined too brightly for such dark days befalling the Kingdom of Virgo. This world was such an odd place, for such a tiny princess. Even with such early years, far under her belt, Amalia knew there was still so much to learn. Everyday, every passing minute, there was something new, dangerous, involving her own kingdom, much less the business of an upcoming war. Had her mother been alive, perhaps they would of been able to claim that of neutrality, without the threat of the Kingdom's own growing uprising.

XXInstead of picking something that would of simply ceased the revolting, the Queen's side, for some reason however, Amalia had made it a point to pick that of the King. She had claimed far too many times it was to prevent destruction from that of Cancer, but somewhere deep down, the royal family knew the truth. They were counting on that revolt...

XX But you couldn't blame a girl for having second thoughts about her own choices... Especially with the events of misfortune a week ago, and once again last night. A week ago, the Princess of Virgo had successfully sent out the invitations to host the grand meeting in her own domain, her messengers swift and to the point of giving the notes early Sunday morning. However, once noted of the invitations safe arrival, the island of Tenebris had shook. And whatever shook the entire island had disturbed that of the large, terrible creatures within it - giant spiders, to put it lightly.

XXCrawling onto the destroyed bridge, they had no qualms with attacking the peaceful island of Flamma, soldiers being dispatched left and right in order to prevent the many towns that resides there, as well as the castle of the royals. By the time a larger number of militia got to the island, some of them had already begun attacking the castle. It left... quite the impression on many of the poor Virians. Luckily, they managed to... eliminate the spiders or turn them back to Tenebris within the course of the next two-three days. Next, simply came the tedious repair progress and assessing damages. But last night? Well, it was more traumatic in Amalia's eyes then a bunch of overweight spiders that once chased her and her hero around as a younger girl.

XXLast night, Fortitudo nearly had a prison break.


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THE NIGHT PRIOR

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XXPanic began to spread throughout the island of Flamma as a strange noise began to sound. A clap- stony in sound and almost as if rocks were stomping. An alarm from the stationed angelic statue, or rather, the nine that circled the island. Embedded with magic from the strongest Virian Princess, it almost seemed like they were some sort of advanced creature. They weren't of course, just a helpless golem or two, told to serve to be alarms.

XXAs a result, even the one in Aquarius seemed to begin to clap in slow sync, despite being all the way across the map of Cosmos.

XXThe island of Fortitudo was undergoing a prison break, soldiers dying and inmates screaming from inside the deadly mountainous prison. They hadn't found the exit yet, but serial killers and serial rapist - Stars knows what else - weren't stupid. Princess Virgo and her younger brother, the man technically in charge of military assaults were quickly escorted in the dead of night to the outer rim of the island, the set up base to learn how to trap and regain control from the outside in.

XX"Who the fuck do they think they are?" Giovanni swore, smashing his fist onto the tactical table. Gritting his teeth, he glanced softly at the tiny girl who rested her hand gently on his arm. "...You should go to the castle." He snapped, ripping his arm away in an attempt to act and seem tough. This was no place for a delicate, still learning Princess. That smile of hers just seemed to piss the younger, yet taller brother off. How was she always smiling with someone as stupid as him?

XX"...Perhaps... we should try using the participating members of the Rehabilitation project... Mother had started?" Amalia offered, to which a feminine hum replied. Aunt Aviana...

XX"That'd be a smart move, on the militia part, but... they'd be expecting that." Aviana stated, gently resting her hand under her chin as her other wrapped around her own waist. Her expression seemed serious, as if this truly was something to worry about. Amalia felt a chill run down her spine.

XXHer brother seemed to calm at the majestic women's arrival. "Then what do you propose we do, Lady Aviana?" He inquired, tying his hair back curtly. His face may of been tight, but it seemed like he already knew the answer before the women even spoke it up.

XX"Release the X-Unit, it'll give your men a chance to regroup, and they'll be taken off guard with drastic measures. The bitch made more anyway, didn't she?" Aviana replied, much to Amalia's cringe.

XXGiovanni nodded, despite the apparent bloodshed it would end up resulting in. The entire system was corrupt, but it seemed like this was just the cover for it all. They had guests arriving in the morning... but...

XXA fast forward through the night, a total of 20 inmates were killed, one of the X-Unit members were decimated and the head caved in, and over 25 soldiers were killed, and this number was not included the number of men wounded. Escaped inmates however? Only one.

XXThe rehabilitation group would be the ones who guarded the Princess more closely then ever, while the Unit-X members and sergeant of the guards would be escorting the royals as they arrives.


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THE PRESENT

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XXFeet dragging themselves out of bed, Amalia let out a loud sigh. Right. Time to actually get dressed and wait at the giant doors of the castle, a fake smile on her face as her sister and brother stood behind her, her... other aunt, lurking within the shadows. Of course, they had to dressformally for the occasional, Stars forbid they give their country a bed reputation. Trivial.

XX But trivial was just how this bloody kingdom worked. Standing in the doorway, Amalia sighed as she assumed that Sterling was still contently passed out in the guest bedroom made specifically just for him. Haah, what a lazy bum. But glancing around her, she leaned down to twist her high heels to properly fit her feet.


Show time, Amalia.