-Azul in Begnion-
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"My King," Selvaria said as she joined Azul walking down the corridor. "Everything is proceeding nicely."
"Thank you." Azul said. He then pulled her closer to his side. "You need to stay close with your condition." He smirked at her.
"Of course." Selvaria smiled back with a little blush. A few benefits to playing the role of a sick woman. And she was enjoying it fully. "Empress Sanaki had trouble in the meeting again. She wished you were there to help."
The senators Lekain, Hetzel, Numida, Valtome, Oliver the high Senators on the right with the powerless no names for the most part to the left. A few of worth could help only so much. These were Astro Damiel the father of Astrid a knight who runs away from her fiance Lekain. Senator Dagr who belonged to the same house as Sigrun, stripped of most of there power. Tanith's father who Azul cared to learn the name of. The man said much of nothing really. Completely different personality than his daughter. Three others that were in charge of merchants completely controlled by Leikan, also said nothing.
"I suppose. But I have a surprise for her." Entering the chambers on all sides were the Begnion guard from the senators' side. Sanaki's Royal guard stood behind her. "Greetings little Sanaki. How are you besides the bad stuff of course? I dont care about that."
"Big Brother I..."
"My lady, your language." Sigrun cut in. She had to keep reminding the woman of her station.
"Senator Lunastrider, I am doing fine." Sanaki said correcting her tone. "Give your report please."
"Very well then. Several so-called noble houses have plotted to undermine your authority. Some do it publicly knowing nothing will be done because of there ties with other senators. Several loyal senators are either to chickenshit to help you or believe it is for the greater good not to get involved. The troops have decided to do whatever they please to keep themselves happy. Report of sexual abuse in the lower areas, an increase of trafficking Laguz through the empire, ignoring your laws blatantly and extorting Daein with..."
"Do you have proof?" A senator asked. It was Lekain of course. The main abuser of power and corruption.
"Shut up, I am still reporting." Azul said rolling his eyes at the man. "As I was saying before, the citizens are blindly following the will of a few senators because they say the Goddess is with them and whatnot. Its rubbish, but whatever. It is the reason so many idiots follow."
"How dare you?!" Another senator barked. It was Senator Oliver. "One should not use the goddess when speaking unjustly." The coward of a thing only had a backbone when the goddess was mentioned.
System: Intimidate Check 30 Pass
"Shut up. Interrupt me again and I will cut your head off and hang your still twitching corpse at the gates." Azul said looking at the man. This caused him to cower immediately. "Again, as I was saying. Senators have been capturing Laguz and selling them to the Daein army. This is also an act of treason since Daien is not an ally of yours."
"But they will not dare attack the empire." Another senator said. it was the big nose Valtome. A slight sycophant that was just arrogant and tad bit stupid at times. "We would crush them easily."
"No, you won't. You have numbers. They have numbers and actual soldiers. Besides, not even half of you would mobilize your troops anyway." Azul looked them each in the eye. Including the Senators on Sanaki's side. "Using every trick in the senate-house that you have forced in over the years."
"I think that is enough." Lekaine tried to get control of the meeting again.
"lt should not be what you think. Only the Empress if she asks."
"Ugh," Sanaki muttered disgusted at the documents Selvaria handed over.
"Your report has made the Empress ill. It would be better for us to go over it." Not even waiting for her to reply, the senator moved to grab it. 'let's just see what he has found!' Lekaine was a bit of a bully and use to throwing his weight around.
"Thump!" A spear stabbed in front of his hand. It was Tanith stopping him. She had already gained control of the Royal Guard. By defeating Sigrun in signal combat. The rules had been switched making the woman Deputy Commander as she passed reforms in the guard. Which bolstered its ranks and presence in the capitol.
"Do not get to close to the Empress. Till this report is investigated thoroughly, you are not above suspicion." Tanith's voice came out cold and strict. She was known as the Great Demon of Begnion way before Azul was involved with her. Even more so knowing everything the Senate has done. "I will cut if off next time. I think you are trying to hurt the Empress in some way."
"You overstep yourself." The senator tried to reach again but Tanith stabbed the table again. Barely missing his fingers. The man moved them just out of harms way. "You bitch!"
