The Puppets And The puppeteers

Faye's story 

~~

The nightlife is quite lively in the kingdom of Tikata, bustling with the murmurs of countless conversations, musical instruments echo through the streets and bounce from wall to wall. Down on the docks at the many ports boats, ships and small canoes sail in and out, sailors shout and drink, waitresses around the many vendors entertain with song and dance. It is a lovely atmosphere that has an infectious sense of adventure and wonder. Through all the lights the stars are blotted out causing the sky to look more dark than in the wilderness, but the millions of inhabitants and travelers never seem to mind. The place is so lively that nearly not a single person notices the pure white lightning zipping through the sky. High up in the sky Kengi looks down on the gargantuan hive city and sighs. "Aahhh… I really hate this place. Way too many people in one area, honestly what the hell were Lilith and Alexious thinking building a damn cesspool like this?" He grumbles as he begins his rapid descent .

Pure white lightning surge's towards the docks and right as it's just two meters from the boardwalk it slows and dissipates, revealing Kengi as he nonchalantly walks down on white lightning that materializes as he steps. He strolls up to two highly on guard soldiers who shout. "Registrations, and Identification! Now!" He just laughs and says. "You boys should know this, but do you really think your dead end job is worth your life?" His words cold and sharp. "You know who i am. So call for my brother already." The soldier on the right draws his sword and shouts. "Is that a threat directed to the king!?" Kengi aggrievedly rubs the bridge of his nose with his pointer finger and thumb and says. "Are you dense? I just said call my brother, and then you draw your sword. What I am about to say is a warning to you. Just. You." He holds up his finger and speaks crassly. "When you draw your sword you need to be ready to die. My swords are not for show, they're for killing anyone I deem to be in my way. So I'll say this, take one step forward and both you and your little toy sword will be. In. My. Way."

the guard looks to his partner and back at Kengi. "Papers and Identification. Now, the Kengi we know is said to have yellow lightning. No one in history, not even him. Nobody has been able to reach that level!" He scoffs and his body fades away into white lightning, just to appear slightly behind the man with his sword in his right hand and his left on the mans face. "This is a lesson. Remember it well." Kengi's words are cold and devoid of emotion as the man begins to vibrate, jolt and spasm uncontrollably. "I am overloading your nervous system with just point one percent of my full power right now. That's more than enough for you to not function properly for a while, but if I crack that up to even five percent on your pansy ass. I'll cook your smooth brain." He removes his and and the guard drops to his knees and vomits. "You seriously puke from that? My niece is better than that. She's fucking nine years old." He then turns to the other guard who's visibly shaking and pats his shoulder.

he laughs sinisterly and says. "Hmhmhahaha! I'd suggest you go send word for my brother, unless you also need a demonstration. This is enough proof of identity for you, right?" The guard nods and rushes off, leaving Kengi with the spastic guard. Kengi walks over to the soldier, pats his back and says. "You stay there, I'm going to grab a drink. Just tell my brother I'll be in the tavern by the docks with the sailors." He strolls down the pier and into a lively little tavern by the water. Sailors wrestle and drink, waitresses sing and dance and the barkeeps laugh and joke with all who come in. Bards sing and play their many instruments as one sip after another each person drowns themselves in the ale they drink. He walks up to her bar and removes his oni mask, cataching the attention of more than a few women with his star quality picture perfect features. The rough and roundly barkeep, a tall muscular human man with a thick handlebar mustache and bushy muttonchops to match. 

His blonde hair slicked back and he wears a wide smile as he approaches Kengi. "What's a pretty boy like yerself doin here, huh?" He smiles and says. "I'm just here for some ale that doesn't taste like piss, you got anything like that here, ya meatball" the barkeep stares at Kengi with unwavering stone cold eyes. "Hey now, pretty boy. These muscles ain't just fer show." Kengi continues to smile as he reaches forward and nonchalantly twirls the man's mustache. "I don't know, meatball. The couldn't stop me from grabbing this handlebar on your lip." He smirks and says. "Unless you wanted me to? I guess that make you sweet fo men such as myself." The hulking mass of a man burst out into laughter and Kengi follows suit, confusing the entire tavern. "Aw, hell! Kengi you little asshole! You haven't changed one bit! Aahh!hahaha!!!" Kengi laughs and says. "I can say the same for you, butch! Twelve years and you're still keeping this place above the water, I'd expect nothing less from my favorite human." The man grabs him an ale and they begin to talk about the years they spent apart.

elsewhere inside the main castle the sounds of fighting and fists clashing rumbles through the knight training quart yard. In the training platform two knights square off with a shirtless Alexious standing in between them. His once long hair has been shaven down to a much shorter warrior's wolf tail. A high skin fade on the sides and back, leaving only the top luscious and full enough for a glorious top-knot. His Elvin tattoos glitter against the candlelit arena and his muscles ripple with every minute movement and flex as he shouts and commands the knights. "Slip Left, Kyion! Next time you should move appropriately so you can counter your opponent. Now! Again!"" He shouts at the smaller of the two knights. A young human man who looks no older than nineteen with peach fuzz on his chin and a clean shaven head. "Yeas Sir! I Will Not Fail you!" He shouts with deep respect in his voice.

Alexious steps out of the arena and waives his hand. "Match, Begin!" With those words the two men shuffle their feet and close the distance in a few seconds. They stare at one another and the larger one throws a right jab, the smaller slips left and quickly counter's with a stacked left uppercut into his ribs. "Hum!" The larger man staggers a bit creating an opportunity for a follow up attack. The smaller man shifts his weight to his right foot, twists and slingshot's a right hook straight into the right side of larger man's upper abdomen and follows through with a left straight and drives it through his nose, knocking him unconscious. "Just Like That! You got it, Kyion!" Alexious shouts gleefully as the other knights clap and applaud him in his victory. "Thank you, My King! I dedicate this victory and every one to come to you, My Queen and The Princess." Pride and joy fill his words as he bows his head. Alexious quickly walks over to him, pats his shoulder and smiles. "I've said this many times over the few months since I've returned. Outside of formal situations such as a ball, military banquet or festival. You all may call me by name, i was once your brother in arms after all."

the men all laughs and one of the older knights shouts. "You were and then you went a stole the queen's heart, pretty boy! How can we not respect the only one of us low born mutt's going up in the word, My King! Long Live Alexious Koan! The First Commoner King!"he turns to see a hulking old man with long white hair tied into a low ponytail and a thick white beard, his blue left eye and green right eye somehow make him stand out more than his massive two meter stature and muscles. Alexious laughs and the two embrace each other. " Blue-Green Rutherford! You've gotten old on me?" He laughs and says. "I'm just a human, and I'm already seventy nine this year. Unlike you elves we only have two century's at the most if we're lucky, but I could say that you look smaller then the last time my friend! Last i saw you, you had a whole foot over me! Hahah!" The two laugh and Alexious says in a playfully pleasant tone. "Well, you did age fairly well yourself. I hope i look as good as you at that age. I bet you're still a spring chicken too?!" They continue to laught and recount their early days as superior and subordinate when Alexious was a battalion commander of the Royal Knights Order.

all the knights watch and listen as the two recount stories from Rutherford's young days as a direct subordinate under Alexious. "There was a time when i was but little more than eighteen years old and our king here decided to train me personally, not because I was talented; but because i was a little rebellious." Alexious bursts into laughter and says, "aaahhh! Hahaha! Yeah, Rebellious? More like a complete rambunctious child with no regard for anything. I saw a kid running his mouth and picking fights, just like my brother. I obviously had to reign that squire in, but to my surprise the little spitfire had some talent in him! So i took him under my wing and that was that. Now Blue-Green Rutherford is all grown up." He smiles like a proud father as he ruffles the old man's hair and says. "He's a proud father! He's a strong and exemplary battalion commander himself and he even surpassed me and became a grandfather too! I for one as his mentor and King. Couldn't be any more proud of you than i am." 

