Season Two

[Keileon]

051 Legacies

Deathstorm slowly emerged from the cave. His eyes were slightly narrowed, giving off a somewhat weary look as dragged himself forward. He eventually came to rest at the edge of the cliff, glancing down at the seal for a moment. His eyes then shifted away from it as he began to stare vacantly toward the southwest.

Vergari || A green tailtip flicks over a ledge as Deathstorm emerges outside, and Vergari raises her head to watch her elder quietly. She can't tell if he's tired or thinking, but for a moment the impulse to speak to him takes over. "Deathstorm?" Vergari ventures. "Have you always known what you were supposed to protect?"

Deathstorm ) Deathstorm blinked upon hearing Vergari, turning toward the younger Shadow Drake. He stared at her, puzzled at first by her question before answer. "Yeah..." His eyes shifted back to the Seal. "Everything I knew about the Seals before the start of this madness I learned from my father." He paused. "And even as a hatchling, I had this strange sense that it was my duty to protect them. Them and Ustream." He looked back to Vergari and snorted. "Then again, that is practically in our blood. I don't think I need to tell you that." He then tilted his head, returning to the question that started this. "Why do you ask?"

Vergari || Silent for a moment, Vergari considers Deathstorm's words before speaking. "I woke up here one day," she begins. "No egg. No parents. It was not even too long ago. Perhaps a year. Less." The dragon stands, stretching for a moment as she continues. "And yet I remained here, no desire to explore. I knew that my place was this valley." Vergari turns her head to look at another cave entrance, different from the one Deathstorm had emerged from. "It is not that I do not know why. I do. Can I show you something?" Her change of trajectory is sudden, and she glances back to the other dragon.

Fricai || As Jason rounds the last corner to access his room, Fricai is more or less on his heels. Keeping a safe distance, the dragon makes absolutely sure his master doesn't notice his presence as the Shapeshifter enters his room and closes the door. That is its own matter to deal with, but at the moment he can't do anything about it. What he can do, however, is help to rectify a mistake. Keeping out of view of Jason's door by using a corner to his advantage, Fricai seats himself outside of Destiny's door. A double-tap of his tail against the wood signals his presence, as usual.

Destiny frowned at the intrusive sound. Again? For a moment, she considered ignoring the call, focusing on her task, but ultimately her insatiable curiosity won out. "A moment." She finally replied, setting the scythe under her bed covers with such care one might think it would explode. She stands, unlocks the door and opens it. Fricai of course, no one else had his poor timing. "I don't have any physical food." She smiled, practically beaming. Almost as if she were genuinely happy to see him. "I might still be haunted by that fish I had the other day, if you can eat specters." She stood back, offering for the dragon to enter. With a wink.

Fricai deigns not to respond to the food comment and walks into Destiny's room. Clearly she's in the middle of something, which is just as well-- it means she isn't going anywhere. Poor timing for the one he wishes to speak with, but carefully calculated on his end. What wasn't calculated-- and never is-- was how blindingly pink the girl's room is. The dragon frowns. "I am fairly certain, Destiny," he begins in his usual bored tone, "that when I told you that Mimring was keeping secrets from Jason, that should he think Jason is in danger, it would--what is the human phrase?" He tilts his head. "Ah, yes. 'Fly out the window'." A ridiculous turn of phrase.

Destiny sat on her bedside, cheerful as ever. "I appreciate your considerations. But I've told you. Espira doesn't share my opinions of you." She calmly runs her hands together, or perhaps done to calm herself? Was seventeen a casual number of times to rub one's hands? "If you have something you'd like to share, I'll pass it on of course. But I have nothing for you. Frankly your talent for being completely disregarded is a plus in my book. See?" As she spoke she pulled a handmade book from her night stand titled My Book and proceeded to actually open to a page labeled fricai, wherein a note read: "Plus: No one ever notices him."

Fricai || His tailtip twitches in mild annoyance, but unless Destiny is versed in dragon body language, she wouldn't notice. "That is by design, Destiny." He shakes his head. "Mimring has already told Jason of his suspicions. Both of you are lucky Jason did not believe him." At this, he looks sharply at her. "You are too good at making Mimring suspicious. He is wary and protective by his very nature. If he were to convince Jason-- rather, if Jason were to believe for *one second* that you mean him harm... Or worse, if he were to suspect the reality." Fricai pauses, looking at Destiny seriously. "You need another form of misdirection: distraction. Get both of them away from here. They will resist. But it will be good for both."

Destiny didn't reply at first. In fact, her cheery facade even began to melt into something so painfully dull as a casual smile. There was a lot at stake here. A lot to lose. But so much to gain. This had to be done perfectly. "There's... well let's just say there's more at play here than you know." Her smile brightened a little more, she did care for the dragon, he just couldn't know. Not yet anyway. "I will take your advice to heart. I think I have just the thing, too." She stood, heading for the door, but stopping partway as an idea crossed her mind. "I wonder..." She turns on her heel. "Ziolang's sword... any chance you could fetch it for me?"

