So, you approach me in my court. Very well, I will allow your curiosity within reason.
I am Mizuki, Empress of the waves and commander of the River Guard. The currents have brought us to this Island for a purpose yet unclear to me, but the wisdom of the waves has never led me astray. Despite this world not being my own, my title and my oath stand fast.
Now then, if your business is of import, speak. If not, begone from here.
In character posting: #imperialdecree
In character tea time: #teawiththeempress
Reblogs: #royalresponse
Answered asks: #theempressanswers
OOC posting: ))post
SHIP TAG: #MoonBound
Relationship Status: heart stolen by @the-oathbound-champion , no return address
)) Note: While I will not write NSFW content, both muse and mun for Mizuki and Eugene (my irl husband) are adults. A married couple in love will not act like just friends. If you're uncomfortable with certain levels of spice, maybe read something else! XD ❤️
)) If you like my writing, you can find my other blogs linked below!
@long-live-evie
@slayer-charlotte
@goddess-of-elysium
@sugar-bear-syd
@io-splinter-agent
@shades-of-myst
@ladycat-holloway
@vengeful-visitor-fn
@corascana-stormborn
DO NOT STEAL ANY OF MY WRITING OR DRAWINGS TO USE FOR AI OR AI TRAINING.
OOC Rules, Headcanons, etc.
Rules:
1. Absolutely NO NSFW Asks or Comments. I will not respond, and I will block you if I feel I need to.
2. I would appreciate hard language being kept to a minimum where possible. Empress Mizuki does not appreciate a lack of decorum.
3. I am taking this quite seriously, I will be acting as I believe Empress Mizuki would (within the obvious confines of a text-based format).
4. I am an adult. I'm making this clear now; if you are a minor, I don't mind conversation, but I will end conversations that deviate from a solid PG rating.
5. "God Mode" (attempts to one shot kill an RP character without explicit consent and confirmation from the RP character owner) will result in a warning and further insistence will result in a block. Do not disrupt the fun we are having by acting like you can just end someone else's day.
6. I respect your headcanons, so please respect mine.
Headcanons:
Empress Mizuki is royalty born and raised. Her oath to the River Guard and her people does not weigh on her as a burden, but as a responsibility that she will uphold with pride, though the weight of the responsibility is hardly negligible.
She may come off as cold to approach, but she does not view anyone as "lesser", and she will treat all who work up the nerve to speak to her with equality. However, she does not suffer fools, and if you attempt to flirt with her, on your own head be the consequences.
She agreed to work with the Syndicates to aid the Island in combating the threats surrounding the appearance of Mega City, and since kept to herself with her personal detachment of the River Guard until the 2024 Fortnitemares.
Her deepest regret is that her brother Takeshi deserted the Guard to join the Fox Clan. She views this both as him abandoning his post and his duty to pursue irresponsibility, and also as her own personal failure as a sister. Their father, the Emperor, died of grief shortly afterwards, and Mizuki blames Takeshi for this. She ascended the throne at a very young age out of necessity. Mentions of Takeshi or the Fox Clan run the risk of hostility.
Since coming here she has formed strong allied friendships with King Midas, Megalo Don, Guernsey and his suppressed identity Joey, and Commander John Jones. She defends these fiercely. Furthermore, she has formally adopted as her son the young rōnin Kendo, who has renounced all ties to his former clan and family.
When she and the Ageless Champion first met, they clashed bitterly and despised each other. Since then, long conversations and circumstances have formed understanding, and the Ageless swore himself to her service as her Champion. Now that arrangement has become something more, and she has lost the battle for her heart, now held by her beloved Champion, though she thought he was too deeply scarred to return it. She was proven very wrong just before the turn of the year, and she and Eugene pledged their hearts and souls to one another under the stars of a beautiful Winterfest night.
She had befriended Catrina and her son Carver, but they chose to stay on the Remix Island while she moved forward. Catrina gifted her three bags of seeds, one pumpkin, one marigold, and one lotus. She grows a marigold and a pumpkin in her friends' memories. The lotus are being kept for the place she decides to make her permanent home.
Interestingly, despite Oninoshima being part of her old home, she did not plant the lotus seeds.
**Darker themes ahead: CW for death, PTSD, hallucinations, memory issues.**
Her brother Takeshi, now known as Stray, holds a deep grudge against Mizuki for the death of their uncle, who he is unaware attempted to murder Mizuki for the throne. Stray has pursued Mizuki in a quest for vengeance, and they clashed for the third time on Oninoshima. The battle resulted in Stray gravely injured, and Mizuki dying shortly thereafter in her Champion's arms.
Contrary to everyone's expectations, the Zero Point reconstructed and respawned her where she had died, but not before dragging her scattered consciousness through the thousands of other versions of her life that exist across the Omniverse all at once. She now suffers from confusion, sometimes unable to tell which memories are her own, and occasionally suffering hallucinations of those thousands of memories, with nightmares to boot, all while coming to terms with what might be her worst nightmare: immortality.
*The past month had been nothing short of stressful and taxing for the entirety of the River Guard... but especially so for their Empress.*
* @the-oathbound-champion knew the danger that threatened them even now... but he was now encountering the reality that he absolutely hated to see his beloved in so much distress. He determined that he would find some way to help her relax.*
*As she had finished one of her meetings, and the two of them were alone, Eugene left his normal position to stand behind her throne and began to massage her shoulders.*
My Empress... you have been working and training nonstop since your meeting with "Visitor". Such stress as you have been under is hardly good for you... perhaps you might permit me to help you?
[The tension in her back and shoulders melted away under her beloved's precise and firm touch. Sighing, the Empress leaned back until her head rested against Eugene's stomach, closing her eyes. Her hand reached up and behind her until it found his arm, and she trailed her fingers over his sleeve.]
Mmmm... It is difficult to rest when faced with these dark times, my love. Our enemy moves in the shadows... and I fear the day he discovers you.
[Detaching one of his hands from her shoulder, she pressed a kiss to his palm and rested her cheek there, looking up at him.]
Despite this, I have been making a genuine effort to care better for myself. Have I fallen short, beloved?
While you have been sleeping, at least, your body betrays your stress...
*His other hand moved down her back, massaging away at her tight muscles.*
The last thing that any of us would want... that I would want... would be for all of your hard work to be for naught, if your body locked up due to overexertion...
*He stroked his hand up and down her upper back, ever so lightly.*
Perhaps you might take a small holiday down to the healing springs below this place? I would have to accompany you, of course. After all, it would be most rude of me to leave you all by yourself...
[Wincing slightly as some of the knots did not ease without pain, the Empress dropped her gaze in defeat. It was true... Lately her sleep had not been restful, and taking the time to properly care for herself throughout the day didn't quite make up for that.]
I try, my love... I fear my nightmares have returned, and they steal the rest from my sleep.
[Visions of what the Zero Point had shown her had begun to invade her mind again, though they did not so much encroach on the waking world. At least for now. She suspected it had something to do with the Zero Point being openly exposed and whole...
His last comment carried the sly sound of a repressed smile, his touch teasing and warm. Opening her eyes just a little to gaze at Eugene under hooded lashes, Mizuki allowed a coy smile to turn her lips slightly.]
How scandalous! If I did not know better, why, I might think my retainer was trying to seduce me...
[A soak in the healing springs did sound lovely... They could shut the access hatches...]
*Eugene frowned to himself, concern lacing his expression as he watched her head drop.*
I shall see about making sure we have more of that tea that you like for restful sleep. And if there is anything else I can do to help your night be more peaceful, you have but to ask.
*They both had a bad habit of overworking themselves when preparing for oncoming conflicts. Unlike her, he could go without sleep entirely to focus on the tasks before him... but it was Mizuki who was helping him to slowly break that habit. Now, it was his duty, and his pleasure, to help her do the same.*
*He smiled to himself. If it took seeing each other in danger to inspire positive change in themselves, well... at least they were helping each other.*
*However, as her tone shifted, along with her expression, Eugene forced his smile to be withheld. Not because he wanted to hide his emotions, no.*
*He had simply learned, after this half year, that his wife seemed to find their uncustomary arrangement rather... hmm, thrilling.*
Why, I would have to be a fool to suggest such a thing, my Empress. After all, here we are in the midst of your court, and any could pass by and hear if I made such a bold decision as to attempt any sort of sensual charm upon my ruler in broad daylight!
*His face took on a look of complete innocence, as internally he chuckled to himself.*
I simply wish for your health and wellbeing. I do serve at your pleasure, after all...
Can you undo what the Zero Point has done, my love?
[Of course he couldn't. The rhetorical question was just a gentle reminder that the wounds she bore were not a burden he could take from her, and neither were at fault. To accentuate that she had meant it kindly, Mizuki pressed another kiss to Eugene's hand.]
Perhaps we should check my supply of lavender. I do not wish to resort to the sleep tea if I can avoid it... I despise my senses being compromised...
[She had used that tea out of desperation during the period where Vengeance Jones had been with her people for treatment. Hopefully she wouldn't have to use it again.
He was hiding a smile again. Eugene was enjoying this little game. Truthfully, their relationship at this point was an open secret. There was no need for them to pretend otherwise. But hiding the true depth of their intimacy from those around them had become its own form of entertainment between the two.