Rutherford smiles with tears in his eyes and lovingly pats his solder and says. "God, i never thought I'd see the day when you didn't scold me. I am forever grateful to you." Alexious smiles and says. "Love you man. I really do." He turns and looks at all of the other knights circling around them with smiles and teary eyes and he smiles too. "I love you all! I know that we are not as close as Blue-Green over here, but I've spent some time training you all at this point. I love you all, this knight's order is my background and honestly it is my home. I know you all have personal goals and reasons for joining, but the fact that you joined means that you are all carrying the same weight i was. That makes us all brothers in arms. Now and forever." The men all begin to chant his name and cheer. "Long Live Alexious! The Commoner King!" They all laugh and loosen up with him as well. 

Clank! Clank Clank! Clank! The sound of armor clacking as a soldier sprints to the training grounds for the knights fills the halls of the castle. "Call For The Lord!" He shouts as he sprints up to two knights, who look at him confused. "Hey, soldier boy! Slow down, what's the emergency? Is there an attack or something?!" They question him, but the soldier can only shout. "He's Here! He's Here!" Over and over, annoying the knights. "Who is He? Tell us, so that we may inform the Lord with Proper Information." The soldier takes a minute to catch is breath and compose himself, before saying. "The Ronin. The Ronin Nighmare has landed down at the port docks. He says to 'call for my brother.'" The Knights look at each other and back at him in a hurry. "You idiot! Is he still there? Who'd you leave guarding him?" The soldier looks at his feet and says. "M-my partner… i left my partner." The Knights grab him and rush to the training grounds while scolding him. "How could you leave a mere soldier to guard the Brother of The King! You will take responsibility for any trouble that he causes!"

the knights and soldier rush out to the training ground only to be met with the sight of Alexious cheering, laughing and playfully wrestling with the Knights he was said to be training. "The king… sure is a special man." One of the knights says to the other and he nods. "Well. Even though he is our king he was once the same as them, so he may feel a sort of kinship with them. It's rather endearing honestly, i for one would rather a king like him than a tyrannical demon." They nod as they continue to walk forward. "My King! We have Urgent news that requires your presence immediately." Their words instantly create a tense atmosphere and Alexious breaks away from Rutherford and his subordinates. "What is the news that requires two of the Royal guard to abandon their scheduled posts? Are my wife and daughter okay?" He asks worriedly and the knights shove the soldier forward. He sheepishly looks up to Alexious who looks like a man carved of stone. A mountain he cannot see the peek of. "I-I came as fast as my legs could carry me… 'call for my brother.' Is what i was told by The Ronin Nightmare." 

Hearing his name causes Alexious to flinch as he says. "Kengi? My brother Kengi? Was he alone or was Elvina with him?" The soldier shakes his head and says. "He was alone, my king… i-I'm sorry. The child of Brannon and Alison was not with him. I'm sorry, we've been searching for her for four and a half months, but have found nothing. I am truly sorry. I will do better, i swear it!" The soldier bows deeply as he sincerely apologizes and Alexious sighs and lifts him to his feet, puts his hands on his shoulders, looks him in the eyes and speaks warmly. "This is not on you. It is on him, and i will deal with this personally. I do, however thank you for your apology and I accept it. Continue to do your job to the absolute best of your ability, be kind and compassionate to others. That is how you can heal the wounds in your heart, and I sincerely wish you the best young soldier." He turns and waives at the knights who smile and nod. "Go take care of business, my king! I'll handle the ruffians in your stead." Rutherford says proudly as he pounds his chest and Alexious smiles. "I wouldn't have it any other way. See you boys at the official debut party tomorrow evening. Until then take care Blue-Green."

He walks past the royal guards, confusing them so they shout. "Your Majesty! Where are you going?" He turns to them and smiles. "I'm headed down to Butcher's Tavern. He'll be there, on the water. Not the main docks." They look at each other and then back to him and the left guard asks. "You're going now? Without a shirt?" He nods and the right guard protests. "No, my lord. You must get yourself together first. You are the king, no subject shall look upon your pristine body." Alexious chuckles and says. "You mean my war torn, scar riddled body decorated with water Elvin tribal tattoos? I am a king, yes; but i am not a god. My body i just that of a mortal, nothing more nothing less. I do not wish for the people to revere me as a god, untutored, untouchable and bloodless. I am a man and i intend to let them see me as such." The guards look at him speechless and in complete disbelief at his words. "At lest wear a long sleeve tunic, my lord." The guard suggests. "To hide my tribal heritage? I don't think so. On our shores, in our villages. We all walk proudly, regardless of the garb, clothing or whatever. I will go there as i am. Let's go." He turns and begins to walk away and the guards disheartened bein to follow suit.

In the bar Kengi and Butch continue to laugh and drink. "Kengi ya o'l bastard! Yer still managin to out drink me, huh?" He slams down his mug of ale and burps loudly before smirking. "You know it! I'm Kengi Fucking Koan! I'm the fastest and best there is, even when it comes to out drinki'n your sorry ass, butch my boy!" They pound their fists on the bar and shout, "Slap contest!" Smack hands and ready themselves of a battle. "That's enough, Kengi! You know you and by husband can't keep doing that, he still has the whole night to bartend." A short and thick one and a half meter human woman says from behind the bar. She has long light brown hair, hazel eyes and fiery, yet attractive attitude to her. "Aww, Samantha it's okay. I won't knock him out I promise." Kengi says with a smile on his face and she barks back. "That's exactly what you said last time! And guess what, he was out for five hours! Five, Kengi!" He chuckles and scratches the back of his head. "Damn girl, my bad. I just can't help it. He's my favorite, lovely little human friend."

she just shakes her head and sarcastically says. "For a womanizing man like yourself, you sure are comfortable with my butchy. Don't tell he his charm has driven you mad with lust." Kengi and Butch look at each other and then back to her and burst out laughing. "AAHH! Hahahah! Absolutely adorable, you think that!" They shout simultaneously and grab each other's shoulders in a laughing fit. "Samantha, I'm just a completely comfortable guy just like my buddy. I might be awesome and absolutely stunning, but i sure as shit ain't sweet." He tilts his head for a second before saysing. "Though, I can't say that my niece is the same…" those at the bar who both heard his off handed comment and knew who he was spit out their drinks and all attention was on him. "The fuck's up with you people? I just said i think my niece doesn't like dudes." Samantha leaps up onto the bar and smacks him clean across the face, slightly surprising him that she actually did it. "Yo, what the fuck? I thought you people out this way were cool with that sort of thing?" Samantha scolds him. "We are, but you cannot make such statements about the Princess so openly you absolute mad man. Are you trying to cause me trouble in my bar?"

Kengi laughs and says. "Oh, shit! No, no. I'm talking about the other one, I don't know much about Faye. She stays with my brother anyway, plus the last time a saw her was over four months ago." Everyone at the bar shouts. "What? The other one? Elvina, the daughter of Brannon, the Anzu?" He nods and says. "Yup, that's the one… wait. How does everyone know her name?" Samantha and Butch both say. "The queen has been sending out search parties with posters and she's given her soldiers the direct order to bring her here once they find her. Directly to her." Well, well, well. Why look for her so hard, this is going to be much more interesting than I thought. Kengi thinks to himself with a grin on his face and Butch shakes his head. "You know where she is, don't you?" He leans in and whispers. "Yup. I've been personally training her since the incident on the island. I gotta say, little Queeny doesn't have the slightest chance of finding her anytime soon." Butch laughs and whispers. "You're an absolutely insane sonuva bitch. Ya know that?" Samantha sighs and says. "Well. Whatever, now what did you mean by that comment earlier? Are you sure, she's only eight this year right?"

he nods and says. "Nine now, but yeah. Anzu mature four times as fast as humans do mentally, and she's seen some dark shit in her day; I'd say she's more like twelve or fourteen mentally or so, she's one hell of a kid. She's incredibly capable and mature for her age, but fuck me if she's not weak to beautiful women. I mean it's hilarious how obvious she is!" The compatriots at the bar all look at one another and ask. "How obvious?" So Kengi chugs his ale, slams it down and says. "So this absolutely stunning woman was standing in front of us, okay. I mean drop dead, like the absolute best looking woman I've ever seen in my life and I've seen plenty in my day let me tell ya. Anyway I see her and i start doing my thing, right? Okay well my niece goes completely red in the face at the sight of her, I'm saying she literally couldn't speak. Like she was bewitched by her beauty, her hands were trembling and sweating. Her tail was twirling all playful and she avoided eye contact." Everyone nods and he continues.