Fricai pauses, genuinely considering. "... I can find it." He says after a moment. And then pauses again. "Are you aware that Jason has welcomed Ziolang back into the Cult?" The dragon looks at her. "He even stationed Mimring outside the infirmary as protection."

Destiny tilted in her in genuine confusion. "Has he really? Well... I imagine he must have his reasons. No idea what they'd be... but that's not for me to decide of course." She heads back to the door. "Might be worth keeping an eye on that one. Too unpredictable." Wink.

Fricai stands, preparing to leave. He ignores Destiny's rambling-- he was going to keep an eye on the situation anyway, no need to tell him again. But there is one more thing that needs to be said, a stray thought before he leaves. "One moment. You may pass this along to Espira." He approaches the door before continuing. "Jason's new dragon. The white one." Fricai looks back at Destiny. "He is an enemy. Be wary of him." With this, he uses a wing to open the door himself and slink out, leaving Destiny with that rather ominous comment.

Deathstorm stared silently at Vergari for a moment, processing what he was just told. Despite not prioritizing the thought since becoming stationed at this Seal, he was always somewhat curious as to how she was even here. And after hearing this, he was even more perplexed. /How can a Shadow Drake like her even /exist/?/ He gave her a nod, and prepared to follow her into the cave.

Vergari || The dragon waits for her elder to give confirmation before turning to enter the cave. Unlike the one the dragons had laired in, this one is small, tight, only allowing single-file. As the cave unnaturally darkens, the edges of *both* dragons' scales begin to glow a warm gold-- and Vergari glances back to Deathstorm as if this was unexpected, but unsurprising. "This happened to me, before." she only comments before continuing. Eventually the tunnel widens again into a small cavern, the glow persisting. Waiting for Deathstorm to join her side, she sits, and looks at what appears to be a dragon statue, a crystalline orb pinned under its foreclaws and a single black scale edged with gold in front of it. There's a long, almost reverent pause before Vergari breathes out, "I was born here."

Deathstorm ) Even with her comment on the occurrence, Deathstorm couldn't help but examine himself after noticing both his and Vergari's scales glowing in the darkness of the cave. He soon came to stop next to Vergari, staring silently at the statue. When Vergari spoke, he slowly turned toward her, then back to the statue. "This... This is where you were born?" He paused, his eyes shifting back to the younger Shadow Drake. "Vergari... What in the world is this place?"

Starr || There was a look of shock in her eyes. Why her? Why /now/? She couldn't even begin to unwrap what she felt with Kyton's confession of being a spy right now, let alone something even greater than that thanks to her father. Starr looked into Karaki's eyes with frustration with the silent expectation that maybe, just maybe, Karaki could catch her nonverbal cue and realize he's wrong in her opinion. All that was given in return was a blank stare. Karaki softly let go of the hand that was meant to strike him and steps back. "We're done here, Kormiir." Karaki announces while his hands went behind his back. Starr widened her eyes with indignation; what Karaki had said and how he was acting would come off as dismissive and uncaring to some...but to her it meant more. Starr stepped back and felt her fist ball up. Tears welled up in her eyes as she then shoved passed her father and ran upstairs. Karaki's snake-like eyes followed his daughter silently and once she was out of view, the Emperor stood still for a full minute, then sighed and sat down and darted his gaze towards Kyton. "Does my daughter always resort to these....displays here? " he asks. There is suddenly a glass of whiskey in his hands; a glove rests peacefully next to a whiskey bottle on the coffee table just a few steps away. "You claim to always be there for Kormiir, so I am certain I am asking the right being here, one of many shapes."

Vergari stands and walks the perimeter of the statue, its wings spread out to a flare and crested head raised proudly, jeweled eyes glaring down its snout at an enemy only the statue can see. "I do not know," Vergari responds, marvelling slightly at the statue as it seems to respond to her presence-- intricate runes on its side pulsing with the same golden glow that's taken her scales. Superficially, the creature resembles a Shadow Drake, but with sails rather than bony crests, golden spots trailing behind its eyes and down its neck like many extra eyes. She finally sits directly before the statue, watching the crystalline orb as if it held secrets only for her. "You did not have one in your home? I feel almost bound here, because of it. I wonder, is it instinct or some magic that bades me to come to this cavern, again and again?" She noses the black scale on the statue's base. It smells of metal and dragon.

Jason || Kyton moves to follow Starr, to try to comfort, but the blowback of her wild emotions hits his senses like a dragon falling from the sky and after a stressed half-step he stops, relenting to watch her flee up the stairs. He stands gazing up the stairs with concern, until Karaki's callous question rankles him and he bristles. He glances cooly over his shoulder-- "We've all had to deal with a lot recently. You don't help." He returns his eyes to the stairs, like a loyal dog waiting for the return of its owner. What even *is* their relationship? "I'll be there for her as long as she permits me," he continues, almost absentmindedly. "I don't know how much longer that will be the case."