The possessiveness behind his tone when he called her "my Empress", as well... That feeling of belonging to him was something special, and she wanted to keep that between them.
Slowly standing from her seat, Mizuki trailed her fingers up Eugene's arm and across his back as she circled back towards the access to the caverns.]
Well then, my pleasure is for you to accompany me to the springs.
[Duties could wait. Their enemy could not move at this time. She would be a fool to neglect the very thing she fought to protect. Her love required her attention just as much as her people.]
*The past month had been nothing short of stressful and taxing for the entirety of the River Guard... but especially so for their Empress.*
* @the-oathbound-champion knew the danger that threatened them even now... but he was now encountering the reality that he absolutely hated to see his beloved in so much distress. He determined that he would find some way to help her relax.*
*As she had finished one of her meetings, and the two of them were alone, Eugene left his normal position to stand behind her throne and began to massage her shoulders.*
My Empress... you have been working and training nonstop since your meeting with "Visitor". Such stress as you have been under is hardly good for you... perhaps you might permit me to help you?
[The tension in her back and shoulders melted away under her beloved's precise and firm touch. Sighing, the Empress leaned back until her head rested against Eugene's stomach, closing her eyes. Her hand reached up and behind her until it found his arm, and she trailed her fingers over his sleeve.]
Mmmm... It is difficult to rest when faced with these dark times, my love. Our enemy moves in the shadows... and I fear the day he discovers you.
[Detaching one of his hands from her shoulder, she pressed a kiss to his palm and rested her cheek there, looking up at him.]
Despite this, I have been making a genuine effort to care better for myself. Have I fallen short, beloved?
While you have been sleeping, at least, your body betrays your stress...
*His other hand moved down her back, massaging away at her tight muscles.*
The last thing that any of us would want... that I would want... would be for all of your hard work to be for naught, if your body locked up due to overexertion...
*He stroked his hand up and down her upper back, ever so lightly.*
Perhaps you might take a small holiday down to the healing springs below this place? I would have to accompany you, of course. After all, it would be most rude of me to leave you all by yourself...
[Wincing slightly as some of the knots did not ease without pain, the Empress dropped her gaze in defeat. It was true... Lately her sleep had not been restful, and taking the time to properly care for herself throughout the day didn't quite make up for that.]
I try, my love... I fear my nightmares have returned, and they steal the rest from my sleep.
[Visions of what the Zero Point had shown her had begun to invade her mind again, though they did not so much encroach on the waking world. At least for now. She suspected it had something to do with the Zero Point being openly exposed and whole...
His last comment carried the sly sound of a repressed smile, his touch teasing and warm. Opening her eyes just a little to gaze at Eugene under hooded lashes, Mizuki allowed a coy smile to turn her lips slightly.]
How scandalous! If I did not know better, why, I might think my retainer was trying to seduce me...
[A soak in the healing springs did sound lovely... They could shut the access hatches...]
*The past month had been nothing short of stressful and taxing for the entirety of the River Guard... but especially so for their Empress.*
* @the-oathbound-champion knew the danger that threatened them even now... but he was now encountering the reality that he absolutely hated to see his beloved in so much distress. He determined that he would find some way to help her relax.*
*As she had finished one of her meetings, and the two of them were alone, Eugene left his normal position to stand behind her throne and began to massage her shoulders.*
My Empress... you have been working and training nonstop since your meeting with "Visitor". Such stress as you have been under is hardly good for you... perhaps you might permit me to help you?
[The tension in her back and shoulders melted away under her beloved's precise and firm touch. Sighing, the Empress leaned back until her head rested against Eugene's stomach, closing her eyes. Her hand reached up and behind her until it found his arm, and she trailed her fingers over his sleeve.]
Mmmm... It is difficult to rest when faced with these dark times, my love. Our enemy moves in the shadows... and I fear the day he discovers you.
[Detaching one of his hands from her shoulder, she pressed a kiss to his palm and rested her cheek there, looking up at him.]
Despite this, I have been making a genuine effort to care better for myself. Have I fallen short, beloved?
[She was improving. Eugene was still impossibly fast, and every time she consistently kept pace with him he would only get faster, but she had forced him to that point several times now. Defeating her required him to draw closer to his own apex, and that felt like small but decisive victories to the Empress.
Still, she could feel the limits of her own martial mastery like an immovable mountain. For the past several months the Empress had been delving into her memories, seeking out the knowledge of the River Guard arts that other versions of her had been allowed to access, and in private she had mastered quite a few new martial techniques from this method, but none of them had opened the door to the enlightenment that would take her beyond the wall of the Master rank.
Was this all she was capable of? She, the Empress, was supposed to be the penultimate example of their people and the waters with which they were bonded. The embodiment of their flow, their adaptability, their abundance and power. And yet the full breadth of their martial arts evaded her here and in every life. Why?
Frustration made her movements sharp as she sifted the bookshelves of her library once more, looking for anything at all. Her fingertips brushed a binding that she recognized instantly. Seared leather, still ever warm. She paused... then she pulled the old journal down.
Ah, yes... had there not been a version - several, actually - of her that had wielded fire? She remembered that too...
Curious... could another approach entirely be the path forward?]
*Guernsey stepped through the rift into Golden Grove, his eyes puffy and wet. As he took the time to read through Joey's letters, the storm sickness had begun to spread to his livestock, and it was a horrible thing for him to watch. It affected his animals differently then Joey, but he had been shedding a lot of tears over their condition; and Joey's too, for that matter.*
*But he'd read things within Joey's letters; he knew this was where he needed to be. He knew he could ask for help here, so be carefully began looking around.*
Your majesty? I'm sorry to drop by unannounced, but I've got something important to talk to you about!!
[All of the Empress' Guard knew Guernsey by sight since Joey's visits to Lost Lake, so the moment he was spotted on the grounds, calling for the Empress, one of the Guard immediately approached and gently escorted Guernsey to the main hall where the Empress was seated.
The Empress herself was rather surprised to see Guernsey outside of his farm, and the fear the poor man's eyes held concerned her.
First thing first, however, she stepped away from the seat that served as her throne here and took Guernsey's hands with a smile.]
Well met, sweet prince. To what do I owe your sudden visit? How may the River Guard aid you?
*Guernsey quietly thanked the guard before The Empress approched, but when she did, she had his full attention. He sniffled softly, giving her a small smile in return. It was good to see her, even under such circumstances.*
Somethings happened, your majesty.. to Joey.
He has storm sickness, really bad storm sickness; at least, thats that Venge told me. I had to call him to help me, cause Joey was being mean and scary. And now its not just him thats sick, its my girls- my cows are sick too, and-
*He had to pause, fresh tears starting to stream down his cheeks as he looked down towards The Empress' shoes. He knew it was rude not to look at someone while he talked, but it was hard to keep eye contact with tears fogged eyes.*
Joey's letters.. The ones he got from you. They mentioned Kendo. I read he did a lot of good for the island, and I.. I was wondering if he could help me help Joey and my girls; if you'd help me ask for his help.
[Feeling her heart drop into her stomach, the Empress controlled her features so as not to add stress to poor Guernsey.
Letting him catch his breath so he could speak, she gently brushed away the tears streaming down Guernsey's face, but her mind was only half listening.
Her friend was in trouble, and it wasn't safe for her to go to him. Indeed, Guernsey had no idea how much danger he'd just put himself in by coming here, what with the "Visitor" watching her.
The Guard's medic, Caspian, was just passing through with some supplies, and the Empress caught his arm.]
Fetch me our young prince, Caspian, and return with him when you do. I have need of you.
[As Caspian vanished in search of Kendo, the Empress rested a hand on Guernsey's shoulder.]
Breathe, dear one. Kendo is on his way. Whatever can be done, I know he will do to the utmost.
I believe you.. its just been- really, really hard.
*Guernsey tried to take deep breathes, but sobs exploded from his throat. He'd had quiet moments of tears frequently, forcing himself to stay busy to look for help.. look for anything that might help his brother and cows, but-*
*He was falling apart and terrified. He has his cows to worry about, his brother to worry about.. and even knowing Joey was sick, he's.. he's still afraid of his brother. He hates to admit that to himself, but he is scared of his brother; scared he will be yelled at or hurt again, even if Joey wouldn't even dream of hurting him in his right mind.*
I'm sorry, your majesty.. I- I'm trying to breathe, I promise.
*His apology came out shaky as he tried to dry his tears with his sleeve, trying to compose himself. He didn't cry very often, but times like now, he cries as hard as his body can take.*
[The Empress guided Guernsey to a seat, gently helping him down and letting him lean on her to cry. It took a good bit for him to get back to breathing normally, but eventually the sobbing slowed.
Caspian would be back soon with Kendo, so the window she had was short, but for his safety she had to take it. As soon as he was stable enough to listen, the Empress set a chair across from Guernsey, taking his hands in hers and making him look at her.]
You are very brave to have come here for help, and I will give it. But I need you to give me a promise in return, dear one.
This Island is extremely dangerous at the moment. You are far too precious to be risked. I need your promise that once you leave to return home, you will not set foot on this Island again until I or Commander Jones tells you that it is safe. You, Joey, and Syd must all remain in your reality until the danger is passed.