"next thing i hear she's was by herself this time and she ran into another woman, one she found attractive right. Okay! What do you think she did?" Everyone shrugs and he smiles like a child completely proud of himself as he points to himself. "When i asked her about it she said she remembered how i talked to the other woman and noticed that she liked it, so she tried to do MY Thing!" Everyone's eyes go wide and after a few seconds they all nod and say. "Yup. Checks out." "She even tried it multiple times after that too!" Samantha just sighs and smacks him upside the head again. "Hey! What was that for?" She shakes her head and says. "You're telling me you're turning an eighth year Anzu who's mature enough to be a human teenager into you. A damn Womanizing, good for nothing Brawler!" He just nods and says. "I mean, yeah? I don't think she'll ever be like me though. She's not near smooth enough from what i heard." "And Just What. Did. You, hear brother?" The bards stop playing their instruments, the waitresses stop dancing and everyone present immediately kneels down to one knee and bows their heads, all except Kengi; who just smiles.

he gets up and turns around to see Alexious, shirtless, rippling muscles as he moves, intricate tattoo sleeves coving his arms from shoulders down to his hands. He nods and says. "Damn man! Looks like you really went hard at training, huh? Got new hand tattoos too, looks really nice on you man." Alexious holds up his hand and says. "Enough! No small talk, why are you here and where is Elvina?" He shrugs and smirks. "You want an answer to one or number two?" One of the twelve royal guardsmen who escorted him shouts. "Enough, with your insolence!" He just laughs and says. "Aww, little Lexi. This one looks like it's gonna bite, you got him. Or should i put this one. In. It's. Place." As if instantaneously pure white lightning wraps around the guards neck and shocks him unconscious, without Kengi even moving. "Aww, looks like he was all bark and no bite. How about the rest?" He smiles as he removes his cloak covering his sleeveless white and gold kimono top, revealing his arms to be covered from shoulder to wrists with equally intricate black and gold draconic runic tattoos, even the bit of his chest showing a runic tattoo that splits between his pectoral can be seen even if just barely visible.

he drapes his cloak over the bar next to his oni mask, turns back to Alexious and smiles. "You know, little Lexi. Unlike you I never stopped training. You came here all stripped down with so many guys. Did you want to have a little spar with your big brother for old times sake?" Alexious steps up to him just ten centimeters away from his face, scowls and says. "I. Came. To talk. I was training my men when i got word you had shown yourself into My kingdom unannounced. So I'll ask one more time. Why are you here alone without Elvina and where is she?" He just smiles and says. "Hey, now. No need to be so hostile, how about we move this party somewhere a bit less populated and I'll tell you where she is. In return I'll tell you I'm just here to visit you and see my dear little niece. I planned to update you on Elvina's training anyway once I found you, so let's move this merry little band of ours back to the castle, yeah?" Alexious continues to scowl at him so Kengi just rolls his eyes and says. "Fine, I'll move us."

in a bright white flash Alexious, Kengi, the unconscious guard, all the others plus Kengi's cloak and oni mask were gone. In their place was a single gold piece and a note, Butch picks it up and reads it. "Hey man, my bad. Guess he's still mad. Sorry had to steal a pen to write this, but It'll be back by the time you read this. Anyway I'm headed to the castle to Handel some family stuff, so i might take a few days. See ya real soon though. Fast as fuk—— Kengi Koan :) p.s. I'm totally sloshed right now, man. Luv ya bro, tell the wife i said my for me too." he just begins to laugh so hard he cries and hands the letter off to his wife who just shakes her head and pins the note above the bar.

A bright white flash blinds all the knights present in the training grounds and they become even more confused when they see Alexious along with his entire entourage of guards and a man wearing gold and white robes and an oni mast with them. "What? How? When?" The guards all begin to question their reality as they realize that one minute they were fifty minutes out from the castle and the next they were not only back, but deep inside the castle at the training grounds. "Kengi, what the hell did you do?" He just sighs and says. "Man, I seriously doubt you don't know what I just did. I moved us somewhere more safe-ish to talk, you ditz." Alexious turns to him visibly aggravated and says. "So, Kengi. Were you lying back at Butchers Tavern?" He shakes his head and says. "Nope. I can tell you only one thing with all these ears. She's managed to form IT, if you understand what i mean. I suggest we go somewhere a bit pore intimate." Alexious smiles slightly before nodding and commenting. "How drunk are you?" Kengi smiles. "Pretty. Good man." He sighs and says. "I figured as much. Also you could just say private, you know? You seem to get more crass as we age." He turns to his knights and guards and says. "I will be having a private conversation with my brother, we will be going to the study. Everyone please rest well for tomorrow and i wish you all a great night." With that he and Kengi walk out side by side.

the walk to the study is long and silent with the occasional grumble from Kengi and sigh from Alexious, and after a twenty minute walk once they are inside the study Kengi finally lets out a groan of pure boredom. "Gaaahhh! Fuck me, man! Twenty minutes! Twenty fucking minutes walking, in your own damn house?! On god, Lexi i swear I could've circled the entire world like fifty times over and still beat you here." Alexious shouts back. "The go and do it, for fuck's sake Kengi! Did you come here to talk or complain about the royal palace?!" He removes his cloak and mask and aggressively rubs his face in his hands. "God! A little of both now if I'm being honest with you, man. All I'm saying is this is way too much. I don't give a damn if fifty people live here, it's just retartedly huge!" He just sighs and points to a chair. "Just sit. Please. I don't want this to go on for any longer than absolutely necessary." He just walks over and plops down into the chair smirks, turns his head to Alexious and says sarcastically. "Aww, this chair's pretty shit for royalty ain't it?" He holds up one finger and says. "One more compliant and I swear I'm going to punch you."

He sits across from him and clasps his hands together while resting his elbows on his knees and chin on his hands. "So she formed her Origin, how was that? She didn't struggle too much did she?" Kengi just shrugs and says. "Honestly I'm not too sure on that. Gabe is the one training her, so I'd say she definitely had some struggles. I mean by the time i saw her earlier today she was missing her left eye." Alexious lunges forward and grabs him by the shirt while raising his fist. "She What?! You're telling me you let Gabe! GABE! Take charge of her training, and she lost an eye! He probably just dropped her in the middle of Sevaren!" He nods and chuckles. "Hehe… yeah. About that. She challenged him to a fight after he left her in the Forrest of Black for a week." Boom! Alexious launches his fist at his nose, but a small streak of white lightning blocked it just three centimeters away from his face and he smiles. "You done? I let you have your fit, so how about you sit down and let's talk about this." He releases his grip on his shirt and returns to his chair. "I hate you when you're drunk." He just gives a thumbs up and says. "Yuppers." Alexious sighs loudly.

"so tell me this. Where is she now?" He smiles and says. "With my boys in termia. They'll be there for a full week out time, so seven days." He shouts again. "You sent children to Termia! For Seven Days, Jeff is the same age as Faye and Shoto and Elvina are both nine this year! Are You Insane!" He just waives his hand and says. "They're my kids and Elvina decided to do this, so that makes her my responsibility. I'm training them for the real world. They're all Anzu, all three of them need to watch each other's backs. I'll make damn sure they can handel themselves. I refuse to watch them be slaughtered because of their blood, so if I decide they need to be trained harder than we were I'll make damn sure they live through hell and back. You can fucking count on that." Alexious just stares at him in complete disbelief and says. "I get that, Kengi trust me I really do. It's just the fact that we almost died in termia when we went and we were already thirty years old! You know as well as i do that Termia is no place for children." Kengi smiles and Alexious shouts. "Why are you smiling?! Can't you take this seriously?!" He nods and says. "Your wrong Lexi. Termia isn't a place for the weak, and all three of them are not weak. Hell, they're leagues above us at that age! They'll be fine. They have each other."

Alexious drops his head into his hands and says. "I hope you know what you're doing, Kengi. I really do-" BANG! "Why was i not informed your brother was here?!" Lilith shouts as she bursts through the door surprising Alexious and causing Kengi's to roll his eyes. "That's because i asked for My Brother. Not. The Queen, dearest sister-in-law." His words laced thick with sarcasm and discontent. She glairs at him as she shuts the door behind her and says. "You have Elvina, am i right?" He sighs and says. "Yeah, i took her with me. She training right now, so she'll be busy for the next week." Her eyes shoot to Alexious who nods and says. "This crazy son of a bitch threw her and his-" "that's enough of that. She doesn't need to know anything regarding my training methods, brother." Kengi cuts him off as he stands up and looks at Alexious. "Brother, if you wouldn't mind. I'd like to have a one on one with your wife for a bit. After that you can show me a room." They both shout. "What? You're staying?" 

