Snippet #2389055

Omega - Poliferus & Sierra

“Sierra darling, good morning.” Poliferus said happily, his earlier feelings of annoyance, worry and whatever else seeming to melt away. The man gave the young lady a pleasant smile, relieved that she had arrived, but more so happy about her impeccable timing. The advisers could be so sour and thick-headed sometimes, he definitely would not want that rubbing off on her, and yet, despite whatever attitude they would grace upon the General, he found it always dispelled by the innocent, sweet demeanor of the girl he’d come to know as his own.

"I trust your meeting with the Lord and Queen went well? What news do you have of the assailants of last night?" she inquired.

Poliferus took his hand away and stepped back, allowing Sierra the not required but still deserved bow of respect he addressed everyone with. Standing tall again, he strode half past her and put one large hand gently behind her to guide her with him. “Please, follow me. We can discuss it on the way down to the Courtyard.”

--

“You slept well then?” Poliferus said finally, after they’d walked a good distance from the throne room and out of earshot of the self-concerned politicians. The only sounds now were that of the outside world coming in through the windows on their left, and the heavy footsteps of his guards that marched otherwise silently behind him. “It’s sometimes so difficult considering all that’s happening, but then again, with the King having hired so many other precautions alongside his Guardsmen, I suppose it can be achieved.”

Poliferus sighed deeply, a bit of worry troubling him again. “Alterez is so young… I fear that he may not know what to do, and that all this time around these pompous fools has tainted his mind. Be wary, being at such the age he was when he began, many things can be so.. influencial…” Poliferus spoke gently, a rare side seen by few. “As for the happenings of everything, they aren’t good. The mercenaries last night, confirmed by Phoenix himself on account of having worked alongside several, were indeed professionals… This is deeply concerning, as it means whoever is sponsoring Lady Dream has some sort of power, or at least money. Personally to me, they go hand in hand, but I won’t jump to conclusions.”

Poliferus stopped, turning down the hall and proceeding down a flight of steps. “Luckily we do have our own sources, and we’re just fortunate that they served true. I felt so ineasy having most of my men take the night off, but if they’d been there, they would’ve been killed alongside those few that were present.” The General was frowning now, considering this. Although he did care for the lives of his men, it wasn’t only because he was ensuring they weren’t killed. Having only a small platoon on standby, that meant that the only real threat was the mercenary Phoenix. He’d underestimated the man despite his renown reputation; a mistake he won’t make twice.

“Nevertheless," he continued, "we’re receiving reinforcements from Baron Vreakalks. I trust you remember him? I have to meet his men when they arrive, and then we have to ready the castle for the Royal Address.

Approaching a large balcony overlooking the North side of the Castle, Poliferus strode into the open, his gaze drifting down to the barracks below, stationed around a large field nearly overflowing with the King’s finest, training, moving in units, tending to equipment or armor, or simply lounging. Poliferus placed his hands on the edge of the delicately carved marble railing, his thumb tracing the purple painted fire. "I just hope Lord Alterez and Queen Violet are ready for this task…” he said after a short time.

A cool breeze tugged on the man’s cape that hung over both his shoulders, ruffling the Purple fabric while making the gold sparkle in the morning sun. Poliferus sighed resignedly again, then turned to Sierra. “Anyway, enough about all this… What sorts of things have you been up to? Heard you were on a mission as of late. How did that go?”


The Tavern -- Captain Rubber, Lady Dream, Star & Wolfe

Sergeant Antorak strode confidently down the street, followed closely by at least a dozen men. Armor-clad and battle-tested, they moved with a purpose through the thick throngs of people that governed the streets, vying for whatever baubles they wished to waste their money on. Ignoring entirely any and all social graces that an exalted member of the Royal Military was supposed to exude, the man pushed aside anyone that got in his way. Toppling a woman carrying fruits, or an elderly veteran who possessed far too many scars that would hinder his ability to move, Antorak remained indifferent. Cold green eyes scanned the area menacingly. The man was on a mission, and his target was directly ahead. With a short nod, his he and his men continued on, their armor and weapons clanking with each step, steel boots kicking up patches of dirt.