*Guernsey stared a moment, processing her words. Joey had been.. right? Even in his delusional state? He thought for another short moment, but nodded.*
I promise.. I'll stay back home after this. And I'll make sure Syd and Joey do too.
*He wondered what was so dangerous on the island.. What he was supposed to be hiding from. He hoped everyone would be okay, if it was something so dangerous he was being made promise to stay away. He couldn't worry about that on top of everything else right now, however.. Or, he shouldn't; he might anyway.*
Are.. You, going to be okay, your majesty? You still have that champion guy to protect you, right? To protect you from.. whatever is so dangerous here?
[A sigh of relief was cut short at Guernsey's question concerning her Champion.
Truthfully, even Eugene couldn't know at this point if he could keep her safe. Not from Geno. But Guernsey could never be told that.
Sometimes the responsibility of the crown - and of a friend - required good acting. The Empress smiled gently, not a trace of the apprehension she felt visible even in her eyes.]
Of course, dear one. My Champion will defend me. But we cannot defend you here, so you must return home.
[This lie made her sick to her stomach, but it was necessary. He had to believe she would be safe, or he would fret himself to death over what he could not affect.
Ah, but here came two sets of footsteps, the stride and fall matching Caspian and Kendo. The Empress stood, setting the chair aside once more, but not releasing Guernsey's hand. He might fly apart without a sense of connection.]
[The Empress smiled fondly. Her son was forgetting again that he should only bow to her now. Years of habit and lesser status were difficult to break.]
It seems your name is spreading among those who require aid, my son. Guernsey is here to seek a warrior's blade to protect his family, and came to search for you specifically.
*Guernsey stepped through the rift into Golden Grove, his eyes puffy and wet. As he took the time to read through Joey's letters, the storm sickness had begun to spread to his livestock, and it was a horrible thing for him to watch. It affected his animals differently then Joey, but he had been shedding a lot of tears over their condition; and Joey's too, for that matter.*
*But he'd read things within Joey's letters; he knew this was where he needed to be. He knew he could ask for help here, so be carefully began looking around.*
Your majesty? I'm sorry to drop by unannounced, but I've got something important to talk to you about!!
[All of the Empress' Guard knew Guernsey by sight since Joey's visits to Lost Lake, so the moment he was spotted on the grounds, calling for the Empress, one of the Guard immediately approached and gently escorted Guernsey to the main hall where the Empress was seated.
The Empress herself was rather surprised to see Guernsey outside of his farm, and the fear the poor man's eyes held concerned her.
First thing first, however, she stepped away from the seat that served as her throne here and took Guernsey's hands with a smile.]
Well met, sweet prince. To what do I owe your sudden visit? How may the River Guard aid you?
*Guernsey quietly thanked the guard before The Empress approched, but when she did, she had his full attention. He sniffled softly, giving her a small smile in return. It was good to see her, even under such circumstances.*
Somethings happened, your majesty.. to Joey.
He has storm sickness, really bad storm sickness; at least, thats that Venge told me. I had to call him to help me, cause Joey was being mean and scary. And now its not just him thats sick, its my girls- my cows are sick too, and-
*He had to pause, fresh tears starting to stream down his cheeks as he looked down towards The Empress' shoes. He knew it was rude not to look at someone while he talked, but it was hard to keep eye contact with tears fogged eyes.*
Joey's letters.. The ones he got from you. They mentioned Kendo. I read he did a lot of good for the island, and I.. I was wondering if he could help me help Joey and my girls; if you'd help me ask for his help.
[Feeling her heart drop into her stomach, the Empress controlled her features so as not to add stress to poor Guernsey.
Letting him catch his breath so he could speak, she gently brushed away the tears streaming down Guernsey's face, but her mind was only half listening.
Her friend was in trouble, and it wasn't safe for her to go to him. Indeed, Guernsey had no idea how much danger he'd just put himself in by coming here, what with the "Visitor" watching her.
The Guard's medic, Caspian, was just passing through with some supplies, and the Empress caught his arm.]
Fetch me our young prince, Caspian, and return with him when you do. I have need of you.
[As Caspian vanished in search of Kendo, the Empress rested a hand on Guernsey's shoulder.]
Breathe, dear one. Kendo is on his way. Whatever can be done, I know he will do to the utmost.
I believe you.. its just been- really, really hard.
*Guernsey tried to take deep breathes, but sobs exploded from his throat. He'd had quiet moments of tears frequently, forcing himself to stay busy to look for help.. look for anything that might help his brother and cows, but-*
*He was falling apart and terrified. He has his cows to worry about, his brother to worry about.. and even knowing Joey was sick, he's.. he's still afraid of his brother. He hates to admit that to himself, but he is scared of his brother; scared he will be yelled at or hurt again, even if Joey wouldn't even dream of hurting him in his right mind.*
I'm sorry, your majesty.. I- I'm trying to breathe, I promise.
*His apology came out shaky as he tried to dry his tears with his sleeve, trying to compose himself. He didn't cry very often, but times like now, he cries as hard as his body can take.*
[The Empress guided Guernsey to a seat, gently helping him down and letting him lean on her to cry. It took a good bit for him to get back to breathing normally, but eventually the sobbing slowed.
Caspian would be back soon with Kendo, so the window she had was short, but for his safety she had to take it. As soon as he was stable enough to listen, the Empress set a chair across from Guernsey, taking his hands in hers and making him look at her.]
You are very brave to have come here for help, and I will give it. But I need you to give me a promise in return, dear one.
This Island is extremely dangerous at the moment. You are far too precious to be risked. I need your promise that once you leave to return home, you will not set foot on this Island again until I or Commander Jones tells you that it is safe. You, Joey, and Syd must all remain in your reality until the danger is passed.
*Guernsey stared a moment, processing her words. Joey had been.. right? Even in his delusional state? He thought for another short moment, but nodded.*
I promise.. I'll stay back home after this. And I'll make sure Syd and Joey do too.
*He wondered what was so dangerous on the island.. What he was supposed to be hiding from. He hoped everyone would be okay, if it was something so dangerous he was being made promise to stay away. He couldn't worry about that on top of everything else right now, however.. Or, he shouldn't; he might anyway.*
Are.. You, going to be okay, your majesty? You still have that champion guy to protect you, right? To protect you from.. whatever is so dangerous here?
[A sigh of relief was cut short at Guernsey's question concerning her Champion.
Truthfully, even Eugene couldn't know at this point if he could keep her safe. Not from Geno. But Guernsey could never be told that.
Sometimes the responsibility of the crown - and of a friend - required good acting. The Empress smiled gently, not a trace of the apprehension she felt visible even in her eyes.]
Of course, dear one. My Champion will defend me. But we cannot defend you here, so you must return home.
[This lie made her sick to her stomach, but it was necessary. He had to believe she would be safe, or he would fret himself to death over what he could not affect.
Ah, but here came two sets of footsteps, the stride and fall matching Caspian and Kendo. The Empress stood, setting the chair aside once more, but not releasing Guernsey's hand. He might fly apart without a sense of connection.]
*Guernsey stepped through the rift into Golden Grove, his eyes puffy and wet. As he took the time to read through Joey's letters, the storm sickness had begun to spread to his livestock, and it was a horrible thing for him to watch. It affected his animals differently then Joey, but he had been shedding a lot of tears over their condition; and Joey's too, for that matter.*
*But he'd read things within Joey's letters; he knew this was where he needed to be. He knew he could ask for help here, so be carefully began looking around.*
Your majesty? I'm sorry to drop by unannounced, but I've got something important to talk to you about!!
[All of the Empress' Guard knew Guernsey by sight since Joey's visits to Lost Lake, so the moment he was spotted on the grounds, calling for the Empress, one of the Guard immediately approached and gently escorted Guernsey to the main hall where the Empress was seated.
The Empress herself was rather surprised to see Guernsey outside of his farm, and the fear the poor man's eyes held concerned her.
First thing first, however, she stepped away from the seat that served as her throne here and took Guernsey's hands with a smile.]
Well met, sweet prince. To what do I owe your sudden visit? How may the River Guard aid you?
*Guernsey quietly thanked the guard before The Empress approched, but when she did, she had his full attention. He sniffled softly, giving her a small smile in return. It was good to see her, even under such circumstances.*
Somethings happened, your majesty.. to Joey.
He has storm sickness, really bad storm sickness; at least, thats that Venge told me. I had to call him to help me, cause Joey was being mean and scary. And now its not just him thats sick, its my girls- my cows are sick too, and-
*He had to pause, fresh tears starting to stream down his cheeks as he looked down towards The Empress' shoes. He knew it was rude not to look at someone while he talked, but it was hard to keep eye contact with tears fogged eyes.*
Joey's letters.. The ones he got from you. They mentioned Kendo. I read he did a lot of good for the island, and I.. I was wondering if he could help me help Joey and my girls; if you'd help me ask for his help.
[Feeling her heart drop into her stomach, the Empress controlled her features so as not to add stress to poor Guernsey.
Letting him catch his breath so he could speak, she gently brushed away the tears streaming down Guernsey's face, but her mind was only half listening.
Her friend was in trouble, and it wasn't safe for her to go to him. Indeed, Guernsey had no idea how much danger he'd just put himself in by coming here, what with the "Visitor" watching her.