"I actually do feel ill." Sanaki said. "This cannot be true?" She shook her head to dismiss the findings. "We will check into this."
"Gotcha, still act like shit with crappy fake followers and assholes surrounding you." Azul said frowning. "Sigh, it is better I leave instead of helping then. No point in this. It was both a ploy and the truth. If she could not stand stronger he would leave. Turning, Azul and Selveria made for the exit.
"You have not been dismissed." A senator said. It was Numida trying to earn points with the others by speaking out. Azul kept going, not even pausing for a moment. "Guards seize him!"
"Oh, the only person that can order another senator really is the Empress. You are not her. Sounds like treason here." He said over his shoulder. "You think yourself above her still?"
"You and your flippant tongue." Valtome said as the guards stood blocking Azul.
"So is he in charge now?" Sanaki remained quiet pissing Azul off. "Well is he!?" Azul's voice came out with anger as he continued to look over his shoulder. Not paying any attention to the guards in front. "So is this your order? If so, you will have severed the little bit of respect I have left for you and Begnion."
"Drag this fool out of here at once!" Lekaine seized the chance. The guards made to follow the order.
"Stand down!" Sanaki yelled standing up. "I am in charge here. They are just advisors that is what they are my brother. Just that." The room turned quiet. Sitting back down, she composed herself. "You have the most value in this pit of snakes and vipers amongst my Senators. Do stay."
The guards moved away. They looked at Azul with pity. Turning around, Azul and Selveria just smiled looking back. before the senators could cut in, the empress raised her hand silencing them.
"Woom!" The Will of the World tried to intervene but was buffed away by Azul. With to of the World Shards technically in his possession, it was over for most things he tried to do.
"You told me before I had a choice to make. That I needed to determine if I actually wanted to be Empress of Begnion. Or if I wanted to be a fake Empress still." Sanaki said trembling a little.
"That is true."
"Empress Sanaki that is just foolish talk." The three controlled merchant senators said. "This man is filling your head with lies."
"Only lies I hear, are from my so-called loyal senators and the corrupt family members who preach and lie in the same sentence." Sanaki said gripping her chair in anger. Her anger was natural at having been toyed with all this time. Without the Will of the World, she was able to think for herself more. "This must change!"
"You are just a child, you dont know better." It was Hetzel. He was trying to spare the Empress danger like the previous Empress received. "We have kept this Empire running for the longest of time."
"To long. Your power has grown fat with the taint of corruption." Azul mumbled. "Sanaki should lead more."
System: Persuade Check 40 Pass
"You cant just.."Valtome started to say before Sanaki stopped him.
"I am the Empress! None of you may order me around! You have done enough of your ruling already!" Sanaki glowed with raw magic power. On her side, the tome Bolganoe glowed. "You filthy mongrels deserve what is coming to you."
"I will not sit here and be insulted like this." Oliver said getting up. 'Time to get out of here before it is to late.'
"Sit down1 I didn't tell you to leave!" Sanaki ordered staring at the man. He gave a huff and kept going. "Brother, stop him."
"Of course." Azul snapped his hands and the magic went to work freezing the senators' leg. Looking closer, it was turned to stone. Azul had used Geomancy.
"Release me." Oliver demanded.
"Nope." Azul responded plainly. The room became quiet as Sanaki raised her hand for everyone to be silent. She read the reports slowly once more. Two hours later she finished and looked even more ill.
"Is this true?" She looked to Azul who nodded. Sanaki then looked to Tanith and showed her a portion. Taking it, Tanith read it. Her face twisting to despair then anger. Looking to Sigrun she handed another of the document over. Seeing the woman hesitate she became angry. "Read it! Now!"
"Yes, my lady." Sigrun said. Reading the document, she began to cry. 'The rumors were all true. They killed the Empress. And caused so much filth to take over. This matches the reports my family investigated.'
"Brother I have made my decision." Sanaki said. This made everyone perk up. "Help me get rid of the corrupt people and save my rotting Empire."
"Little Sanaki.. I will offer what I can. It will be tough with your distaste for blood." Azul frowned. "Plus the shitty laws that protect them."
"You're right." Sanaki thought about it for a while before speaking. "As of now, the senate is nearby stripped of their powers and rank."
"You cant do this!" A merchant senator yelled.