He nods and says. "Yeah, i think i will. Just for a few days, so don't worry. My students are already aware I'll be busy for the next week anyway." Lilith walks up to him and says sternly. "You will not pull anything. Especially not tomorrow evening. You will be proper. You will be quiet and you will show me respect in MY palace." He just scoffs and says. "How about i stay for tonight and tomorrow evening. I'll keep to myself and let Faye have her day, then I'll leave. I don't really like it much here anyway, I'm just dying to get to know my little niece better. I already know the other on so well after all." The two stare each other down for a good thirty seconds before she sighs and says. "Fine. I'll allow it, but you'd better be go the day after tomorrow." He waives his hand and says. "No need to tell me twice. This place sucks." She looks to Alexious and says. "Honey, I'll be having a conversation with your brother. Please wait outside for us." He gets up and says. "Do not. Overstep, Kengi." He sighs and motions with his hand for him to shoo away. "Ooh, real mature. I'm going, you child." He aggressively slams the door as he walks out. Leaving Kengi and Lilith alone for a little chat.

he sits back down in his chair and she sits across from him and crosses one leg over the other as she leans back, completely relaxed. "So Kengi. Do you want to start, or should I?" He flips her off and says. "Don't play coy with me bitch. I already know you're sending search parties out to bring in Elvina, you daft cunt." She chuckles and says. "Hmhmhm… yes, that is true. I am and i would greatly appreciate it if you were to tell me a few things about her." He leans forward and says. "What are you asking, not like I don't know but i still want to hear you say it." She smiles and says. "You know i still find it rather interesting that you of all people are immune to my charm. I've enchanted the room so no one can hear us on the outside. You can say whatever…" she uncrosses her legs and seductively runs her fingers up her thigh. "Or do, whatever… you want. What will it be, I wonder?" He just scoffs and says. "For fucks sake, this again? Close your damn legs. I'm interested in the slightest in that little poison flower between them, unlike my blind little brother i have class."

she sighs. "You're still no fun, Kengi. Oh well, it was worth a try after all. So tell me, has she formed her Origin?" He nods and says. "Yeah, it's all formed and solid. So your little plan to blind side her and kill her before she can form it is out of the window, killer queen." his words catch her off guard, he managed to guess my plan in such a short amount of time? Even while completely inebriated? God. This man sharp, much sharper than my dear little Lexi. He has both power and self restraint. She thinks to herself as she smirks seductively and says. "Well, i guess I'll have to change that then. I know you're probably not going to tell me, but i have to try. Where can i find her?" Her voice is soft, raspy and soothing all at the same time, but Kengi just stares at her blankly. "She's not on the content. She so far away that you won't find her unless she come to you. Trust me. You'll die if you try, so don't." She sighs and says. "I should have thought of that possibility, but you were crazy enough to actually take her off the content entirely. Well, that's that for now. Let us catch up for a bit." He stands up and says. "Nah, I'm good. Thanks. I'll just have Lexi show me my room." 

As he turns to walk to the door she grabs him and spins him around. She rubs her leg against his and walks her fingers up his chest as she looks up and whispers. "Are you sure about that. I'm very persuasive, all you need to do is give into me." He grabs her by the throat and shoves her away. He glares at her with nothing but in his eyes hatred as he tightens his grip and pure white lightning illuminates his eyes. "Do. Not. Do that again. You have caused enough bad blood between myself and my brother. I swear on his life, my life and my children's that i will not hold back nor warn you a third time. We. Will. Never. Happen. Especially while you're married to my little brother. Not before. Not now. Not ever, do you hear me Lilith?" She smiles as she teasingly rubs the side of his face. "Lexi's never rough like this. How about you and i get a bit rougher, Kengi? I know it's what you're into." BOOM!

white lightning zips past her face and explodes a flower vase on a table behind her, het then pull her in so close that their noses are just two centimeters apart. He peaks with pure disdain and hatred in his voice. "STOP. I will not repeat myself, so I'll say this one time. You are a disgusting, two timing, deceitful, seductress who brings shame upon the name of Koan. I am deeply ashamed and disgusted that a whore like you managed to sink you decrepit fangs into my little brother and poison him as deeply as you have. I will not. Listen closely. I. Will. NOT. Stand for anything else i am here for Faye, this is important to her. I am here for Alexious, my brother. This is important for him as well. I am NOT here for you. You disgust me down to the very core of my soul. You are a wicked woman that just manipulates, toys, gaslights and abuses others at the whim of you ever changing mood. For the sake of my family, my brother, by nieces and my sons I sincerely hope you die in the worst way possible." He shoves her back into her chair and walks to the door, but before leaving he grabs the knob, turns his head back to her and says. "Tell my brother whatever you want. Our relationship was strained before you, so or current situation is not entirely you fault ; but you already did a whole heal of a lot more damage then we ever did to each other. So fuck off and good night. Bitch."

with that he opens the door the see Alexious standing just across the hall looking confused as to why he's so livid. "Get you woman in check, brother. Do it after to show me where the fuck I'm supposed to sleep. I'm in a bad mood now."he nods. I haven't seen him this upset in almost a hundred years. What in the world was their conversation about to anger him to this extent? He thinks to himself and he unconsciously blurts out. "Is she okay, did you heart her?" Kengi just grunts and says. "Fuck No, ya little asshole! I'm not gonna beat your wife… regardless if she's deserving of it." That last comment got Alexious a little worried so he just walks down the hall with Kengi to being him to his room. Inside the study Lilith sits in a daze completely shocked by his words. Disgusting? Decrepit? Poison? He really has no fear, and that attack just then… it was instant just like light magic. He's on the highest level of lightning control, pure white lightning… if i could make him mine as well… she smiles and she gets up and rubs her throat. "Rough, indeed… Kengi. Echo!"

"yeah? You good, that was intense."

"I'm fine, a little ruffled up but fine."

"Okay, bitch. You're a little freak ain't you?"

"so you heard everything?"

"yeah. Everything. Wanna talk about your taste in men, or-"

"with you, absolutely not. You have worse taste than i do."

"true, so are you thinking what i am?" 

"Yeah. She's with the dragons. Call off the search, she'll come to us."

"got it. I'm also in charge of the plan for whenever she arrives as well, I assume?"

"yes. She's your sister, so i say do as you wish."

"oohh, i will. I'll have my man and his team handle her."

"the Seven? Seriously, do you believe her to be that much of a threat?"

"honestly, no. I just want to play with her personally. I'll throw her in hell after that."

"wow. You are just as sadistic as ever aren't you?"

"that's what keeps me going, babe. I'm gonna get the plans together now, night. Love ya!"

"good bye, echo."

Elsewhere Alexious and Kengi stop in front of a four meter tall ornate red and golden door and Kengi look at Alexious with an agitated expression. "Do not say anything. You are the brother of the king, so unfortunately this is the least fancy room i could have prepared for you on such short notice." He just points to the door and grumbles. "So you're telling me this is the least room here? Motherfucker this door is more expensive than everything I'm wearing combined! Everything I'm wearing is cheap, my swords and oni mask are hand made! My clothes, this gold? Fake! I'm just so fucking awesome nobody ever questions it, because I'm that intimidating! This? This is excessive as hell, just put me with the knights. Hell, I'll take a stable, man. I'm not a prince, Lexi. I'm a normal, regular super strong mage." He just sighs and puts his hand on his shoulder as he opens up the door, revealing the most extravagantly decorated room Kengi has ever seen in his hundreds of years. "You're messing with me… right?" He shakes his head and Kengi points to the chandelier. "Is… Is that a fucking solid gold chandelier? With… diamonds?" 