The Guard's medic, Caspian, was just passing through with some supplies, and the Empress caught his arm.]
Fetch me our young prince, Caspian, and return with him when you do. I have need of you.
[As Caspian vanished in search of Kendo, the Empress rested a hand on Guernsey's shoulder.]
Breathe, dear one. Kendo is on his way. Whatever can be done, I know he will do to the utmost.
I believe you.. its just been- really, really hard.
*Guernsey tried to take deep breathes, but sobs exploded from his throat. He'd had quiet moments of tears frequently, forcing himself to stay busy to look for help.. look for anything that might help his brother and cows, but-*
*He was falling apart and terrified. He has his cows to worry about, his brother to worry about.. and even knowing Joey was sick, he's.. he's still afraid of his brother. He hates to admit that to himself, but he is scared of his brother; scared he will be yelled at or hurt again, even if Joey wouldn't even dream of hurting him in his right mind.*
I'm sorry, your majesty.. I- I'm trying to breathe, I promise.
*His apology came out shaky as he tried to dry his tears with his sleeve, trying to compose himself. He didn't cry very often, but times like now, he cries as hard as his body can take.*
[The Empress guided Guernsey to a seat, gently helping him down and letting him lean on her to cry. It took a good bit for him to get back to breathing normally, but eventually the sobbing slowed.
Caspian would be back soon with Kendo, so the window she had was short, but for his safety she had to take it. As soon as he was stable enough to listen, the Empress set a chair across from Guernsey, taking his hands in hers and making him look at her.]
You are very brave to have come here for help, and I will give it. But I need you to give me a promise in return, dear one.
This Island is extremely dangerous at the moment. You are far too precious to be risked. I need your promise that once you leave to return home, you will not set foot on this Island again until I or Commander Jones tells you that it is safe. You, Joey, and Syd must all remain in your reality until the danger is passed.
[The scent of incense spread with the thin waft of smoke as the Empress pulled the lighter away. Faint firelight cast a soft glow over the image of the former Emperor and Empress, as their daughter knelt in respect before the small shrine.]
Once again, Father, I am far from our home. This Island bears no fragment of our Empire, save for me and our people.
[She smiled, laying the painting she had made of Eugene before her.]
I am told that today is a special day, dedicated to the fathers who made us who we are, so I could not pass over a chance to show you due respect.
I remember telling you that I wished to wed for love like you, a long time ago. You told me to hold to that even in the face of all those who demanded otherwise, that what I would find was worth the wait and the struggle.
You were right.
[The Empress traced a finger fondly over Eugene's painted cheek.]
I have found a love even deeper than I had dared to dream. A man so gentle and caring, yet proud and noble, you would have adored him. He has made of me a better Empress and a happier woman, and to him I would gladly have submitted the crown and my authority, were it not that he could never take the throne.
So I yet remain Empress. His Empress. And he has taken up the mantle of adoptive father to my beloved son.
[She closed her eyes, happiness lighting her smile.]
I have found the most precious family I could ever have asked for. For the first time since I lost you both, I am loved, and I am happy.
[The Empress stood, picking up the painting of Eugene, and lightly rested her hand on the picture of the former Emperor.]
Will you forgive me, Father, if I move forward? I could never forget you... but may I lay a little of my grief to rest without dishonoring you, and love my sun, my better half, with a heart that is not so heavy to hold?
*Guernsey stepped through the rift into Golden Grove, his eyes puffy and wet. As he took the time to read through Joey's letters, the storm sickness had begun to spread to his livestock, and it was a horrible thing for him to watch. It affected his animals differently then Joey, but he had been shedding a lot of tears over their condition; and Joey's too, for that matter.*
*But he'd read things within Joey's letters; he knew this was where he needed to be. He knew he could ask for help here, so be carefully began looking around.*
Your majesty? I'm sorry to drop by unannounced, but I've got something important to talk to you about!!
[All of the Empress' Guard knew Guernsey by sight since Joey's visits to Lost Lake, so the moment he was spotted on the grounds, calling for the Empress, one of the Guard immediately approached and gently escorted Guernsey to the main hall where the Empress was seated.
The Empress herself was rather surprised to see Guernsey outside of his farm, and the fear the poor man's eyes held concerned her.
First thing first, however, she stepped away from the seat that served as her throne here and took Guernsey's hands with a smile.]
Well met, sweet prince. To what do I owe your sudden visit? How may the River Guard aid you?
*Guernsey quietly thanked the guard before The Empress approched, but when she did, she had his full attention. He sniffled softly, giving her a small smile in return. It was good to see her, even under such circumstances.*
Somethings happened, your majesty.. to Joey.
He has storm sickness, really bad storm sickness; at least, thats that Venge told me. I had to call him to help me, cause Joey was being mean and scary. And now its not just him thats sick, its my girls- my cows are sick too, and-
*He had to pause, fresh tears starting to stream down his cheeks as he looked down towards The Empress' shoes. He knew it was rude not to look at someone while he talked, but it was hard to keep eye contact with tears fogged eyes.*
Joey's letters.. The ones he got from you. They mentioned Kendo. I read he did a lot of good for the island, and I.. I was wondering if he could help me help Joey and my girls; if you'd help me ask for his help.
[Feeling her heart drop into her stomach, the Empress controlled her features so as not to add stress to poor Guernsey.
Letting him catch his breath so he could speak, she gently brushed away the tears streaming down Guernsey's face, but her mind was only half listening.
Her friend was in trouble, and it wasn't safe for her to go to him. Indeed, Guernsey had no idea how much danger he'd just put himself in by coming here, what with the "Visitor" watching her.
The Guard's medic, Caspian, was just passing through with some supplies, and the Empress caught his arm.]
Fetch me our young prince, Caspian, and return with him when you do. I have need of you.
[As Caspian vanished in search of Kendo, the Empress rested a hand on Guernsey's shoulder.]
Breathe, dear one. Kendo is on his way. Whatever can be done, I know he will do to the utmost.
*Guernsey stepped through the rift into Golden Grove, his eyes puffy and wet. As he took the time to read through Joey's letters, the storm sickness had begun to spread to his livestock, and it was a horrible thing for him to watch. It affected his animals differently then Joey, but he had been shedding a lot of tears over their condition; and Joey's too, for that matter.*
*But he'd read things within Joey's letters; he knew this was where he needed to be. He knew he could ask for help here, so be carefully began looking around.*
Your majesty? I'm sorry to drop by unannounced, but I've got something important to talk to you about!!
[All of the Empress' Guard knew Guernsey by sight since Joey's visits to Lost Lake, so the moment he was spotted on the grounds, calling for the Empress, one of the Guard immediately approached and gently escorted Guernsey to the main hall where the Empress was seated.
The Empress herself was rather surprised to see Guernsey outside of his farm, and the fear the poor man's eyes held concerned her.
First thing first, however, she stepped away from the seat that served as her throne here and took Guernsey's hands with a smile.]
Well met, sweet prince. To what do I owe your sudden visit? How may the River Guard aid you?
*The moment he heard the telltale crack of a rift, and not a moment sooner, @the-oathbound-champion put down the listening device and rushed upstairs. Opening the door to the audience chamber, he came to a stop in front of Mizuki.*
My Empress! You are not hurt, are you?
*His heart had burned within him to make his presence known, but he knew that such an action would only end in disaster. So he had waited, despite his every instinct telling him to come out here, instead.*
I heard it all... I am afraid I did not follow the full conversation. I could sense that only half of it was spoken. But from what I heard, I can infer the worst...
He is Geno. And he knows I am connected to you. Is this correct?
No... No, I am not hurt. He did not touch me. He dares not.
[Feeling slightly dazed as the adrenaline of the confrontation began to wear off, the Empress leaned into Eugene, taking a moment to breathe and steady herself. After a moment she pulled away again, drawing his attention to the Go board, which still bore the final conclusion to their battle.]
The other half of the conversation took place here. He knows more than I should like, but I know what he seeks to bury.
It is as we feared. He is Geno. And he knows you are close to me, in some way.
*Eugene observed the board. An exact draw... though one where Geno had the barest hint of an advantage, though nowhere to press it on.*
The fact that you were able to net any sort of victory, however small, is already a massive boon. Truly, my love, there is no end to the wonders I have seen you work.
Still, Geno has arrived on the island. Indeed, it seems he has been here for longer than we had worried. For me to not even sense him...
*So he had no way of knowing his vicinity. His senses had felt heightened ever since the Zero Point reformed, but they would not give him any benefit over Geno.*
I am... glad, that you are not harmed. I had assumed that Geno would simply remove anyone who dared stand in his way. Perhaps this means I cannot predict his actions as much as I had hoped... which is concerning for an entirely different reason.
To battle him to a draw was not something I thought any but you capable of... I myself was fighting to sour his eventual victory, while attempting to the best of my abilities to secure my own victory.
[The Empress ran a fingertip down the edge of the board, fascinated.]
What an exhilarating match indeed... And here I have not only the other half of our conversation, but an illustration of the events that led us to this point.
[She lightly tapped the first trap stone Geno had laid.]
This piece is himself. Set to lie in wait for the opportune moment, seemingly harmless, but a subtle poison undermining everything I was to lay further.