Starr || /"You don't help."/ Karaki feels genuinely confused. The usual "how am I not helping?" thoughts manifested themselves, though no answers could be provided. Kyton could have expanded on that and told him what unhelpful thing he's doing, but as always, ruffians spoke quick and with little expression. Typical. He gives off a frustrated sigh and rubs the side of his head with his fingers, annoyed. "She is making this difficult by her own hand with her incessant hissing. I cannot even get a word in without a complaint, so I do not know how she expects any productive conversation to occur when she chooses to focus on yelling." Something about Kyton just waiting for Starr like a lost dog irked Karaki. He /could/ do something about it, but his daughter requested he "behave". If he doesn't comply, of course the Emperor himself would add onto the pile of "complaints" Starr was throwing at him. He just wanted this to be over with; for her to understand and forgive him. The serpentine father, as callous and prideful as he may be, still longed for his daughter's forgiveness....and love.

Jason || Something strange happens. Kyton glances back at Karaki, cocks his head... and his shoulders relax. Somewhat. He takes his attention off of the turmoil coming from Starr and focuses on her father, a mix of more muted emotion consisting mostly of annoyance and frustration but, in the end, shielding something softer. Sparing another look up the stairs by instinct, he turns to face Karaki more directly. "If you want to get through to her, it would do to stop acting like you mean to control her," he supplies, blunt but earnest. "She reacts to your tone. Since you've come here you've been nothing but cold and demanding."

Starr || Karaki's eye twitches...something that hasn't happened in more than 2 decades. "Bold of you to choose to assume rather than to safeguard your own life by biting your tongue." He rises from his chair; this towering man slowly loomed over the shapeshifter. A skyward 8'5" in front of someone a bit above 6 feet tall. From a window, Karaki's face had long extended past the frame for anyone looking inside from outside. Although not making their presence known, eyes kept watch to see what the Emperor would do next. " To dare carry a ludicrous opinion up to my ears with such walking, talking, blasphemy would make my own talons dull with the motions of tearing your flesh from bone." he narrowed his eyes, but a brow rose. "Your sin is grand, and I do hope your intention is to play the fool for entertainment."

Jason || To his credit, Kyton barely reacts to Karaki's threats beyond a raised eyebrow, slipping back into the soldier's steeled discipline. His nerves will hold out; he has a feeling that Karaki won't actually harm him. The Shapeshifter stands his ground. "Humans have a few sayings that describe this situation," he says blandly, keeping eye contact with the man who stands two and a half feet above him. "One is 'a hard pill to swallow'. Another is 'to call it as one sees it'." He pauses for the briefest of moments. "Not all truths are sweet, sir. Some are bitter. But we must take them all the same."

Deathstorm ) "I don't know if I had something like this back at my old home," Deathstorm answered, looking at both Vergari and the statue. "But if this really was where you were born, it's probably for the best that I don't. Especially with Sundavr there now..." He slowly trailed off as he stared at the statue. It didn't hit him immediately, but he was starting to notice specific features. "Still, even though I haven't seen this exact thing, something about it seems very familiar... It almost looks like our species, but-" He blinked, taking a step back as he grasped the form of the statue. "No... It's... a Runic Drake...?"

Vergari || "I know not what that is," Vergari replies with some bluntness, "but I assume it is some relative of ours. Yes?" Here she looks back at our elder. "But the significance? I feel obligated to stay in this valley, guarding this statue and the great one outside. This is not something that I was told, or taught, but something that I know. Can you explain?"

Starr || The towering Emperor gave off a soft snort of amusement with seeing the shapeshifter in front of him not even flinch from his previous thinly-veiled threat. It was a shame, however, that he kept insisting that the problem was him, not Starr. It felt like continuing this would lead to nowhere for the moment. "Curious." Karaki sets down his whiskey glass after a swig. A quick glance upstairs as he speaks "Irrational as she may be, I suppose I demanded too much of her understanding without reciprocation." This felt awkward. Karaki looks upstairs again. "I believed she would be beside herself with joy upon seeing me that I would be able to explain away this folly within minutes. Perhaps I underestimated her." He mutters to himself.

Deathstorm glanced back to Vergari. He understood to a degree of the younger Shadow Drake not knowing her role in everything... but he was somewhat surprised by this fact. He figured that if anything, Volant would have told her /something/. He stared silently at her for a while, then let out a heavy sigh. "The one outside..." He paused. "Like I said before, that feeling is in our blood. We Shadow Drakes exist to protect the Seals. It has been that way for our entire lineages." He turned his attention back to the statue. "Even for Runic Drakes we are descended from." He paused. "As for this statue, I cannot say for certain... But if you feel you need to protect it, then it has to be important to you. Maybe even to the rest of us Shadow Drakes. Not sure what that would even be, but I am not the right person to ask about that."