--

“Hey there buddy,” a man said suddenly. He’d been positioned near the back of the bar for some time now, but finally he felt as if he should make an appearance. Having grown tired of watching the Queen simply lounge around in public, no doubt at this very moment gathering people for her vanity cause, this man, being a self-respecting loyal citizen, knew that it was merely his civic duty to turn her and her subordinates in. Deciding that this man who had gone through so much trouble to put on a well played act was the more dangerous threat to be engaged, he allowed himself to take a seat next to him. “Name’s Gregora,” he said in a gruff voice as he looked up to the shaggy haired traitor.

While Gregora himself was a rather small, stocky man, he could handle himself just fine against whatever brute dared threaten his Kingdom. Already he’d sent word of this meeting with one of his men to fetch the guards, so now all he had to do was stall until they arrived. After that he could collect his pay, one hell of a bounty that could buy him and his accomplices’ drinks for a lifetime, and continue on his merry way as the man who captured the runaway Queen with family problems. He gave a toothless grin to the man. “So what brings you here today, kind gentleman?”

Gregora’s presence was enough to send those few wenches and barmaids which had accumulated around the man to scatter. His reputation wasn’t the best, but sometimes it helped. He looked to the older gentleman, holding up a half-drained pitcher. “If you’re trying to drown the sorrows of your recent losses against the Kingdom, this ain’t the place.” His gaze shifted back to the Queen, finding that another had joined the group. He shook his head disapprovingly, as if amused, then leaned forward and whispered almost maliciously, “It’s a crime to be in league with pirates, you know. It’s a crime to be against the kingdom.” A blade appeared in his hand as his smile widened. “Treacherous bastard.”

It was just then that the door to the tavern was thrown from its hinges. The kick came from two steel-plated Knights, and the force sent the large wooden object careening into the table directly in front of it. The occupants collapsed, cries suddenly emanating from most present. Bottles and glasses were spilled, but no matter how much people wanted to panic, the commanding voice which bellowed out a moment later ensured that didn’t happen.

“Alright, I hear there’s a little rat in town?” Antorak’s reputation was well known around the few blocks that he was tasked with patrolling and enforcing. Using pain as means of intimidation, he demanded not respect, but fear. His Purple cape, draped over one side of his decorative steel armor, marked him as not just authority, but a man who commanded the authority. The rank of sergeant was low, but it still meant that he had at his disposal a platoon of soldiers, and a plethora of weapons to employ. Of course, if the top brass was aware of what occurred below their noses, Antorak would no doubt have been thrown from his high horse. Unfortunately however, it takes only a few falsified reports and documents, as well as a great deal of inspired awe, to ensure that nobody need know about the dealings the man dabbles in.

Striding in, his eyes took a quick sweep of all present, his men forming up in a rough semi-circular formation behind him, shields raised, swords brandished. A smirk formed on his lips, visible only because officers rarely wore helmets. The Queen wasn’t at all difficult to spot, and so the man nodded, heaving a sigh of satisfaction. His content grew even more so as he recognized the infamous Captain Rubber. He'd surely get a promotion for this lovely catch.

“Everyone present that doesn’t align themselves rightfully at this very moment is under arrest, your renounced majesty.” The man spat the last word as if it were some rotten peace of mutton, speaking directly to Dream, then continued hideously. “Anyone dares try to run, they should ensure they be ready to spill themselves before the might of Purplexia.”

By now several people had regained themselves from the shock of the Sergeant's entrance. A few stood, facing the Queen with looks of disapproval or satisfaction, while others remained uncertain, sitting in their neutrality. Weapons were now appearing in the hands of many.

“Get ‘em," Antorak finally sneered.


Omega – Kota & Lucie

A knock came from the door of the little cottage known to belong to Lucie. Without waiting for an answer, the door was then thrown open, allowing for three men to enter. All were dressed in a simple chainmail shirt accompanied by a few steel plates, as well as a surcoat with the Crest of Purplexia on it, but none held position within the military. These men were simply the police force that monitored civilian matters, rather than diplomatic ones that would escalate to war. Perhaps it was because of their humble yet still respectable positions that kept them from being as easily tainted as those with the true power, or perhaps it was simply because they lived amongst the people they monitored. Whatever the case, they were willing to look past some petty things, but after enough complaints, they were required to take action.

A young man, well groomed, probably mid twenties took the stage, unfolding a piece of paper. “Lucie Mauvais, you have hereby been charged with crimes of theft amongst the citizens of Omega within the great land of Purplexia. You are from henceforth to be apprehended for said violations of the law, and are to be brought in for questioning and trial. If found guilty, the consequences include but are not restricted to monetary fees, servitude to those to whom the acts were committed, or a sentence for up to but not limited to, sixty days.”