[She tapped the bait stone.]
The Ice King, and possibly the Voyager. A diversion. An obvious threat, meant to lure us out and keep our attention, leaving him free to do as he pleased.
I take the bait, just as we all did, and he closes the trap. Pieces are lost. The Foundation, the Commander.
But I set a trap of my own, and he cannot stop me.
[She pointed at the segment of the board that had decided the duel.]
He extends too far, exposes himself. I recognized him. I invited him here. And I discovered him.
At the same time, since you were listening, you can see which points in the conversation you heard correspond to the moves played. The game reflected our conversation perfectly. In the end, we both took what we wanted, neither able to stop the other.
I know who he is, I know what he wants, and I know what he has done. At the same time, he knows who I am, he knows I am connected to you, and he knows that I have discovered him.
[The Empress spread her hands over the board, taking in the whole.]
Equilibrium. A perfect draw. He cannot harm me without exposing himself, and I cannot expose him without harming my people.
It seems his power is something he enjoys indulging only on occasions he deems worthwhile. What he enjoys far more is the great game that is manipulating all of us unawares. I am a dangerous opponent now, but he cannot remove me without upsetting his board. Therefore, at least for the moment... I am safe.
So he would rather toy with us than take the simple route.
*Oddly, this gave them more of a fighting chance than he had thought. If Geno wanted the thrill of his own brilliance, he would not simply allow a game to end with force. That meant that, at least, they would be unlikely to die by his hand in brutal single combat.*
Your success in even reaching equilibrium against him is not to be undermined. However, I sense that he was not playing primarily for a victory, but merely for information. With what we know of his nature now, it would seem that the only way to beat him... would be to set him back to square one.
*Eugene looked at the board, thinking. After a moment, he went to where the River Guard kept their other games, before taking out a knight from the chess set, and placing it upon the go board.*
We know that he was defeated by being dropped into the Zero Point. And that it was somehow connected to the death of the Imagined. We must find out what his blind spot was, what enabled him to be so distracted that a single choice was able to remove him from the board for some time.
It is alike to Frodo getting close enough to Mordor to destroy the One Ring. It was accomplished because the plan was so ridiculous, so unlikely to succeed, that Sauron never even considered it a possibility.
*Eugene tapped the knight upon the board.*
What will Geno not plan for, because he finds it ridiculous? What is so outside the game he supposes he is playing, that he will not realize his error until it is upon him?
A man of his ego would play for nothing less than victory, even in a match intended to extract information. Forgive me, my love, but you were not playing him. Had I been any less vigilant, I would have lost entirely. He intended to beat me, and leave me with as little information as possible.
[The Empress considered the board and all its implications.]
He enjoys the game, but the effort must be worth undertaking, and amusement would never be fulfilling enough to play such a long game. My guess is that Geno desires as clean a victory as he can muster. An Island undecimated, the heroes collaborating with him, all he desires handed to him willingly. The strongest chains are those one desires to wear, after all.
[She picked up the trap piece, looking it over as though it held the answers.]
The Imagined is his daughter, yes? Had Geno ever considered that his own blood would hate him with a passion that would drive her to die for the chance to bring him down?
[He had shown a bizarre amount of leniency to the Sisters. Did he consider a familial bond to be of any importance?]
So his intent is to secure a lasting victory through deceit. A victory so absolute that even his enemies willingly allow it to occur.
How... brilliant. Utterly degenerate, but brilliant.
*Eugene did not like comparing himself to Geno. Yet, even in his evil, he had some qualities that Eugene recognized he must have grown massively between the time of his creation and now. He would not consider himself unintelligent, but he did wonder how long he would have possibly lasted in Mizuki's place today... or if he would have been able to at all.*
I fear that I am unfamiliar with how exactly he managed to find himself unprotected within the Point. But I had always assumed that any who stood in his way would be crushed, no matter who they were. However, it is true that he has been very lenient towards the sisters... and when I did meet him, he seemed almost... proud? That I was thinking and acting for myself, apart from what he made me to be.
That is not to say he did not patronize me, but still... perhaps he sees his own blood capable of coming to the same opinion as he?
Not only would they allow it... they would aid him in facilitating it.
[The Empress laid the stone back where Geno had set it.]
If he believes himself perfect, and he believes himself worthy of deciding and enforcing perfection on the behalf of the entire Omniverse... then he believes himself to be in the right. If he truly believes himself to be in the right... perhaps it is validation that he seeks. Perhaps he desires to be proven right in the eyes of those who opposed him, so that they support him.
[That would carry with it quite a few benefits. Endless validation, as those who once fought for freedom willingly turned themselves over to his chains. A ready foundation to build from, and willing hands to aid his work.]
As for why he fell, the Commander and I spoke of it once. His exact words were that "he was thrown into Zero Point by the Imagined". The Commander witnessed their deaths.
As much as we refuse to acknowledge him as such, Geno seems to believe himself a father to you and the Sisters. Perhaps he desires to have you all acknowledge him, and accept the roles of his children. Fatherhood is a status of great pride, after all... and he is responsible for your creation.
[Her tone somewhat softer on those last words, the Empress gently slipped her hand into Eugene's, giving it a soft press. A small reminder, but a reminder nonetheless, that she did not count his connection to Geno as shame.]
Though you are far more than he intended you to be, and a better man than he.
You are correct... Geno does, perhaps, consider myself, Imagined, and Order as his offspring. As much as I would hate to admit it...
*As he said the words, though, an idea began to form.*
... He may not be truly my father... but what if... the Imagined and the Order are still alike to my sisters?
*He stood and began pacing.*
For my entire time here, I have avoided any potential encounter with the Order. And the Imagined... well, I am uncertain of when she returned. But, I have always feared putting them under undue pressure and stress by revealing myself.
However, Geno has returned. And he intends to act. While you cannot warn the Reality Warriors about him, for fear of endangering our people...
*He snapped his fingers multiple times, trying to think.*
... Perhaps I can prepare the Sisters for his betrayal, by revealing myself to them, and being open and plain about all that has happened-- save this business with Visitor.
A move so outside of our nature he would never anticipate it...
[The Empress' eyes roved over the board, reading the intent of each piece.]
He knows you despise him and your connection to him. He knows you went willingly into exile and hiding to protect yourself from him, and everyone you knew from him and yourself...
["I imagine it would be quite a shock to hear that there was a man who still bore the face of their late father... even if he was an ally."]
He believes that you would never, to protect yourself or the Sisters, whichever compulsion is strong enough to have held your silence for so long. His own experience of hiding his identity would only reinforce that expectation of you...
[She tapped a finger on the board again.]
A strategic surrender of your own security. This could end badly, or be precisely the missing alliance we need. If all three of his "children" stand united against him when he reveals his hand...
... Then perhaps he would be undone by the very people he raised up to be reflections of his own ego.
It would be dangerous, however. He cannot know that a meeting has occurred. Therefore, we cannot arrange a meeting at Sanctuary. However, the sisters will be mistrustful at best and violent at worst once I reveal myself, so we cannot compound that by inviting them into our territory.
*He stroked his chin, thinking.*
It must be a neutral location. Out in the open, with many witnesses. Quiet, so that a scene is less likely to be caused, but also with very little defensive positioning, to ensure it looks as little like a trap as possible...
The more witnesses, the more likely he is to hear of it. We cannot risk that under any circumstances.
[The Empress stepped around the table, folding her hands behind her back.]
We need a third location with only witnesses we trust. Ideally, I would have called on the Commander...
[The Commander... She knew now why he was in a coma. The bullet could only have been Geno's doing. Jones and the Visitor had been alone once the strike team had been deployed. Geno saw him as a threat and created an opportunity to erase him, not realizing that he would be found so quickly.
Or had he intended to leave Jones alive? Perhaps he had some further use for the man once his plans were complete, but he had ensured Jones couldn't stop him. Or he intended to make Jones look mad once he awoke, discredit him, usurp his inspirational image.
There were a number of possibilities, none of them good. But, if Geno had intended to kill Jones, and had failed... that gave an opportunity to turn the tide.]
... But in his absence, even with what she did, I would trust his beloved. The actress Holloway knows how to keep secrets, as long as she knows they are secret. Kendo as well.
We must keep the circle small and trusted, and the location remote. It is impossible to inform the entire island without informing Geno. And... if the Sisters become violent, I at least can trust you to defend yourself without being hurt, as little as I enjoy the prospect.
*Miss Evie, Lady Holloway, and Kendo... yes, that should work. They would have to alert them as to the plan in advance. Hopefully the Sisters wouldn't take it personally...*
Violence can be worked through. I would worry about them leaving. Hopefully in a choice between flight and fight, fight wins out. It would tell us how they shall eventually deal with Geno, as well.
*He nodded to himself.*
It is settled, then. I shall reveal myself to them, and explain who I am. If all goes well... perhaps they will not feel themselves alone against Geno when the time comes.
Kendo will likely request that Charlotte be present, as I know it would offend his sense of honor to keep a secret from her. Fortunately, her discretion is also assured, as she is quite adept at keeping her own secrets.
[Eugene was taking an enormous risk here. If the Sisters refused to accept him as an ally, then they would report to the one they only knew as their Visitor. Geno would know that they had attempted to undermine him.