Alexious laughs and says. "Yeah, it's the least ornate room we have. Good night, brother." He shoves Kengi into the room and closes the door. "Don't even think about leaving! That is my order as your king, and little brother." "Fuck off. I'm sleeping on the floor you little asshole. You're enjoying this too much." He grumbles back in retaliation to Alexious's teasing and he just laughs as he walks down the hall. Kengi looks around the massive five thousand square meter room decorated in a white, red and gold color scheme. Solid golden fixtures like the faucets on the sink, drawers and door handle. Intricate crown molding on the ceiling and arches. A bed that seems to float, surrounded by curtains and marble pillars. "This… is just too much. I hate rich people, i don't even want to sleep on the floor." Kengi says as he walks around the room and undresses himself, he lays his cloak, oni mask and sleeveless kimono on the bed and slightly loosens the belt his swords are strapped to. He sits down, kicks back and closes his eyes as he attempts to grab some sleep.

the sun rises and pours light over the sleepless hive kingdom and the sounds of birds chirping, carriages rolling, horses trotting and the murmuring from hundreds of thousands of conversations fill the air. The royal castle is bustling with noise and the servants are scrambling to get the final bits and bobs of decor out and ready for the ball this evening. The ball room is set up inside a massive glass dome two hundred and fifty meters in diameter littered with glittering magical lights, red and blue strands of ribbon and silk, floating lanterns and the grand staircase has a long red and blue carpet flowing down the entire case to the floor. Red plates and golden silverware on white tablecloths circle the exterior, leaving the center free for a large ballroom dance space. The bards set up their instruments and the dancers practice their routines for Faye's grand entrance into the ballroom. While all this is happening Kengi lies on the floor of the room given to him by Alexious as he stares up at the exquisitely carved ceiling.

Knock! Knock! Knock! "Kengi! I'm coming in!" Alexious shouts as he walks though the door and he immediately lowers and shakes his head. "Why are you stiff on the floor, man? You could've used the bed." He just continues to lie in place and he replies in a dry tone. "Nope. I'm not touching that. It's too expensive and I refuse to lay on something like that. This floor is already more than enough." Alexious chuckles and says. "Looks like you've sobered up well. Good. I need you to do something important for me." He sits up and turns around. "You? Want me to do something important? Are you the same Lexi from last night?" He sighs and says. "I may have let my emotions get the better of me, but I've had a full nights rest to calm myself. I still strongly oppose this decision of Termia, but you're my brother and i trust that you know the risks. I know you wouldn't send family to their deaths, so if you believe they'll be fine. I'll trust that, even if it's just this one time." He stands up and smiles. "Well, well, well… looks like you came back to reality, brother. I promise you that they'll be fine. They're strong my oldest is the child of a dragon, my youngest is the child of a storm bird and they have Elvina. A fully fledged new species of hybrid Phoenix with them."

Alexious smiles and says. "Yeah, they'll make one hell of a team if they can work together." He nods and chuckles. "Yeah, I'm sure they'll be fine as long as they let Jeff take the lead. Elvina and Shoto are too slash or punch first ask questions later." Alexious tilts his head and says. "Both of them are hot blooded brawlers? Seriously?" Kengi smiles and says. "Hell yeah, they're both full blooded Koan kids same as Jeff. He's got that too, trust me. It's just that he has better control over his impulses, honestly he's way more similar to you. He only acts when he thinks the time is right, for everything." Alexious smiles and playfully says. "He sound like one smart kid then. I'd love to chat with another level headed Koan." The two laugh and Alexious puts his hand around Kengi and says. "I've got some more fitting to do for the father daughter dance. I thought everything would be ready with me putting in for it all just over two months ago, but they still need one more measurement." Kengi nods and says. "Okay? What does that have to do with me?" He sighs and says. "I'll be just in time for the father daughter dance if everything goes to plan, but i will not be able to introduce Faye this evening."

Kengi's eyes go wide and he says. "Are you kidding me right now? Are you really asking me? Me? To introduce the Princess at her debut ball?" He nods and says. "I know we have our differences and that there is a lot of bad blood between us, and we almost never see eye to eye on anything; but you're the only uncle she has now. It's just us and as much as i hate to admit it, you're much stronger than me right now… so i wouldn't trust anyone more than you. My own brother, my big brother. Please introduce Faye this evening for me, you're the only person qualified enough for the role." He just stares back in complete shock and says. "Did hell freeze overnight or am i dreaming? Are you being serious right now?" Alexious chuckles and says. "Of course I'm being serious and I'm not too sure about the hell freezing over, so you may want to check because it very well may have." The two laugh and Kengi hugs him tightly and says. "You know I'll do anything. I will absolutely be her escort and make sure she's completely fine. I'll cover you good and you two better dance you fancy pants right the fuck off."

they separate and Kengi smiles as he asks. "So where's the main character of this event at right now? I'll go ahead and talk to her for a bit." Alexious nods and motions with his hand. They walk for fifteen minutes before reaching an even more extravagant door than Kengi's room and he sighs. "You… weren't kidding me were you?" He shakes his head and says. "Nope. I told you that was the least fancy room we have for guests." He sighs as Alexious knocks on the enormous seven meter solid gold and silver gilded door. Knock, Knock, Knock! "Faye, I brought a visitor!" Alexious says in a pleasant tone and just a few seconds later the door slowly creeps open. "How did you know i was in the study, father?" Her voice flows out from behind the door quietly and he replies. "This is the place you spend most of your time these days, so i figured you'd be here." Kengi grabs his shoulder and says. "This is the fucking library? What are you keeping in there, the secrets to the universe or something? Why the hell does a library door need to be solid gold?"

Alexious just laughs, but Faye rushes around the door while scolding him. "Who in the world would visit the royal palace and speak so crassly! Father just who do you think you're spending your time w…" once in full view she sees Kengi for the first time since Tangamoor Island. Her eyes grow wide as she stares at him in confusion. "Father, why is that man here? Today of all days as well?" Alexious waives his and sand says. "Woah, hey now. This is Kengi, my brother. You guys have met twice already, once when you were four and t-" "i already know who he is. That's exactly why I'm asking why someone like him is in front of the royal study. I have heard plenty about him from mother, so introductions are not necessary." She speaks with a cold and callus tone. "Faye, please. Try to be polite. You-" "i am right here you know. To be honest with you i came here to see your ball. It's important to your father, so i came for both of you. I'd just like to get to know you better. That's all." She looks at him then to her father and back to him and says. "Okay. If that is true then I have shown you disrespect and I apologize for that. Father i will spend time with him, and uncle you may come in the study."

Alexious lets out a sigh of relief and Kengi's voice rings in his head. "She's definitely her mother's child. You really wanted to test my fucking patience today huh? Also yes i can speak telepathically now, ain't that neat." Alexious stares at him and he smiles. "Don't worry brother, we'll just hang out and get to know each other a bit better. You do your thing, i got this." And the door closes behind him, leaving Alexious standing in shock. "Since when in the hell was he able to do that? Whatever… I'm just going to have to trust this, just this once." He speaks to himself as he walks away. Inside the study Kengi looks around at the countless bookshelves and up at the impressive collection of book all around him. "Damn, I'd feel real smart if i knew what any of this shit said. Hey, Faye! How many books are here?" She turns around and replies in a formal tone. "In the royal study there are a total of ten thousand books. There are one thousand on each floor and all are organized in alphabetical order on each floor." He nods and says. "My boy would love this, you know you met him briefly back on the island. He was wearing a cloak, but the two of you are the same age."

she looks at him slightly confused and annoyed and replies. "If i recall correctly you were also there, you took the creature inhabiting my little sister's body am i correct?" He nods and says. "That's only half right, Faye. I took Elvina. She's fine by the way, she's doing very good. She's still herself if you're worried, so try not to worry too much about it because she's still Elvina." She continues to speak in a cold, professional and formal way. "You mean to tell me that she is the same fun, loving and goofy little kid i helped raise? Is she laughing and playing? Is she running around saysing things like 'I'mma be the strongest!' Or 'I'll be more stronger than you!' Does she say anything like that at all? If not then that creature has my little sister locked away inside her own mind, begging for me, screaming out for help." He sighs and says. "She doesn't laugh. She doesn't play. Honestly she barely speaks these days from what i know, and when she does it's only about training or something adjacent to her training. Her current goal is gaining more muscle, endurance, strength, Xi control and mana control. That's it. Sorry kid, but she'll be different the next time you see her."