Jason || Kyton gives a long exhale, seeming to think about something. He ignores the subtle but clearly unintentional jabs at Starr and speaks up. "Let me ask you something, sir." His head tilts again. "I've never seen you before. I've never even heard of you. Why? And don't say it's because of Starr, because you know that's not what I'm asking." Less demanding in tone now, he asks this with little more than blunt honesty before continuing, "How long have you been absent from her life that you wouldn't even come up in conversation? Moreover..." The first glimpse of something beyond neutrality in a while, a slaight narrowing of the eyes. "what did your absence /mean/ for her?"

Starr || Karaki's eyes slowly drag onto the shapeshifter with a piercing gaze. "I needn't give you any explanations towards what choices I've made and why I was not present in Kormiir's life. But if you are insinuating a lack of parental ability on my behalf as the reason why knowledge of my existence was an impossibility until now," It's clear Kyton wouldn't even flinch to this, though Karaki's focus was more upon the anger welling inside him. "Nobody has the right to say I'm a terrible father." he suddenly slams the glass on the floor, then pointing at Kyton. His tone was harsh and filled with venom "Nobody!" After a moment of silence, he begins to breathe slower and deeper in an attempt to calm down.

Jason || "Honestly, I don't need to say it," Kyton says blandly, "because you just made it clear on your own."

Starr || Meanwhile outside of HQ, Saranyu sat in the snow while nonchalantly scooping up small amounts of snow and setting it in front of her. "I do wonder if the Emperor is already here to mend issues with lady Kormiir. Have I caused a tragedy by leading such an obstinate serpent to a semi-hostile region far off in some other solar system to make up with a daughter he willingly let go?" Saranyu shook her head and snorted. "Ah. Ah of course not. Everything is fine. Fine." Another scoop of snow. "I could rest easy and knock down the cake later so that they could bond over that. Brilliant."

Starr || "I am no such thing, shapeshifter." This entire situation began to feel uncomfortable. Karaki knew he couldn't just attack right here right now even if all his senses roared at him to shred this green haired being in front of him apart. How hard can it be to realize he was wrong? The hard-headed emperor was not enjoying this. It's clear he's trying his best to contain his frustration as his voice comes out very forced and constrained "I've been patiently trying to open and hold an honest discourse so that Kormiir could understand my reasons and come home; but now," His teeth bites his lips "this conversation's over."

Jason || Kyton shakes his head. "Here, you don't get to bow out of a conversation by claiming it's over. I'm sorry, but no matter your rank on your own world, you aren't a king here." He makes eye contact again. "I'm being open. I'm being honest. I am simply stating what I see." He makes a wide hand gesture. "If you think I'm wrong, prove- to me, to Starr- that I am. You can't make a point just by throwing it at someone over and over again. Prove by action, not demand."

Starr || "Prove by action?" Karaki turns his head towards the stairs, voice rising in volume. "I would if my daughter would just cast away her grievances and allow me to." As if this wasn't extra enough, the serpent man began to slam his hand against his palm "Every word I have said is met with lines and lines of dialogue that is not constructive to the objective. I do not know what she wants from me. I came here to give her answers but now it's not enough? I am in the wrong? Ridiculous!"

Jason || "You *can't* expect her to just forget or ignore the fact that you weren't there for her," Kyton retorts. "The fact that you seem to think she will is what's holding you back. You're demanding her forgiveness, but that's not how things work in the real world." The shapeshifter shakes his head. "You can't force something like this. You just need to try and hope for the best." A flicker of something in his eyes. He's no longer just talking about Karaki.

Starr || Kyton's words stung hard for the emperor, more than anything he's ever felt in a long time. A lifetime of muted emotions were veiled by pride and only agitated by the harsh but honest words of a mere stranger. Karaki couldn't retort without repeating himself. He couldn't just make this discomfort go away long enough for him to even begin expressing what he thought. It was very hard with all this going on. The ancient serpent took one step forward but stopped upon the feeling of glass crackling under his boot. His eyes stuck on Kyton, devoid of hostility but with some sort of haze in them as he spoke in a quieter tone "Then Kormiir must sort out what she feels on her own or with you, perhaps, because I won't do that for her." A pause; he turns on his heel, back facing the shapeshifter. "She can come to me once that issue has been settled."

Jason || Kyton opens his mouth to speak, but for once thinks better of it-- this time he feels as if Karaki is actually making an honest attempt. Granted, not being there is what started this mess in the first place, but... his head tilts again, confusion and thought apparent in his eyes. "I'll let her know. In the meantime, ah..." he clears his throat, "you can tell your bodyguards that they don't have to hide." /And really can't./

Starr || Karaki closes his eyes "Phantom." And if on cue, a lone figure appears behind Karaki, facing Kyton with dulled out dark gray eyes. This humanoid stood at least 7 feet tall, slightly built and in a black skin tight suit. A dull gray torn scarf wrapped around their neck and mouth fluttered openly. The enigmatic humanoid, still hunched over a bit, straightened their posture and placed their hand on the hilt of their blade. Their voice sounded muffled at best and sharp "A̸t̶ ̵y̵o̴u̷r̸ ̶c̶o̵m̵m̸a̸n̴d̴,̴ ̵E̷m̶p̸e̶r̵o̵r̵.̷." Karaki nods and turns his head over a bit to look at Kyton. "There is only one bodyguard stationed at the moment. Though I'm perplexed as to why you wanted them to not hide. That is their job."