She and her people would be destroyed at his earliest possible opportunity... and Eugene would be alone. Again.
The willpower and adrenaline that had kept her going finally ran out, and the Empress reached out to Eugene, trembling hands taking hold of his shirt. Leaning her head against his chest, she closed her eyes.
She could save him... She could bury their rings and certificate, the only evidence of their bond, and he could run. He could disappear in endless Reality... He could live.
......
... And never forgive himself for leaving the people he had come to love so dearly behind again. No. She would not insult him with the suggestion.
She would find a location, and arrange this meeting. They would take this one long shot... together... and pray for leniency.]
I will stand with you, my sun. No matter what happens... I will stand... or fall... with you.
*The moment he heard the telltale crack of a rift, and not a moment sooner, @the-oathbound-champion put down the listening device and rushed upstairs. Opening the door to the audience chamber, he came to a stop in front of Mizuki.*
My Empress! You are not hurt, are you?
*His heart had burned within him to make his presence known, but he knew that such an action would only end in disaster. So he had waited, despite his every instinct telling him to come out here, instead.*
I heard it all... I am afraid I did not follow the full conversation. I could sense that only half of it was spoken. But from what I heard, I can infer the worst...
He is Geno. And he knows I am connected to you. Is this correct?
No... No, I am not hurt. He did not touch me. He dares not.
[Feeling slightly dazed as the adrenaline of the confrontation began to wear off, the Empress leaned into Eugene, taking a moment to breathe and steady herself. After a moment she pulled away again, drawing his attention to the Go board, which still bore the final conclusion to their battle.]
The other half of the conversation took place here. He knows more than I should like, but I know what he seeks to bury.
It is as we feared. He is Geno. And he knows you are close to me, in some way.
*Eugene observed the board. An exact draw... though one where Geno had the barest hint of an advantage, though nowhere to press it on.*
The fact that you were able to net any sort of victory, however small, is already a massive boon. Truly, my love, there is no end to the wonders I have seen you work.
Still, Geno has arrived on the island. Indeed, it seems he has been here for longer than we had worried. For me to not even sense him...
*So he had no way of knowing his vicinity. His senses had felt heightened ever since the Zero Point reformed, but they would not give him any benefit over Geno.*
I am... glad, that you are not harmed. I had assumed that Geno would simply remove anyone who dared stand in his way. Perhaps this means I cannot predict his actions as much as I had hoped... which is concerning for an entirely different reason.
To battle him to a draw was not something I thought any but you capable of... I myself was fighting to sour his eventual victory, while attempting to the best of my abilities to secure my own victory.
[The Empress ran a fingertip down the edge of the board, fascinated.]
What an exhilarating match indeed... And here I have not only the other half of our conversation, but an illustration of the events that led us to this point.
[She lightly tapped the first trap stone Geno had laid.]
This piece is himself. Set to lie in wait for the opportune moment, seemingly harmless, but a subtle poison undermining everything I was to lay further.
[She tapped the bait stone.]
The Ice King, and possibly the Voyager. A diversion. An obvious threat, meant to lure us out and keep our attention, leaving him free to do as he pleased.
I take the bait, just as we all did, and he closes the trap. Pieces are lost. The Foundation, the Commander.
But I set a trap of my own, and he cannot stop me.
[She pointed at the segment of the board that had decided the duel.]
He extends too far, exposes himself. I recognized him. I invited him here. And I discovered him.
At the same time, since you were listening, you can see which points in the conversation you heard correspond to the moves played. The game reflected our conversation perfectly. In the end, we both took what we wanted, neither able to stop the other.
I know who he is, I know what he wants, and I know what he has done. At the same time, he knows who I am, he knows I am connected to you, and he knows that I have discovered him.
[The Empress spread her hands over the board, taking in the whole.]
Equilibrium. A perfect draw. He cannot harm me without exposing himself, and I cannot expose him without harming my people.
It seems his power is something he enjoys indulging only on occasions he deems worthwhile. What he enjoys far more is the great game that is manipulating all of us unawares. I am a dangerous opponent now, but he cannot remove me without upsetting his board. Therefore, at least for the moment... I am safe.
So he would rather toy with us than take the simple route.
*Oddly, this gave them more of a fighting chance than he had thought. If Geno wanted the thrill of his own brilliance, he would not simply allow a game to end with force. That meant that, at least, they would be unlikely to die by his hand in brutal single combat.*
Your success in even reaching equilibrium against him is not to be undermined. However, I sense that he was not playing primarily for a victory, but merely for information. With what we know of his nature now, it would seem that the only way to beat him... would be to set him back to square one.
*Eugene looked at the board, thinking. After a moment, he went to where the River Guard kept their other games, before taking out a knight from the chess set, and placing it upon the go board.*
We know that he was defeated by being dropped into the Zero Point. And that it was somehow connected to the death of the Imagined. We must find out what his blind spot was, what enabled him to be so distracted that a single choice was able to remove him from the board for some time.
It is alike to Frodo getting close enough to Mordor to destroy the One Ring. It was accomplished because the plan was so ridiculous, so unlikely to succeed, that Sauron never even considered it a possibility.
*Eugene tapped the knight upon the board.*
What will Geno not plan for, because he finds it ridiculous? What is so outside the game he supposes he is playing, that he will not realize his error until it is upon him?
A man of his ego would play for nothing less than victory, even in a match intended to extract information. Forgive me, my love, but you were not playing him. Had I been any less vigilant, I would have lost entirely. He intended to beat me, and leave me with as little information as possible.
[The Empress considered the board and all its implications.]
He enjoys the game, but the effort must be worth undertaking, and amusement would never be fulfilling enough to play such a long game. My guess is that Geno desires as clean a victory as he can muster. An Island undecimated, the heroes collaborating with him, all he desires handed to him willingly. The strongest chains are those one desires to wear, after all.
[She picked up the trap piece, looking it over as though it held the answers.]
The Imagined is his daughter, yes? Had Geno ever considered that his own blood would hate him with a passion that would drive her to die for the chance to bring him down?
[He had shown a bizarre amount of leniency to the Sisters. Did he consider a familial bond to be of any importance?]
So his intent is to secure a lasting victory through deceit. A victory so absolute that even his enemies willingly allow it to occur.
How... brilliant. Utterly degenerate, but brilliant.
*Eugene did not like comparing himself to Geno. Yet, even in his evil, he had some qualities that Eugene recognized he must have grown massively between the time of his creation and now. He would not consider himself unintelligent, but he did wonder how long he would have possibly lasted in Mizuki's place today... or if he would have been able to at all.*
I fear that I am unfamiliar with how exactly he managed to find himself unprotected within the Point. But I had always assumed that any who stood in his way would be crushed, no matter who they were. However, it is true that he has been very lenient towards the sisters... and when I did meet him, he seemed almost... proud? That I was thinking and acting for myself, apart from what he made me to be.
That is not to say he did not patronize me, but still... perhaps he sees his own blood capable of coming to the same opinion as he?
Not only would they allow it... they would aid him in facilitating it.
[The Empress laid the stone back where Geno had set it.]
If he believes himself perfect, and he believes himself worthy of deciding and enforcing perfection on the behalf of the entire Omniverse... then he believes himself to be in the right. If he truly believes himself to be in the right... perhaps it is validation that he seeks. Perhaps he desires to be proven right in the eyes of those who opposed him, so that they support him.
[That would carry with it quite a few benefits. Endless validation, as those who once fought for freedom willingly turned themselves over to his chains. A ready foundation to build from, and willing hands to aid his work.]
As for why he fell, the Commander and I spoke of it once. His exact words were that "he was thrown into Zero Point by the Imagined". The Commander witnessed their deaths.
As much as we refuse to acknowledge him as such, Geno seems to believe himself a father to you and the Sisters. Perhaps he desires to have you all acknowledge him, and accept the roles of his children. Fatherhood is a status of great pride, after all... and he is responsible for your creation.
[Her tone somewhat softer on those last words, the Empress gently slipped her hand into Eugene's, giving it a soft press. A small reminder, but a reminder nonetheless, that she did not count his connection to Geno as shame.]
Though you are far more than he intended you to be, and a better man than he.
You are correct... Geno does, perhaps, consider myself, Imagined, and Order as his offspring. As much as I would hate to admit it...
*As he said the words, though, an idea began to form.*
... He may not be truly my father... but what if... the Imagined and the Order are still alike to my sisters?
*He stood and began pacing.*
For my entire time here, I have avoided any potential encounter with the Order. And the Imagined... well, I am uncertain of when she returned. But, I have always feared putting them under undue pressure and stress by revealing myself.
However, Geno has returned. And he intends to act. While you cannot warn the Reality Warriors about him, for fear of endangering our people...
*He snapped his fingers multiple times, trying to think.*
... Perhaps I can prepare the Sisters for his betrayal, by revealing myself to them, and being open and plain about all that has happened-- save this business with Visitor.
A move so outside of our nature he would never anticipate it...
[The Empress' eyes roved over the board, reading the intent of each piece.]
He knows you despise him and your connection to him. He knows you went willingly into exile and hiding to protect yourself from him, and everyone you knew from him and yourself...
["I imagine it would be quite a shock to hear that there was a man who still bore the face of their late father... even if he was an ally."]