"We are loyal my lady. You dare listen to him over us?" Another barked in protest.
"I do dare." Sanaki said smiling. "Brother, silence them. Without killing them of course."
"Very well spoilsport." Azul said. Flushing out his magic, he turned all the disloyal senators to stone. Only three were left unfrozen. Tanith, Sigrun, and Astrid's family. "These are the only ones faithful that believe in you. I didn't investigate your royal guard. That is for you to find out."
"So many." Tanith mumbled. "What about the regular soldiers under them?"
"They are all trash but that is your call on how to deal with them." Azul said smiling at the guards who stopped him before.
"Petrify them as well." Sanaki said crying. "Just don't kill them." Waving his hand, Azul did just that.
"What now?" He asked.
"Brother I love my Emprire, but I have to know. Are my people worth saving?"
"No, they are not. Out of a population of millions. Only less than 10,000 deserve to live."
"I see." Sanaki said walking over. "She collapsed to the floor in front of him. Grabbing Azul's pant leg. "I beg you. Help me save my Empire. Help me save this continent."
System: Empress Sanaki, a Pillar of this world has asked for your personal help. Declining will have you expelled from the World. Your job is to guide her honestly and true. Rewards: Vary.
"Very well little one. I will help you." Azul blinked in surprise.
"Thank you." Sanaki said looking at him.
"Now a gift for you." The door opened behind Azul and in walked Micaiah.
"This is your actual sister. She hears a goddess's voice and has been living in Daien."
"She is alive!?" Sigurd was suprised.
"You knew of this?" Sanaki asked shocked. The woman nodded slightly.
"I dont want to be here." Micaiah said. She was uncomfortable.
"I dont care. You tell Sanaki the reason she had to deal with this nonsense all her life then. She didnt have all the help you have. You choose to run away. Despite having portions of power to protect yourself." Azul stared at her. A small bit of rage building up. "I rather rip out your souls and torment them than to help you. But you are important to her, that means you live, so be it." His face turned into a frown. "Blasted Goddess and Herons and their bs."
"My King, stay calm." Selvaria said smiling. The smile turning into a smirk since he was the King of Serenes Forest and could turn into a Heron. 'I am pretty sure his Heron Queen would be upset.'
"Are you really my older sister?" Sanaki asked. Micaiah nodded sadly. She was scared the girl would hate her for everything that happened. She was wrong. "Sister!" Sanaki bawled like a child. She was only 10 years old after all.
"I.. I am sorry." Micaiah held her and hugged back. "I am so sorry..."
10 minutes went by as they waited. Azul made it for the senators could see everything going on. But that did not mean they were spared. all of their souls were ripped out and sent to the Chaos Gods for torture. They were allowed full rein upon them. This pleased them greatly.
"Sigh, welp time to do a little more good guy nonsense." Azul said stifling a yawn. "Being a good guy is bleagh. Sanaki there is something else I require of you."
"What is it?"
"I wish for you to protect Serenes Forest. Make it a royal decree that it must be protected." Azul said seriously. Sanaki nodded. "Good then. Opening a portal several appeared to them. Herons walked out. As they did, the door was opened for them to fit in the hallways.
"So many..." Tanith said.
"Heron's this is Empress Sanaki. She carries a little of your blood in her. But not the first born, so she does not carry the brand. Next to her, is her older sister who carries the brand provided by your blood. She agreed to defend your home of Serenes forest. On your end, you must help guide her, and help them become better than what they were."
"As you wish your highness." A heron said walking over to Sanaki. Sigrun caugght the words but said nothing in protest. He kneeled in front of her. "I have been given the name Michael. I will do all I can to help guide you and those I am charged with."
"Umm thank you." Sanaki blushed and looked at Micaiah who was doing the same. Azul started to walk away.
"Wait, Azul please return Yune to me!" Micaiah called out.
"She is not a thing to return but very well." Outside a window, a bird flew turning into a woman that resembled an adult Micaiah. Just with black hair and yellow eyes.
"It is me child." Yune said. "He has gifted me this body as long as I never betray him. And help look after you all."
"Eh, he can do that." Micaiah said looking shocked. "Why was he so tough when we first met him?"