Jason || Kyton shrugs. "There are a lot of shapeshifters and dragons in the area who would be able to tell they're hiding near you. Keeping your guards openly visible makes it look like you're not sneaking around, and so helps if negotiations and diplomacy are needed. It's also a bit of a show of force." He speaks so matter-of-factly that it's clear he has experience in this field.

Starr || "You say this as if I wish to mingle with the rest. No, my place is here where Kormiir resides and I will not move until our differences are resolved. Though," Karaki flicks his gaze towards his guard, "Phantom" as he called them. "Phantom could be the eyes in my stead while I await my daughter. Since you caught me in a sort of 'magnanimous' mood, Phantom will lend their services to your lot should you need it. My gift to you." Phantom does not react and stands still, vigilant. Karaki keeps speaking "I could use some information about the goings-around of this group to better know my daughter."

Jason || Kyton simply raises an eyebrow at Karaki. "Mingling or not, this isn't a group you want to rouse suspicion in. If they think that you're trying to be sneaky they'll be wary at best, attack at worst. They have a lot of enemies and they're not in the mood to take chances." Here he glances out the window towards HQ.

Starr || Karaki narrows his eyes in concern. "Enemies?" Phantom shifts a little but stays eerily calm and silent. Karaki takes a seat and nods "Tell me, are they a danger to Kormiir or have been in the past?"

Jason || Kyton takes a moment to answer. "Theoretically? Yeah, there's danger to her. Directly? Very rarely." He gestures again. "She's acting as medic and isn't really on the front line. She and I, and her assistant, are usually left in HQ tending to those who get wounded because they are on the front line." He pauses. "... Except for the fact that not all of our threats are so direct. The entire group is under threat from a few sources, and that includes us."

Starr || "More of a reason to mend my relationship with my daughter." Karaki sighs and looks to Phantom for a moment until back at Kyton. "It doesn't take a fool to come to the conclusion that Kormiir is better off living with me at the palace. There is no pressure and no danger to her there. Certainly no work, either-- being a mere medic here without pay sounds beneath her. Almost insulting."

Jason || "I don't think she can leave," Kyton blurts out, almost without thinking. "I've tried getting her away from here too. Something's keeping her here, or someone, and I know it's not our group."

Starr || Karaki freezes in place and leans closer in concern "What do you mean something is keeping her here?" this didn't feel right. In his mind Starr had all the freedom to move around as she pleased-- even the last time they spoke to each other she clearly stated she was free to go live where she wanted and gave emphasis on being free. There was never a moment where she was bound to an area...except for the first year of her disappearance at the hands of...no, Karaki thought. He pushes the thought down immediately, vying for more information to back up a suspicion. "Now, that is only a suspicion, yes? Or has she stated this herself?"

Jason || "She's told me herself she can't leave. Trust me, I've tried to get more information, but beyond that knowledge I only have suspicions-- er..." He furrows his brow, thinking. "Something about... the only place she's allowed to be. Not able to control her own destiny. She told me herself that she's a slave, I think." Was it only a day or two ago, really? Everything else pushed it out of his mind, except for the need to get Starr out of here. "I think we want the same thing, sir. We both want her to be safe." And here he makes eye contact. "And if you can get her out of here, I'm coming with you. I will /not/ abandon her."

Starr || "...She lied to me, then..." Karaki whispers to himself. Thoughts pieced together like puzzle pieces and though the pieces fit, the picture wasn't clear. He could feel anger grow within him "I was under the impression that she was living here off her own free will....she assured me that much before telling me she had no interest in returning home or seeing me. But if she's bound to this area....and by language alone....slavery..." realization. "..They never let her go." Phantom looks over to Karaki, wondering why the pronoun game was being played at such a bad moment. Karaki stood up "She must still be with her captors in some way.."

Jason || Kyton perks up slightly at this-- finally, answers of some kind. Something crosses his expression and his eyes harden somewhat. "Tell me who and where and I'll help you deal with it."

Starr || Phantom shifts to Karaki's side and whispers a couple of choice words in his boss's ear. Karaki nods and whispers back before turning his attention to Kyton. "If you are serious about that offer, I may have use for you in achieving her safety. " phantom straightens their posture as Karaki continues "It takes a fool to stand up to the likes of myself though with such passion...am I not wrong to believe you hold passion for my daughter?"

Jason || "If I've not proven my loyalty to her in the last ten minutes, then no words I can say will prove it for me," Kyton replies.

Starr || Karaki narrows his eyes a little but nods "Excelent. I cannot always be here....therefore, if you have no qualms, Phantom here has recommended you join my security force to safeguard her and have the resources available in order to help free her, should the opportunity come."