He believes that you would never, to protect yourself or the Sisters, whichever compulsion is strong enough to have held your silence for so long. His own experience of hiding his identity would only reinforce that expectation of you...
[She tapped a finger on the board again.]
A strategic surrender of your own security. This could end badly, or be precisely the missing alliance we need. If all three of his "children" stand united against him when he reveals his hand...
... Then perhaps he would be undone by the very people he raised up to be reflections of his own ego.
It would be dangerous, however. He cannot know that a meeting has occurred. Therefore, we cannot arrange a meeting at Sanctuary. However, the sisters will be mistrustful at best and violent at worst once I reveal myself, so we cannot compound that by inviting them into our territory.
*He stroked his chin, thinking.*
It must be a neutral location. Out in the open, with many witnesses. Quiet, so that a scene is less likely to be caused, but also with very little defensive positioning, to ensure it looks as little like a trap as possible...
The more witnesses, the more likely he is to hear of it. We cannot risk that under any circumstances.
[The Empress stepped around the table, folding her hands behind her back.]
We need a third location with only witnesses we trust. Ideally, I would have called on the Commander...
[The Commander... She knew now why he was in a coma. The bullet could only have been Geno's doing. Jones and the Visitor had been alone once the strike team had been deployed. Geno saw him as a threat and created an opportunity to erase him, not realizing that he would be found so quickly.
Or had he intended to leave Jones alive? Perhaps he had some further use for the man once his plans were complete, but he had ensured Jones couldn't stop him. Or he intended to make Jones look mad once he awoke, discredit him, usurp his inspirational image.
There were a number of possibilities, none of them good. But, if Geno had intended to kill Jones, and had failed... that gave an opportunity to turn the tide.]
... But in his absence, even with what she did, I would trust his beloved. The actress Holloway knows how to keep secrets, as long as she knows they are secret. Kendo as well.
We must keep the circle small and trusted, and the location remote. It is impossible to inform the entire island without informing Geno. And... if the Sisters become violent, I at least can trust you to defend yourself without being hurt, as little as I enjoy the prospect.
*The moment he heard the telltale crack of a rift, and not a moment sooner, @the-oathbound-champion put down the listening device and rushed upstairs. Opening the door to the audience chamber, he came to a stop in front of Mizuki.*
My Empress! You are not hurt, are you?
*His heart had burned within him to make his presence known, but he knew that such an action would only end in disaster. So he had waited, despite his every instinct telling him to come out here, instead.*
I heard it all... I am afraid I did not follow the full conversation. I could sense that only half of it was spoken. But from what I heard, I can infer the worst...
He is Geno. And he knows I am connected to you. Is this correct?
No... No, I am not hurt. He did not touch me. He dares not.
[Feeling slightly dazed as the adrenaline of the confrontation began to wear off, the Empress leaned into Eugene, taking a moment to breathe and steady herself. After a moment she pulled away again, drawing his attention to the Go board, which still bore the final conclusion to their battle.]
The other half of the conversation took place here. He knows more than I should like, but I know what he seeks to bury.
It is as we feared. He is Geno. And he knows you are close to me, in some way.
*Eugene observed the board. An exact draw... though one where Geno had the barest hint of an advantage, though nowhere to press it on.*
The fact that you were able to net any sort of victory, however small, is already a massive boon. Truly, my love, there is no end to the wonders I have seen you work.
Still, Geno has arrived on the island. Indeed, it seems he has been here for longer than we had worried. For me to not even sense him...
*So he had no way of knowing his vicinity. His senses had felt heightened ever since the Zero Point reformed, but they would not give him any benefit over Geno.*
I am... glad, that you are not harmed. I had assumed that Geno would simply remove anyone who dared stand in his way. Perhaps this means I cannot predict his actions as much as I had hoped... which is concerning for an entirely different reason.
To battle him to a draw was not something I thought any but you capable of... I myself was fighting to sour his eventual victory, while attempting to the best of my abilities to secure my own victory.
[The Empress ran a fingertip down the edge of the board, fascinated.]
What an exhilarating match indeed... And here I have not only the other half of our conversation, but an illustration of the events that led us to this point.
[She lightly tapped the first trap stone Geno had laid.]
This piece is himself. Set to lie in wait for the opportune moment, seemingly harmless, but a subtle poison undermining everything I was to lay further.
[She tapped the bait stone.]
The Ice King, and possibly the Voyager. A diversion. An obvious threat, meant to lure us out and keep our attention, leaving him free to do as he pleased.
I take the bait, just as we all did, and he closes the trap. Pieces are lost. The Foundation, the Commander.
But I set a trap of my own, and he cannot stop me.
[She pointed at the segment of the board that had decided the duel.]
He extends too far, exposes himself. I recognized him. I invited him here. And I discovered him.
At the same time, since you were listening, you can see which points in the conversation you heard correspond to the moves played. The game reflected our conversation perfectly. In the end, we both took what we wanted, neither able to stop the other.
I know who he is, I know what he wants, and I know what he has done. At the same time, he knows who I am, he knows I am connected to you, and he knows that I have discovered him.
[The Empress spread her hands over the board, taking in the whole.]
Equilibrium. A perfect draw. He cannot harm me without exposing himself, and I cannot expose him without harming my people.
It seems his power is something he enjoys indulging only on occasions he deems worthwhile. What he enjoys far more is the great game that is manipulating all of us unawares. I am a dangerous opponent now, but he cannot remove me without upsetting his board. Therefore, at least for the moment... I am safe.
So he would rather toy with us than take the simple route.
*Oddly, this gave them more of a fighting chance than he had thought. If Geno wanted the thrill of his own brilliance, he would not simply allow a game to end with force. That meant that, at least, they would be unlikely to die by his hand in brutal single combat.*
Your success in even reaching equilibrium against him is not to be undermined. However, I sense that he was not playing primarily for a victory, but merely for information. With what we know of his nature now, it would seem that the only way to beat him... would be to set him back to square one.
*Eugene looked at the board, thinking. After a moment, he went to where the River Guard kept their other games, before taking out a knight from the chess set, and placing it upon the go board.*
We know that he was defeated by being dropped into the Zero Point. And that it was somehow connected to the death of the Imagined. We must find out what his blind spot was, what enabled him to be so distracted that a single choice was able to remove him from the board for some time.
It is alike to Frodo getting close enough to Mordor to destroy the One Ring. It was accomplished because the plan was so ridiculous, so unlikely to succeed, that Sauron never even considered it a possibility.
*Eugene tapped the knight upon the board.*
What will Geno not plan for, because he finds it ridiculous? What is so outside the game he supposes he is playing, that he will not realize his error until it is upon him?
A man of his ego would play for nothing less than victory, even in a match intended to extract information. Forgive me, my love, but you were not playing him. Had I been any less vigilant, I would have lost entirely. He intended to beat me, and leave me with as little information as possible.
[The Empress considered the board and all its implications.]
He enjoys the game, but the effort must be worth undertaking, and amusement would never be fulfilling enough to play such a long game. My guess is that Geno desires as clean a victory as he can muster. An Island undecimated, the heroes collaborating with him, all he desires handed to him willingly. The strongest chains are those one desires to wear, after all.
[She picked up the trap piece, looking it over as though it held the answers.]
The Imagined is his daughter, yes? Had Geno ever considered that his own blood would hate him with a passion that would drive her to die for the chance to bring him down?
[He had shown a bizarre amount of leniency to the Sisters. Did he consider a familial bond to be of any importance?]
So his intent is to secure a lasting victory through deceit. A victory so absolute that even his enemies willingly allow it to occur.
How... brilliant. Utterly degenerate, but brilliant.
*Eugene did not like comparing himself to Geno. Yet, even in his evil, he had some qualities that Eugene recognized he must have grown massively between the time of his creation and now. He would not consider himself unintelligent, but he did wonder how long he would have possibly lasted in Mizuki's place today... or if he would have been able to at all.*
I fear that I am unfamiliar with how exactly he managed to find himself unprotected within the Point. But I had always assumed that any who stood in his way would be crushed, no matter who they were. However, it is true that he has been very lenient towards the sisters... and when I did meet him, he seemed almost... proud? That I was thinking and acting for myself, apart from what he made me to be.
That is not to say he did not patronize me, but still... perhaps he sees his own blood capable of coming to the same opinion as he?
Not only would they allow it... they would aid him in facilitating it.
[The Empress laid the stone back where Geno had set it.]
If he believes himself perfect, and he believes himself worthy of deciding and enforcing perfection on the behalf of the entire Omniverse... then he believes himself to be in the right. If he truly believes himself to be in the right... perhaps it is validation that he seeks. Perhaps he desires to be proven right in the eyes of those who opposed him, so that they support him.
[That would carry with it quite a few benefits. Endless validation, as those who once fought for freedom willingly turned themselves over to his chains. A ready foundation to build from, and willing hands to aid his work.]
As for why he fell, the Commander and I spoke of it once. His exact words were that "he was thrown into Zero Point by the Imagined". The Commander witnessed their deaths.
As much as we refuse to acknowledge him as such, Geno seems to believe himself a father to you and the Sisters. Perhaps he desires to have you all acknowledge him, and accept the roles of his children. Fatherhood is a status of great pride, after all... and he is responsible for your creation.