she nods and turns to continue walking. "I had foreseen that happening. The books say that once an Anzu goes berserk their only goal is fighting, so i have been studying for some way to counteract that." He stays quiet for a bit and follows her to a table with at least fifty books stacked up, papers cluttered about and diagrams of the shadow panther and a Phoenix. "Hey, kid. What are you trying to do? I might not read, but i know pictures. What exactly are you researching?" For the first time she smiles and says. "So an Anzu is half human half beast, this is certain. We know that beasts usually only procreate with their own, but in rare cases beasts have mated with other varieties within their own species. That is also a fact, correct? If that is so, then what about inter-species procreation? My sister was raised as an Anzu and she believes that she's half human, but she is not anything close. My working theory is that if I am able to somehow get through to her and tell her that she's special, that she's a one of one… then maybe i might be able to reach her deep inside the mind of that creature that has a hold on her. I have been researching and studying everything there is to know on her mother's species Shadownis-Fetalis also known as the Shadow Panther."

she continues, "As well as the Phoenix, but unfortunately i do not know what bloodline her father was from, so all i have right now are half baked theories at best and far fetched outlandish theories at worst." She looks up at him and asks. "Could you help me? What was the bloodline of her father? That's all i need. With that information alone i can create some form of containment system for an interrogation, and maybe even figure out a form of suppression enchantment to weaken the beast's ability." He shakes his head and says. "Sorry kid, I don't have that information for you either. All i can say is that she's already formed her Origin. There's no harm in telling you now, because I'm sure she'll come find you herself in a few years." Her eyes go wide as she says. "She's already formed it?! When? What happened during the process, and did she transform permanently? If so what is the transformation like? I need physical characteristics, hair color, skin, eyes, wings. Anything will be helpful, uncle." He sighs and says. "All I'll say is that she has white hair." She smiles and writes that down and then looks back up, "was there anything else? Was it pure white or were there hints of other colors?" He nods and says. "Just white, but not pure. Plain white i guess would be the right term."

she smiles and begins to flip through her books and he takes a seat right next to her. Their morning and afternoon is spent entirely in the royal study Kengi waters her study and Faye explains to him what it is that she's reading and after a while much more time had passed than either of them had thought. Knock, Knock, Knock! "Princess, we have four hours until the start of the ball! I would like to get you prepared now if you are finished, your grace!" An attendant calls through the door and she shoots up from the desk, "shoot! I hadn't even realized the time, i was actually enjoying studying with your company. That's quite surprising honestly, uncle." He nods and says. "Yeah, listening to you ramble on reminds me of my oldest when he reads or anything like this. I guess you two really are the most civilized Koans there are, huh?" She smiles and says. "Well should cousin Jeffery decide he'd like to visit and compare studies i would gladly welcome him if he is indeed as you describe him to be. Having a fellow intellectual in my age range sounds delightful , honestly." He gets up and nods, "how about you go get dressed and i head out for a bit. I'll come find you before the ball that sound good, kid?" She nods and they leave the study.

Faye hugs her attendant and waives at Kengi as she walks down the hall. She's dangerously smart. Unfortunately she's not more cunning than her mother, but she definitely got that brain of her from that snake. i'm headed out to find Althea after the ball and see if i can find some answers. Faye isn't a bad kid, but unfortunately she's as blind as my brother when it comes to her mother. I sure as shit ain't about to give her the information needed to suppress Elvina's booming ability, so a little white lie should be fine for now. He thinks to himself as he walks in the other direction. He was definitely hiding something, but I don't think he was lying to me entirely. It felt more like a half truth. I'll need to speak with mother to confirm my suspicions, but she told me that he lives with dragons and has two sons. I'm positive at least one of them is a dragons Anzu, but for him to live on Sevaren with the dragons he would have needed to be accepted as one of their own. How strong would he need to be to do that? If the creature that inhabits Elvina's body is being trained by dragons, then i need to work much harder. I'll have to find a way to learn what each of their bloodlines are, because Anzu travel in packs just like their beast parents. That means even if i can neutralize the creature I still have to deal with the boys.

so I'll just learn all of their bloodlines and neutralize them all, that way i can get my sister back and make sure nothing goes wrong. Faye smiles as she walks with her attendant while forming a plan in her head. "Well it looks like Kengi wasn't that bad after all?" She chuckles and says. "Quite the contrary. He's more of a careful man than I'd expected, mother was spot on. He is as the saying goes a tuff nut to crack, however even a walnut can be broken when you find the right angel. I just need that angel and I'll have everything I need to get my sister back, Angela." She smiles and says. "So where is your sister right now?" Faye smirks and says. "I believe she may be with dragons on Sevaren currently, so it's impossible for us to get anywhere close to her now. That creature who thinks it's my sister will come looking for me in the future, so all we have to do is wait for now. Once it shows itself we will neutralize it, interrogate it and get my little sister Elvina back." Angela smiles and says. "Oh, that sounds wonderful Princess! I'm sure you'll be able to achieve that with flying colors, you're such a bright girl after all!" 

The two get to Faye's personal room after a thirty minute walk and they begin the long process of getting her dolled up for the big ball. They spend two hours on her hair and makeup and another two on getting her gown just right as well as practicing with her heels for a flashy entrance. Once her transformation is complete she looks in the mirror and smiles with her fingers just underneath her eyelashes. "My goodness, girls! You all did a wonderful job, now I really do feel like I deserve to be called your princess. It's so pretty I'm trying not to cry." The women all tear up and shout. "Oh, Princess! You've always been a beautiful girl, we just focused on making that beauty shine brightly today!" The all hug and congratulate each other while complementing Faye. Outside Kengi walks through the halls and just as he rounds the corner he and Lilith meet eyes. "Kengi? What are you doing on this wing of the palace, shouldn't you be in the ballroom? Now isn't exactly the time i can sneak off." She teases and he shakes his head. "Like i said yesterday. I'm here for my niece, your daughter. Lexi's getting fitted and he'll be a bit late so he asked me to escort her in his place for the entrance."

she tilts her head as she looks at him. Fake gold, well worn clothes, exposed chest and chest tattoos, swords at his hip and an oni mask to put everything together and she sighs. "You… you're going to escort the princess in that?" He nods and says. "Well. It's quite literally most everything i own. I have two other kimono tops and pants, but they're all like this." She shakes her head and says. "You and your brother are the same after all. Can you at least remove the mask? You're devilish good looks may just distract the attendees." She winks and he scoffs. "Listen, bitch. I was going to remove the mask when i walk her in anyway. So quit with the flirting." She sighs and says, "a man of business straight through and through i see. Oh, well." The two meet in front of Fayes door, which is even more extravagant than the door to the study. "If i see another ten meter tall, solid god and silver door with intricate ass carving on it i swear I'm going to punch Alexious." She looks at him confused and says. "Do you have a problem with doors?" He scoffs and says. "No. I have a problem with unnecessary bullshit, jut like our small talk we're having right now."

he nocks on the door and she chuckles. The door swings open and Faye hugs her mother, "mom! I'm glad you came, i thought it was just going to be Father and I. I j-" she looks to her left to see Kengi in his well worn clothes he was wearing earlier in the day. "Hey, Faye. I'm back, like i said." He gives her a thumbs up and she composes herself. "Uncle, what are you doing? Why aren't you ready?" He pats himself and says. "This is the best outfit i own. Sure it's a little worn out, but who isn't these days?" She chuckles and says. "I guess it really is a Koan thing." Lilith chuckles and says. "You are correct." He tilts his head and asks. "What's that supposed to mean?" Faye smiles and says. "You, dad, Kaycee, Brannon and Elvina all dress the same; you at least try to look nice though. Even if it is fake gold." He smirks and says. "Ain't no difference to me. All looks the same from a distance anyway." Both Faye and Lilith laugh at that comment and Faye asks. "Okay, so where is my Father?" He sighs and says. "He's going to be running a little bit late, so I'm your escort in his place. Just to the ball though. He'll definitely be there for your dance, he promised me that." She looks at Lilith, clearly disappointed and she nods. "This is what your father believes to be right for the moment, so i say go with it just for now."