Jason || Kyton blinks. "I-- excuse me?" It seems random. Sure he's likely more than qualified for the position, but there's no way this random stranger knows that. The Shapeshifter gives Phantom an appraising look, before turning his eyes back to Karaki. He pauses only a few seconds, weighing the benefits after the initial confusion dies down. "I'm helping her regardless of where I stand with you. Resources are a welcome addition. Consider this me accepting."

Starr || Karaki smirks “Excellent. Kormiir will need to be kept under a watchful eye while I mobilize my force to investigate this…slavery situation she’s in. In a perfect life I would personally hunt down those who keep my daughter under their control and tear them asunder. Conversely, scurrying in the background like a rodent shows ill-fitted intentions and loose character in the eyes of other leaders and that maddening pseudo-Sky Queen caring for my colony in my stead.” He snorts and takes a calming breath. “No stone will be left unturned and in due time her captor and their ilk shall be revealed and punished.” Precise and calculating serpentine eyes flick a gaze at his quiet guard next to him. “Evaluate. I shall leave judgement in your hands, Phantom.” Phantom nods, strange yellow eyes following his master making his way to the door. Karaki pauses and looks back, eyes not visible “…I do this for Kormiir despite her anger towards me. I do it all for her.” His body language doesn’t change, but the awkward pause hints towards hidden feelings the Emperor did not want to show. “Please do not tell her any of this.” Karaki’s lips part as if hesitating. Something in him causes his voice to lower and soften to almost a whisper. “ I wish to not stress her further.” He soon vanishes without a trace.

Jason || /Well. That was... succinct./ Kyton is left staring at the spot where Karaki previously stood, confusion in the back of his eyes but expression otherwise composed and neutral. Natural soldier training forced his brain to latch onto some unrelated things said in the midst of conversation-- /A Skyqueen, still in power?/-- but he knows that's not important right now. And so he turns his gaze to Phantom, regarding the other with a measured balance of wariness, interest, and neutrality. He breaks the silence between them first. "So, what is it you can offer to the table here?"

Starr || Kyton's professionalism was very noticeable to the degree of calming parts of Phantom's concerns regarding quick training in order to send the young shapeshifter off into duty. Kyton seemed controlled and focused; good, he thought. "M̵y̷ ̷a̵s̷s̶e̶t̸s̶ ̷i̵n̸c̷l̷--" The enigmatic shadow of Karaki's voice sounded rough and static, as if it was being broadcast from an old ham radio. However, that was their usual default voice and by experience alone this was one of the qualities that people tend to feel wary towards or at worst: slightly annoyed at. Phantom closes his eyes and pulls up the part of the cloak that covers his mouth and then looks back up to Kyton; if the shapeshifter were paying attention to Phantom's onyx black horns, he would notice a brief and subtle hue of purple softly pulsing up from the base of the horns to the tip. He speaks, more clearly and "normally"..for now. "Hmm, sorry about the interruption. Continuing that sentence: I offer protection as that is my /chosen/ specialty and career path, so naturally you will also take up that role along with me and be under my supervision." Phantom's body towers over Kyton as he keeps talking. "Less importantly, my species bestowed the ménage I belong to with a healing aura. So I'm a Guardian by my homeworld's standards. But enough of that, what skills of value do you have that could help guard my Princess?"

Jason || Kyton feels pleasantly challenged by the stranger's words, but retains his composed and controlled demeanor. "I can read a room's atmosphere well enough to anticipate an attack." Not the full truth, but it's accurate enough. "My natural reflexes let me intercept such attacks, and my training as a soldier and scout has taught me when to temper myself. I can stay hidden as long as I need to before bursting forth for the ambush." The shapeshifter lifts his chin a tad, unable to hide some minor amount of pride in the skills he's honed. "I am adept with herbology, as well, able to discern what plants are toxic- at least to humans- and what has medicinal properties. I can fashion the latter into medical supplies of a high grade. I've had experience dressing wounds and diagnosing deeper injuries, as well."

Starr || Phantom cracks a small smile, though his cloak covers it entirely. "Ah, part of the species that can turn into any animal." He sighs and rolls his strange eyes "Stars, I could see why my emperor has taken a liking towards you. Not that he esteems shapeshifters, but anything that is not human does not incite the hate within him. I've seen it a little since I've taken up my post." He awkwardly looks to the side; he can sense his master moving away in that direction for a brief second and then nothing. "He means well. It becomes apparent once you learn his manner of being."

Jason || Kyton nods. "I sensed it off him near the end. I suppose I grew overzealous in my protection of Starr-- err, Kormiir?" The name is strange, in the way of what he can only describe as an unintentional pun. He doubts that Karaki knows any meaningful Drakine, however. Perhaps it's just coincidence. "Regardless, the hurt was coming off her in waves. It was only after a bit of distance that I was able to read her father." He gives a bitter chuckle. "I'm glad to hear that I could be worse in his eyes."