"Calm yourself. He is more dangerous than he appears. Way more dangerous." Yune said appraising Azul again. 'He has gotten stronger. But how? When did he have time to train?' Shaking her head, she dismissed the notion of revenge even more so since he gave her a body and freedom.
"I will leave you all to it. For now, me and Selvaria will take a walk around town. Oh, here are some loyal guards for you. Be careful for they are actual killers. You will need them to help you take care of the senators and their estates." Azul walked off. Out of a Rift, 200 hundred soldiers appeared.
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Back at the Lunastrider estate-
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"Bah, so much politics. War is easier." Azul said sitting down. Selveria moved about busying herself. "Will you relax already. We still have to get ready for the opposition that will come."
"I know but still." Selvaria said with a pitcher of water. She set it down as she took a seat next to Azul. "Do you not wish to rule?"
"Nope. Definitely not here anyway. Why?" Azul stopped thinking about the agreement with Claire. "But we will do key parts."
"Not in the Imperium and not here. Then where?" Selvaria said a little upset. 'I am a Valkyria, bred for war, yet he gives me peace and security. It is nice.. but I am so restless. Maybe I need to go back to Valkyria Chronicles for a small respite?' Mulling it over she felt a pain in her chest. 'No! That is a bad idea. That is stepping back.'
"Somewhere that is getting worked on. Just relax ok. I rather you enjoy more time as a normal person before you join me back in a World of bloodshed."
"Ugh fine." Selvaria said pouting. "This is nice."
"Knock, knock," the tap at the door alerting them of a guest.
"I am here as I agreed." Tanith said. "Where do you want me?"
"Right in that chair." Azul said pointing across from him. Selvaria just stared at the woman.
Tanith sat down and started to remove her armor.
"Woah stop." Azul said. He was getting deja vu from the time he first met the Heron princess.
"What is it?"
"Yeah I didnt want that." Azul said rubbing his head. "I mean I definitely want you but not like this."
"Why not? We are betrothed and you have done your end of the bargin." Tanith said plainly. "Am I not attractive enough?"
"Oh my god please dont be one of those women. That statement is getting really.. Did Claire put you up to this?" They chuckled a little. She did put them up to it. "Look I have no problem with us being married for safety sack as we do things. Heck, I have multiple already. However, I will not sleep with a woman who doesn't want it."
"What if I never do?"
"Then that is that." Azul said shrugging. "Your family can break off the engagement. You find someone else and that will be it."
"I do not want to break off the engagement." Tanith said. "I just want to get married and get it done with."
"Right, but you see I would not be ok with you falling for another man and cheating on me. I will not approve of that no matter what. Now if you find a woman you have my full blessing."
"And you won't touch me or her?"
"Yeah no."
"But if it is a man?
"I will kill him and you." Azul smirked. His Dragon and Devil were in full agreement. That bit of weakness could not be permitted.
"Alright. But if I break off the engagement I can marry whoever I want? Man, woman Laguz a fence post?"
"Good glad we came to the same page. I hope you and whatever woman it is will be happy." Azul said and started to drink his water. "A fence post..."
"I think we will be. Isn't that right Selvaria?"
"Pftt!" Azul spat his water out and looked at the women back and forth. "Well alright then."
"You are ok with this?" Selvaria asked gauging his response.
"Yeah." Azul said as he cleans himself off by floating the water away. "Have at it. I am gonna go for a walk giving you two some alone time." Standing up, he was stopped by Tanith.
"Stop." Tanith grabbed his arm and placed it in her left bicep. "Release." The seal on her arm disappeared and Azul was hit with a wave of her emotions. "I will not let my house go without. I will gladly spend time with you in our martial bed. I just didnt know if you would be ok with sharing me."
"Umm sure. Just dont start sleeping with. Bunch of random women and everything will be fine."
"You idiot." Selvaria said. "It is just us 3. Only us in our marriage anyway. I love Tanith and she loves me."
"You love Selvaria as well as care for me." Tanith said. "That is all I need. With you two I am more than happy. All that is left. Is getting married for us to explore each other." Tanith started blushing all the way up to her ears. "I won't do it willing before then."
"Gulp, ok." Azul couldnt get over how cute she looked. "Right but you both have needs so I will leave you two, to it." The guards will be right outside and I won't be far from the estate."