he holds out his arm and she interlocks her with his. "Could you at least take off the mask, uncle? I think you may be more approachable without it." He sighs and removes his mask and Faye lets out a slight gasp. "My goodness, Uncle? Are you unbetrothed?" He looks at her and says. "Yeah. Not by choice though." She looks at him confused and asks. "What do you mean by that? You are definitely not bad looking, so I'm sure you have plenty of choices. Are you waiting for a specific someone, per chance?" He sighs and says. "Both of the women I've been with were killed. I'm waiting for no one, kid. For some people it's easier being alone. That's not always the case, but for me right now it is." He stares straight ahead and she asks quietly. "Umm. Uncle. You know that they were beasts, right?" He flinches slightly and he clenches his jaw, restraining himself before speaking. "You are my niece, so I'll let that comment go. I just want you to know that to me. Both of those things you see as beasts were far more genuine than any human, elf or dwarf woman I've known in my hundreds of years. Both Kat'ranel Vishnu and Keylith. They were beautiful, their souls pure and they both had hearts much more true than anything gold could offer. So i only ask that you do not disrespect them like that."

she nods and says. "I'm sorry, uncle. I did not know they meant so much to you. I will not speak of them like that again. Can you forgive me?" He looks down on her and sees Alexious in her as he looks into her eyes. "You got it, kid. So long as you know, we're all good." He smiles softly and she smiles back. That was perfect. I didn't even have to do anything! Kat'ranel Vishnu is obviously a dragon and if i had to guess I'd say she was a fire dragon. Keylith is the more interesting one. I will need to search changed beasts with similar names, or maybe i could get lucky and find the name in a book somewhere. I am just that much closer now. Just wait Elvina, I'll bring you back just like I promised. she smiles as they walk to the ballroom. 

Once they are in front of the doors Faye starts to fidget and pat herself slightly and Kengi just pats her on her shoulder and says. "Hey, kid. Don't worry too much, you look perfect. You're gonna do just fine and if you want to make a bitch'n first impression i can make us some golden fire swords and twirl some of that shit around us too." She gasps and says. "Uncle! Language!" He laughs and she asks. "I thought you to be a variant mage only capable of lightning?" He chuckles and whispers. "That's a secret. I'm pretty good, but since you're the dual mage why don't double up with water around us. That'll get people talking good about you, right?" He smiles as he point his finger up and a small golden ember begins to flicker and in just a few seconds a deep golden flame hovers above his pointer finger. Faye stares at it in awe and says. "Are you a dual mage?" He shakes his head and says. "You'll figure this out with age. Now what color do you want?" She smiles and says. "Do purple. I can already do a small purple flame on its own, but I can't do that and water magic at the same time just yet. I say we give them a show." He smiles and says. "Hell yeah, kid. Now you're talking like a Koan. Those people are going to think you're incredible, I promise you that."

she forms heels of water on her feet just like the heels of fire her mother had done almost a year prior and frost tumbles down the path to the grand staircase, creating a sort of icy mist in anticipation of their arrival. "Ladies and gentlemen! To present Princess Faye Adachi of the Fire Elf Kingdom on the day of her Debut! Her escort, the brother of the king and a legendary mage in his own right! Kengi Koan!" He nods to her and says. "It's showtime, Faye." All of a sudden deep purple flames swirl around them and lift them off their feet. The flames float them out to the top of the grand staircase and lower them to the ground. She waives her arms and the icy mist swirls around her and turns into three medium sized water serpents at their side, and the flames dance around the room before condensing just behind her back into the shape to two beautiful wings. Pure white lightning illuminates Kengi's eyes as he grabs her hand and lifts her up, only to have white lightning to appear beneath her feet and he steps up on his ones as well. 

"Good evening everyone! This is my beautiful little Niece, Your Princess! On behalf of my brother who is taking care of some final preparations i thank you all for coming! Now, let's have a freaking fantastic evening!" As the two walk down hand in hand on his white lightning her heels leave frosty falakes trickling down. Once they step onto the floor of the ballroom at the bottom of the grand staircase Faye claps her hands and all the magic disappears. She pulls on Kengi's pants and he leans in. "That was a rather, off the cuff feeling speech. Uncle." He laughs and say. "That's because it was. My brother didn't even give me time to prepare a good one, so i just winged it." She sighs and says. "You, 'winged it.' I will have to teach you about proper etiquette as well, it seems. Uncle."

the two waive as they walk around and Kengi eventually splits off from her to give her some space. While alone and mingling with other nobles and royalties alike she is approached by a young dark elf boy around her age. "Excuse me, beautiful. I'd love to take your first dance if you'd have me." She turns around and the young man is immediately taken aback. Her long waist length pastel red and blue hair is braided beautifully in a half up half down style, exposing her elegant ears and the sapphire earrings dangling from the base of them. Her makeup perfectly contours her cheek and nose bones. Her dress is a lilac purple ball gown with an intricate design in the mid section. He stares at her almost completely speechless and she smiles. "Are you asking me for a dance?" She asks and he nods as he smiles and reaches out his hand. "I am. Though that is only if a fairy such as you wouldn't mind sparing a dance for a man of my Nobel status." She smiles right back, his light grey eyes, long dark swooped back hair and well tailored suit showing his nicely built frame pulls her in.

she says. "With an attitude like that as well as your looks it does not matter if your a Nobel or royalty. You are quite the catch yourself, what is your name if i may ask?" He smiles, steps in closer and grabs her hand. "You may. Sasaki is my name, I'd like to hear you say it. If i may be so forward." He pulls her in and they walk to the dance floor. The bards take notice of what's happening, as well as everyone else and the music turns slower. Sasaki smirks as the music changes and he winks as he twirls her around and cates her in a low dip and slowly brings her back up all in one fluid controlled motion. She lets out some giggles. "Oh, my? You ar much more smooth that i though." He smiles as he puts her hands over his neck and slowly grabs her waist, pulling her right into him. "I only move in the manner you allow me to, Princess." She smiles and says playfully. "Is that right? What else might you do?" He leans in and whispers. "To a beautiful girl like you, I'll do whatever you want." The music changes to a more fast pace tune and she smiles. "Do you think you can keep up, pretty boy?" He smirks and says. "I was going to as you the same thing." 

The two become entangled on the dance floor, a blur of acrobatic tosses, twirls, leaps and flips as they mesmerize everyone present. After the music finishes the two stand before each other, breathlessly smiling. "Sasaki. That was amazing! I have never had that much fun dancing!" He smiles and says. "I knew my name would sound much better coming from your heavenly voice." He leans down, grabs and kisses her hand before she has time to respond to his comment and he winks. "Look like the King is coming in, i shall take my leave. I hope to see you in Burmstone within the next fortnight. Until then, goodbye beautiful. I'll be thinking of you." He winks and just like that he disappeared into the cloud of people. "Who was he?" She whispers to herself, her face flushed bright red as she giggles. "Your King! Alexious Koan has arrived!" Alexious walks down the grand staircase in a full black three piece suit with bright blue shoes and a long tie to match, he wears white gloves and a checkered grey golf style hat with his hair hidden inside. Lilith visibly blushes and Faye stares in shock at how well put together her father is as he walks up to her, he kneels down and holds out his had. He smiles as he says, "would you mind dancing with your old man, just this once." She smiles and says. "No, i would not." She take she hand and everyone moves off the dance floor.

grandiose music plays as they sway with each other. "What's wrong Faye? You seem bothered?" She nods and says. "I am, but now is not the place nor time father. Let us just get through this dance and we will talk after." She smiles as they dance with each other. The dance goes on for quite a bit and once it was over the ball continued. Everyone danced well into the night and the ball was a great success. Once people started to leave and Lilith slipped out Alexious finally pulls Faye aside. "Hey, are you upset with me?" She nods and says. "A little bit, but it's not that serious." He sighs and says. "Did Kengi make you uncomfortable? I'll go talk to him if he did." She shakes her head. "No. I may not have wanted to go with him, but he did surprisingly well aside from his less than stellar off the cuff speech. I am upset that you could not manage your time properly." He sighs again and says. "I tried I really did. I put in like two month early for this, but they needed one last measurement today." She quietly exclaims. "That is the problem! You need to put in at least three to four months in advance for something that specific! You are basically starting a new clothing trend with your outfit, but i can say it looks unbelievably good. It still needs time to be perfected, father."