Starr || "Yes, worse. You could be worse, like the human who stained his bloodline by act of coitus with my princess." He says without holding back or tact; to him, he was just saying a truth. "I would not waste this show of trust he gave you; my advice is to commit and be loyal, vigilant. He doesn't exactly give many people chances and certainly until now, no chances towards aliens." His gaze flicks upstairs, intently looking at it "Perhaps he sees you as the only beast that could help him win back the love of the daughter he was forced to give up."

Jason || Kyton cocks his head in a manner reminiscent of a curious animal, eyeing Phantom as if analyzing him, or his words. "If it's any consolation that human is dead," the Shapeshifter says blandly. "I think you and I will get along, Phantom. Loyalty is valued by my kind, and a shift in it regarded gravely." He doesn't give context for this last bit; that confession was reserved for Starr, and her alone. "Make no mistake; I don't intend to waste the trust your emperor has shown me, but I would guard his daughter even without his approval or permission."

Starr || The enigmatic guardian crosses his arms "Poor thing. That syelsumoii voidwalker who is close to the royal family informed my emperor of that human's fate. I think a self sacrifice deserves some admiration, though such a trope, that thing." A chuckle "He celebrated that death, but I will not mention that outside of this conversation." He sharply looks at Kyton "And neither should you." Phantom snaps his finger "Ah! Yeah, I should let you know in advance that there are guidelines to speaking to royalty. Do not speak unless spoken to, for example. But...well, if you aren't from our world, perhaps you can ignore that, but "play along" with those rules in the presence of my emperor."

Jason || Kyton raises his eyebrow. To be fair, that rule is very similar to military life, but... "Sometimes people need to hear things they don't want to," he points out. "so while I'll try to play along with that, I make no promises for /what/ I say. I trust my own judgement on that." Was he always this insubordinate? The shapeshifter can't recall. Perhaps defection weighed more heavily than expected.

Starr || When it came to being direct, Phantom wasn't surprised based off of what he's scene today "Well, I gathered that much from you. So long as you test your fate for the sake of his overall character, I'll allow it; My emperor...." phantom sighs "I will always be of his confidence, but what you told him today....he certainly needed it. He's gone two decades without brutal honesty shown towards him. Oh...what would commander Kierrmi think of him now..." he almost mutters the last part of his sentence.

Jason || There's the Shapeshifter's head-tilt again, but this time his demeanor is less curious and more sharp. But he seems to catch himself and relax after but a second. /Kierrmi. Hm./ Could be coincidence. Might not be. He'd have to keep a closer eye out, especially as Starr and Zaiek seemed familiar with one another. Perhaps that goes deeper than expected. The Shapeshifter seems to be lost in thought for a moment, before looking back at Phantom. "So. How will this be working? You going to tail us as we go about our business, or should I introduce you to the Cult? I assume you'll explain your presence to Starr when she comes back out."

Starr || "I'll need information about this cult group before interacting with them. Relevant files of every member down to every sacrifice." Phantom seemed confident despite misunderstanding what the cult really was. Regardless, he continues "Of course, I'll keep an eye on you and help you do your job correctly. Guarding isn't only being alert and standing around, especially for you." A pause "My emperor and you mentioned a detail about princess Kormiir being bound by enemies. As a guard you obviously will protect her, but the best way to go about it is to prevent possible attacks. In your case, /figure out the scope of the issue/. Trace this threat and identify subjects who will certainly harm her and strike first; prevention is important. "

Jason || "Unless there's something going on that I don't know about, they're not that kind of cult," Kyton replies blandly, the edge of tired laughter in his voice. "I dunno, it's something about doppelgangers in a giant hole in the ground and the name stuck. I never got the full story." He shakes his head as if to get the thought out of his mind. "I'll get you your files, though. I may not even have to write them for you." Granted, he COULD, but the files he sent to Durasken were written as a spy reporting on potential enemies and it's best not to rock the boat. He does, however, know that the Station has its own notes on the Cultists. Probably more effort than worth, but... he considers something, and doesn't reply immediately, lost in thought again. His more canny tendencies are turning gears in his mind.

Starr || "My alternative is to ask the voidwalker for information, but I dont trust her for several reasons." His eyes narrow, but he doesn't seem to press on with that statement. He looks up at the staircase and back at Kyton "before I send you off....I hope you dont mind my prying; what relation do you have with Princess Kormiir? I sense a deeper connection between you and her, but I want to be sure that my intuition is right."

Jason || "A mix of professional and familiar," Kyton responds, almost absentmindedly. "The depth of our connection is something I think we're both trying to figure out." He's paying attention, but his eyes are somewhere far away. He produces a dark green, waxy leaf from his pocket and pops it into his mouth to chew on, as if to spend some of the energy building up. He's silent for a moment, then looks back up at Phantom. He, too, glances at the stairway as if to make sure Starr isn't coming down, then lowers his voice. "Come to think. I believe I can show you a threat and get those files at the same time, if you'll work with me." He pauses. "You mentioned a name earlier-- Kierrmi. We have a Kierrmi around here, too, though he's not part of the Cult. First name Zaiek."