[Her tone somewhat softer on those last words, the Empress gently slipped her hand into Eugene's, giving it a soft press. A small reminder, but a reminder nonetheless, that she did not count his connection to Geno as shame.]
Though you are far more than he intended you to be, and a better man than he.
You are correct... Geno does, perhaps, consider myself, Imagined, and Order as his offspring. As much as I would hate to admit it...
*As he said the words, though, an idea began to form.*
... He may not be truly my father... but what if... the Imagined and the Order are still alike to my sisters?
*He stood and began pacing.*
For my entire time here, I have avoided any potential encounter with the Order. And the Imagined... well, I am uncertain of when she returned. But, I have always feared putting them under undue pressure and stress by revealing myself.
However, Geno has returned. And he intends to act. While you cannot warn the Reality Warriors about him, for fear of endangering our people...
*He snapped his fingers multiple times, trying to think.*
... Perhaps I can prepare the Sisters for his betrayal, by revealing myself to them, and being open and plain about all that has happened-- save this business with Visitor.
A move so outside of our nature he would never anticipate it...
[The Empress' eyes roved over the board, reading the intent of each piece.]
He knows you despise him and your connection to him. He knows you went willingly into exile and hiding to protect yourself from him, and everyone you knew from him and yourself...
["I imagine it would be quite a shock to hear that there was a man who still bore the face of their late father... even if he was an ally."]
He believes that you would never, to protect yourself or the Sisters, whichever compulsion is strong enough to have held your silence for so long. His own experience of hiding his identity would only reinforce that expectation of you...
[She tapped a finger on the board again.]
A strategic surrender of your own security. This could end badly, or be precisely the missing alliance we need. If all three of his "children" stand united against him when he reveals his hand...
*The moment he heard the telltale crack of a rift, and not a moment sooner, @the-oathbound-champion put down the listening device and rushed upstairs. Opening the door to the audience chamber, he came to a stop in front of Mizuki.*
My Empress! You are not hurt, are you?
*His heart had burned within him to make his presence known, but he knew that such an action would only end in disaster. So he had waited, despite his every instinct telling him to come out here, instead.*
I heard it all... I am afraid I did not follow the full conversation. I could sense that only half of it was spoken. But from what I heard, I can infer the worst...
He is Geno. And he knows I am connected to you. Is this correct?
No... No, I am not hurt. He did not touch me. He dares not.
[Feeling slightly dazed as the adrenaline of the confrontation began to wear off, the Empress leaned into Eugene, taking a moment to breathe and steady herself. After a moment she pulled away again, drawing his attention to the Go board, which still bore the final conclusion to their battle.]
The other half of the conversation took place here. He knows more than I should like, but I know what he seeks to bury.
It is as we feared. He is Geno. And he knows you are close to me, in some way.
*Eugene observed the board. An exact draw... though one where Geno had the barest hint of an advantage, though nowhere to press it on.*
The fact that you were able to net any sort of victory, however small, is already a massive boon. Truly, my love, there is no end to the wonders I have seen you work.
Still, Geno has arrived on the island. Indeed, it seems he has been here for longer than we had worried. For me to not even sense him...
*So he had no way of knowing his vicinity. His senses had felt heightened ever since the Zero Point reformed, but they would not give him any benefit over Geno.*
I am... glad, that you are not harmed. I had assumed that Geno would simply remove anyone who dared stand in his way. Perhaps this means I cannot predict his actions as much as I had hoped... which is concerning for an entirely different reason.
To battle him to a draw was not something I thought any but you capable of... I myself was fighting to sour his eventual victory, while attempting to the best of my abilities to secure my own victory.
[The Empress ran a fingertip down the edge of the board, fascinated.]
What an exhilarating match indeed... And here I have not only the other half of our conversation, but an illustration of the events that led us to this point.
[She lightly tapped the first trap stone Geno had laid.]
This piece is himself. Set to lie in wait for the opportune moment, seemingly harmless, but a subtle poison undermining everything I was to lay further.
[She tapped the bait stone.]
The Ice King, and possibly the Voyager. A diversion. An obvious threat, meant to lure us out and keep our attention, leaving him free to do as he pleased.
I take the bait, just as we all did, and he closes the trap. Pieces are lost. The Foundation, the Commander.
But I set a trap of my own, and he cannot stop me.
[She pointed at the segment of the board that had decided the duel.]
He extends too far, exposes himself. I recognized him. I invited him here. And I discovered him.
At the same time, since you were listening, you can see which points in the conversation you heard correspond to the moves played. The game reflected our conversation perfectly. In the end, we both took what we wanted, neither able to stop the other.
I know who he is, I know what he wants, and I know what he has done. At the same time, he knows who I am, he knows I am connected to you, and he knows that I have discovered him.
[The Empress spread her hands over the board, taking in the whole.]
Equilibrium. A perfect draw. He cannot harm me without exposing himself, and I cannot expose him without harming my people.
It seems his power is something he enjoys indulging only on occasions he deems worthwhile. What he enjoys far more is the great game that is manipulating all of us unawares. I am a dangerous opponent now, but he cannot remove me without upsetting his board. Therefore, at least for the moment... I am safe.
So he would rather toy with us than take the simple route.
*Oddly, this gave them more of a fighting chance than he had thought. If Geno wanted the thrill of his own brilliance, he would not simply allow a game to end with force. That meant that, at least, they would be unlikely to die by his hand in brutal single combat.*
Your success in even reaching equilibrium against him is not to be undermined. However, I sense that he was not playing primarily for a victory, but merely for information. With what we know of his nature now, it would seem that the only way to beat him... would be to set him back to square one.
*Eugene looked at the board, thinking. After a moment, he went to where the River Guard kept their other games, before taking out a knight from the chess set, and placing it upon the go board.*
We know that he was defeated by being dropped into the Zero Point. And that it was somehow connected to the death of the Imagined. We must find out what his blind spot was, what enabled him to be so distracted that a single choice was able to remove him from the board for some time.
It is alike to Frodo getting close enough to Mordor to destroy the One Ring. It was accomplished because the plan was so ridiculous, so unlikely to succeed, that Sauron never even considered it a possibility.
*Eugene tapped the knight upon the board.*
What will Geno not plan for, because he finds it ridiculous? What is so outside the game he supposes he is playing, that he will not realize his error until it is upon him?
A man of his ego would play for nothing less than victory, even in a match intended to extract information. Forgive me, my love, but you were not playing him. Had I been any less vigilant, I would have lost entirely. He intended to beat me, and leave me with as little information as possible.
[The Empress considered the board and all its implications.]
He enjoys the game, but the effort must be worth undertaking, and amusement would never be fulfilling enough to play such a long game. My guess is that Geno desires as clean a victory as he can muster. An Island undecimated, the heroes collaborating with him, all he desires handed to him willingly. The strongest chains are those one desires to wear, after all.
[She picked up the trap piece, looking it over as though it held the answers.]
The Imagined is his daughter, yes? Had Geno ever considered that his own blood would hate him with a passion that would drive her to die for the chance to bring him down?
[He had shown a bizarre amount of leniency to the Sisters. Did he consider a familial bond to be of any importance?]
So his intent is to secure a lasting victory through deceit. A victory so absolute that even his enemies willingly allow it to occur.
How... brilliant. Utterly degenerate, but brilliant.
*Eugene did not like comparing himself to Geno. Yet, even in his evil, he had some qualities that Eugene recognized he must have grown massively between the time of his creation and now. He would not consider himself unintelligent, but he did wonder how long he would have possibly lasted in Mizuki's place today... or if he would have been able to at all.*
I fear that I am unfamiliar with how exactly he managed to find himself unprotected within the Point. But I had always assumed that any who stood in his way would be crushed, no matter who they were. However, it is true that he has been very lenient towards the sisters... and when I did meet him, he seemed almost... proud? That I was thinking and acting for myself, apart from what he made me to be.
That is not to say he did not patronize me, but still... perhaps he sees his own blood capable of coming to the same opinion as he?
Not only would they allow it... they would aid him in facilitating it.
[The Empress laid the stone back where Geno had set it.]
If he believes himself perfect, and he believes himself worthy of deciding and enforcing perfection on the behalf of the entire Omniverse... then he believes himself to be in the right. If he truly believes himself to be in the right... perhaps it is validation that he seeks. Perhaps he desires to be proven right in the eyes of those who opposed him, so that they support him.
[That would carry with it quite a few benefits. Endless validation, as those who once fought for freedom willingly turned themselves over to his chains. A ready foundation to build from, and willing hands to aid his work.]
As for why he fell, the Commander and I spoke of it once. His exact words were that "he was thrown into Zero Point by the Imagined". The Commander witnessed their deaths.
As much as we refuse to acknowledge him as such, Geno seems to believe himself a father to you and the Sisters. Perhaps he desires to have you all acknowledge him, and accept the roles of his children. Fatherhood is a status of great pride, after all... and he is responsible for your creation.
[Her tone somewhat softer on those last words, the Empress gently slipped her hand into Eugene's, giving it a soft press. A small reminder, but a reminder nonetheless, that she did not count his connection to Geno as shame.]
Though you are far more than he intended you to be, and a better man than he.