he nods and says. "I'm so sorry. I didn't ruin your night did i?" She shakes her head. "No, father. You just soiled my mood slightly. I honestly had an amazing time with the silver tongued boy who could dance unbelievably well." He raises his eyebrow and says. "You. You say that you danced with a boy? You're way too young for that." She rolls her eyes and says. "I am not. It was just a dance." He shakes his head and says. "No. Absolutely not. What is this boys name?" She grumbles back. "It's not important! Just got train with your knights like always! You're barely ever around anyway, so I'm not telling you his name." She storms off, leaving Alexious with conflicting emotions so he walks off on his own as well.

in the hall Kengi is walking around and runs into two guards. "Hey! You two. Where is my brother's room? I have business there." The two look at each other and smile. One guard looks at him and says. "Well, well. I guess even you can give in, huh?" He tilts his head to the side and cracks his neck. "You wanna tell me what the fuck that's supposed to mean, lackey?" The men take a step back and point to the end of the hall. "Jeez, man. Take a joke, will you? It's the last door on the right, you can't miss it. Have fun, man." He just rolls his eyes as he asks past the guards. He walks to the end to the hall and sees an ungodly large fifteen meter solid gold door with rubies for handles and the door is the most exquisitely decorated of any he's ever seen. "Oh, for fucks sake man. Why is this even necessary? A damn Wood door do the same shit." He grumbles as he reaches up to knock, "oh, fuck! Right there. Yeah, Ryah just like that…" "the fuck?" He says as takes a step back and puts his ear up to the door. "Oh, yeah. Ryah give it to me." "Damn boy, you're doing a bit much this time around." "Fuck off Siba. Just go lay with Echo and let me have Lilith." "Yeah whatever. She ain't freaky enough for me." "Siba, get over here and give me some attention!" "You could at least take off your mask, babe." "No. It stays on, you know i like it like that."

Kengi clenches his fists. That fucking disgusting tramp is cheating on my brother? And do i hear Althea? So it wasn't random. This bitch planned it all with her and Althea's a goddamn double agent? I'll slaughter everyone in this fucking room! Rage boils inside of him. Smack, Smack, Smack! "Echo! Get over here and sit on my face too." Lighting begins to crackle in his hands as he reaches for the door. "Damn! L-Lilith… fuck me! That's good. Play with m-my tail! Oh, fuck!" His body begins to glow and he points his finger at the door. "Hey! What are you doing?" Faye's voice snaps him back from his rage as all of his magic dissipates and he stares at Faye in a cold sweat. "Can… can you not hear that?" She shrugs and says. "Hear what? It looked like you were about to blow up my parents room?" He sighs. Yeah. Fuck this. I'm not going to be the one to break this to her. This ain't part of my skill set. He thinks to himself and he just says. "I really fucking hate doors. It's a personal thing, i live in the mountains with no doors for this specific reason." She just sighs and shakes her head. "Well, i would appreciate it if you didn't blow mine up because of a personality disorder." He finally snaps and shouts. "Yup! I'm at my fucking limit for today! I'm out. See ya kid, and I'm sorry. Fuck, i really am sorry."

with that he disappears into white lightning, leaving her in front of the door. She just shrugs her shoulders and pushes the door open, "Holy, Moly! What is going on?!" She shouts and everyone quickly separates, Lilith slips on a robe and walks over to her. "Hey, hey. It's okay. Why didn't you knock, honey?" Faye attempts to speak. "I-i… you y-you told m-me to come after t-the… ball. Why? What… is all this?" Lilith just hugs her hand says. "I'm so sorry. I completely forgot about that, this is all on me. We were just having some adult fun, honey. This is nothing more than that." Faye looks around the room at Ryah, Siba and Echo and then back to her mom. "D… does father know?" She shakes her head and says. "See honey, your father and i are married. We have been for over two hundred years and over all that time he's barely ever around. Remember when he took you to the island for eight whole years. He left me alone for eight years, but that is just a drop in the pond of time he has disappeared on me." She looks at her mother and asks. "So he just leaves you? Without warning for an unspecified amount of time?" She nods and says. "That's right, but please do not hate him. What i have with your father is beautiful, passionate, burning love and it is truly amazing; yet he's gone so often That i get quite lonely and i also have needs."

Faye nods and says. "So are you saying this is fine, because it's just for fun?" Lilith smiles and says. "That is absolutely correct. What i do is purely physical and the only man I've ever loved and ever will love is your father." She nods and says. "Does father also do the same?" She shakes her head and begins to tear up. "No. What he did was hurtful. He once told he he was falling for another woman." Faye gasps and says, "how can you love two people?!" Lilith hugs her tightly and kisses her as she says. "Like i said. All of that is in the past, and he is no longer that man. He is a better man, but he still disappears for long periods of time and i have no idea when or if he will ever return sometimes." Faye hugs her back and says. "It's okay mom. I know. I understand. You have needs and father neglects those needs for his own, right?" Lilith nods and Faye smiles. "If he can take care of his needs, then you should too." Lilith smiles softly and says. "Thank you, my beautiful little girl! I promise to always be there for you." Faye smiles back and stands up. "I know, mom. I love you too. I won't say anything to father, so just have your fun and come to the study afterward. I have great news and a few new theories as well." Lilith smiles and says. "I'll be right there. Just give me three hours." She gives her a thumbs up. "That gives me plenty of time to work on my theories."

she walks out and closes the door and a devilish grimace paints itself on Lilith's face. "Holy shit. You just gas-lit the fuck out of your daughter. You really like this that much?" Althea says in disbelief and Lilith drops her robe. "You, Ryah, Siba. Bed. Now. Echo, Get back on my face. Ryah, my wild man. Put your back into it. Siba, you just watch. I like it when you watch in the corner."

high in the sky Kengi zips across the continent while searching. Come on. Come on. Come on. Where the hell are you!  he thinks and shouts. "Why are you so good at hiding?!" He grows impatient and barrels onto the ground. He runs near the speed of light as he cases the entire continent and after five minutes he smiles. He stops in front of a cloaked woman. "I finally found you!" She removes her hood and scoffs. "Yeah and you're one important person short, Kengi. Where the fuck is my daughter? She was with you so why are you alone?" He smiles and says. "God damn am i glad you sound normal again." She grabs him by the shirt ta shouts. "Yeah! I'm normal? I watched my eldest kid slaughter my husband and his brother in front of me! I watched her brutally torture my youngest and i was too goddamn weak to do anything about it! I'd say I'm far from normal or good, so start talking! Where the fuck is my daughter?!" He smiles and says. "You're gonna hate me, but it's better if i just do my thing." She scoffs and says. " i will rip your throat out if you read a single one of my thoughts, Kengi!" He laughs. "Hahah! No, no. Alison, listen to me. I can share my memories now, I'm on a whole different level than before. I got some shit you might be interested in too."

she scowls at him before letting him go and she says. "So you can share memories, does that mean you can see mine too?" He nods and says. "Hell yes. It's not just thoughts anymore and I'm just as pissed as you are. Lilith is behind everything and my memory can prove it." She pulls out her dagger and puts it to his throat. "I know you hate that bitch too, Kengi. I do, but if you're lying to me I swear I'll die doing everything I can to kill you." He pushes her blade away with his finger and says. "Glad you at least realize that much. Now, you want the proof or not?" She nods and says. "Give it to me. Everything from the last four and a half months." He nods and puts his hands on her head and their bodies glow as their memories are shared between each other. After ten minutes the two separate and she starts to laugh. "hahaha! AAAHH!!! Hahaha! The bitch really has Althea. I can't believe it… i can believe it." She looks him in his eyes and says. "They're in Termia for seven years right?" He nods and she says. "Bring me with you. Let me see her progress personally. I'll Bring Altreoh. We will test her." He smiles and says. "I'll meet the two of you here by the weeks end."

she nods and says. "Once she's out, and I've confirmed her ability. We train, together. For the next seven years. In our world." He smiles and says. "Sounds like we got a plan, Alison." She slices her finger and he holds his out. She slices his and they rub them together.

"I Alison Koan, swear by my husband and my brother in law. I will kill Lilith Adachi."

"I Kengi Koan, swear by my children and my sister in law. I will Aid my Niece Elvina Koan in killing both Lilith Adachi and Althea Koan and if they cannot finish the job. I mysel will bear that sin."