Starr || Phantom seems taken aback by kyton's words and almost loses his composure. It felt like someone shoved him. He stares at the shapeshifter with both shock and disbelief. "YOu-- excuse m--" phantom sighs with frustration, leaning closer "No, I can't entirely believe this until you tell me some things about this individual; Does he have light green eyes, slick black tail with pincers at the end? Summons a shield, possibly? He should be..." he mentally counts "Around 23 years of age?"

Jason || "Not seen the shield, but everything else is correct," Kyton replies, pleased but surprised at Phantom's reaction. "Likes to use shadows when fighting. Files I previously tried to get my hands on mentioned that he was a Nekuna, but I admit I have no idea what that is." He carefully gauges Phantom's reaction as he continues. "There was some scuffle with him a while back. Pissed someone off, something about stealing eggs I heard. He left for a bit and came back, works with a Seotaran military outpost as their security system. Regardless, he seems to have some hostility with Starr, and I don't like the presence about him. Instinct tells me to be wary. It's rarely wrong."

Starr || Phantom was shocked. His hunch .was true and it was /unbelievable/. It felt like he was close to a piece of history by being on the same planet as the nekuna. "...unbelievable..." he whispers, then straightens out his posture "That man-- he is of high status in our world. Zaiek Kierrmi is the son of the man who saved our world from the Syelsumoii: an interspacial empire much more advanced than our own. Zaiek and what was left of Strike Commander Kierrmi's family fled the last parts of the war....I never thought they would end up here..." Phantom crosses his arms. "I dont believe he is a thief or had a bad relation to our princess." His eyes narrow a little "No son could grow up to be like that if their father was the most bravest, honest, honorable and compassionate hero to ever exist..."

Jason || "A poor place to spend his status, then." Kyton keeps his tone level, neutral. "He had as close to a conviction as this backwater place can produce. He was gone for a while because he fled rather than face whatever was coming for him. He's back with the outpost provisionally, kept under tight leash." The Shapeshifter straightens. "As for relations to Starr, I report only what I see and sense. The hostility and malintent rolled off him in waves. He seemed downright threatening."

Starr || Phantom nods slowly due to his mind trying to process this. Unknown to him, Zaiek had ties with the enigmatic Djinn through black talon, though of course both men were kept in different divisions of the organization; Zaiek was ultimately bound to their covert spy division while Phantom, until recently, only stayed within the ZSU. He composes himself, thinking and piecing together info "This is a special case. Until I alert my emperor about master Zaiek's presence on this planetoid, you are to NOT touch a single hair on him. Stick to Princess Kormiir's side in the meantime. I need to build up on this info."

Jason || "Mm." Not /quite/ according to plan, but it'll work well enough for now. "As you say, then. My other point, though, is that Zaiek has taken fairly detailed record of the members of our own group. We're working with the Station for the time being, but we didn't begin on friendly terms and I imagine we won't end on them either." He shrugs. "I"d just rather nip that in the bud."

Starr || "An alliance, then" The Djinn nods "A collapse of it as of now would complicate this "slavery" situation my princess is in at this time. It would also destabilize the region where she lives, and we certainly don't want that for her sake." Phantom looks at Kyton with a knowing look in his eyes; knowing exactly /what/ is unknown. "Gathering information can be done in other ways. The princess is our primary priority and assessing the risk of harm by whoever has control over her freedom, of course. I have faith that my emperor will get to the bottom of this. "

Dark || "Remember, no magic on these," Jack said, swatting Dark's hand down as he went to fire off a burst of Prana at a dummy, "they can take quite a PHYSICAL beating--that's what they're designed for, after all--but most aetheric attacks will destroy at least the part they hit." Dark frowned at this notion, looking a little disappointed. "You mean you brought normal training dummies for a group of people at least okay at magic to practise on?" Dark responded. "Well, no. The dojo was intended to be MY training room, I just left it open for others to practise martial skills." Jack stated, delivering a kick to the side of a dummy's head that was so sharp it rotated by 180 degrees, "Key word: martial. A concept that I'd be forgiven for thinking you don't understand." "I--you know what, fair I guess." Dark grumbled, punching a dummy where its solarplexus would be. This prompted an exasperated sigh from Jack. "... and, of course, when you're not trying to blow them up, you're pulling your goddamned punches! Stop that!"

Jason || Watching them from the entrance of the building-- either staying in the warm, or instinctively seeking to hide in shadow-- the newcomer Shii-Ra has moved from his former location at an upper floor window to watch the Lycans more closely. The Sarkiri's face is passive, mild, as if his reptilian instincts do not focus as much on body language as a mammal's would. He stands calmly, one hand on the smooth stone brick that makes up the building, hood down to allow his feathers to spring free like a shiny crest. The leather and cloth keeps him from the harsher cold, but it's still not the most comfortable arrangement. Granted, he's from a world where full clothing is more of a formality.

The roleplay has been cancelled as a continuous narrative. Future one-off scenes will be in their own thread.