The man looked down from the paper towards the young lady, but then stopped short as he became aware of the other presence in the room. Dropping his head almost immediately, and snapping his feet together while putting his arms against his sides, he gave a brisk bow to Kota.

Looking up, his face was flustered, embarrassed due to missing the presence of someone aligned personally to the Queen. “Apologies, Lady Kota. I did not see you there. Please, excuse the interruption, but by law we are to take young Lucie in for questioning.” The two other officers behind the man had stiffened as well, and now all looked expectantly to Kota. She had authority, and so they were to await her response before taking further action.


Omega – Alterez, Violet & Phoenix

Alterez adjusted the lapels on his decorative, sleeveless overcoat, brushing them down and plucking off a single piece of his long, brown hair. The man inspected it thoughtfully, then simply threw it aside. Admiring himself in the mirror for a moment, he disliked having the silent shadow Phoenix with him at all times, but knew it was a necessary precaution. The man was standing in the far corner, head down, but Alterez knew that he was present in every way possible. Turning now away from his reflection, the Lord of Purplexia sighed.

“Am I doing this right?” he asked to nobody in particular. “The late King, Violet’s father… He ruled with so much certainty and dignity… And my father knew the answers to anything he didn’t… Violet and I… Ugh..” The man sighed again, dropping his head. Of course Phoenix didn’t respond, he didn’t expect him to, but he still wished he had some input. He probably did, but then again, it wasn’t in the man’s job description to act as councilor.

Alterez bit his tongue, thinking, before finally he moved towards the great doors of the Royal Chambers and strode back into the throne room.

"What did the General say in the meeting?"

Queen Violent, whom he hadn’t even acknowledged her for he was too annoyed earlier, was sitting in her place at his side. The man was grateful, and watched as her own right hand dismissed herself in search of food, if he had heard correctly. Smiling at the woman, she never ceased to amaze him with her radiate beauty. The elegance she possessed, as well as her father’s strong will. Alterez took a moment to admire her, standing silently to one side before moving to take his seat by her side. He was lucky to have her, he knew, and one day he did plan to marry… But not yet. Things were far too troubling, and besides, they’d agreed on sharing the power if ever possible. It seemed the only way was to remain separate, as dictated by the laws of Purplexia. Maybe one day he’d change that. Yes, that would be lovely… Just another thing he could be known for, another way to better himself and gain complete acceptance. The man smiled, finally deciding to answer his beloved Violet’s earlier question. Leaning back in his cushioned throne, Alterez hated to break the all too welcomed silence of his throne room, but he wouldn’t leave his Queen without an answer.

“Poliferus is simply searching for a way to weed out all traitors and finally put a stop to this rebellion. It seems nobody has any surefire ways to do that… Always holes.” Alterez huffed, a hint of annoyance returning in his voice at simply the thought. “Anyway, he’s off doing his General thing, and the advisers are all off plotting some total domination plan in order to enforce stricter laws, and I’m here without any idea at all.. Supposed to address the people in an hour? Yeah, that’ll be lovely.”

Alterez fell silent for a moment, brooding. His temper was one of his flaws, and it had only gotten worse due to the stress of recent events. “Why is it worth my time anyway? Your sister, without offense, renounced herself. She’s not worth the color she wears. If we could just crush this damned thing now without a problem, I’d love that… It’s just too tedious.” Sighing, the man dropped his face into his palms again, leaning forward in his chair.

“Our dads would know what to do… Hell, I may just let them enact these new laws. Only option that’s actually presented itself! If she weren’t royalty it would just be dismissed like everything else. We’ve had rebellions, but they were all just common rabble, not worth our time. Give the problem to the nearest Baron and his forces, and boom, done…” Alterez was rubbing his temples, growing more and more aggravated the more he thought and talked about it. “Whatever happened between you two anyway? I don’t remember that much fighting amongst you guys, and we all practically grew up together. When did all this happen?”

Looking to his Queen now, Alterez waited expectantly. It was true, despite all the time he’d spent watching them trying to get one of them to notice him, he’d never seen them fight. Albeit he was probably too worried about making himself look good to notice any real bickering about who would be heir, but he surely would’ve noticed the two most beautiful girls he’d ever seen clawing at each other for the throne. Heck, if he had, he could’ve stepped in and given compromise. He was almost literally trained to do that… Alterez tilted his head now, waiting patiently.