QHAWEhW.jpg


Character Index

 
Harry Houdini

Harry extended his hand to Senior Operative Odalwa upon being greeted by the man.

"A pleasure to make your aquaintance. "

After that, he watched. It seemed his two compatriots had made good impressions with the locals. Benji in particular. Ann however was not without her own gifts. Strength ?, Interesting

The he was assigned to Ann, who seemed delighted. Harry did think she was easy on the eyes and easy to talk to. Dandy man ?!. Great, here he was, in a new world with new circumstances and nee friends.. With all the makings of an armed conflict.

On top of which, outside of the unsettling feeling of being attracted to Ann..he had very little idea what use he could be. What direction to take. He could make things he thought. What of his earthly marriage. His Bess.

He took stock of himself as he walked with Ann. He did try to look for people who stood out, or seemed nervous.

" Anne, who are we looking for, what goals do they have here in York ?

@Ms.Ezra @Nomad-22
 
“I don't rightly know, to be honest.” Anne shrugs looking around, swaying. “I supposed we jus keep our eyes peeled fer danger. As fer what they want? No clue to that either. Last night they attacked, but didn't do much else. From what I hear anyway and what I saw afterwards.” The pirate stops in the midst of a crowd and looks around. “Safe to think, I'd say, they want this kingdom fer themselves. To start anyway.”

A group of children come running by the pair then, kicking a leather ball around between themselves. Anne smiles watching them. “This kingdom been nice to me and Benji, and Im sure there be more good people than bad, but my home is with the Barbin. These people we're watching for attacked my new kin. I'm here to fight for them, not this kingdom.”

Trumpets from afar announce the imminent arrival of the Royal Carriage. The children stop their game, and one of the girls grabs the ball as the crowd parts to make way. Anne also steps back with the crowd. “Here comes the royalty.”

The royal carriage comes around a corner. The team of horses bear black and pull the carriage forward at a slow pace. The people look on in solemn silence as it goes by and then stops at the entrance. The carriage driver opens the door and The King steps out first, followed by The Queen and The Princess. All three wear black robes as a sign of mourning, but the Queen and Princess wear veils which conceal their faces. The Queen was only distinct from her daughter by being taller.

Korlen and Odalwa step forward, and kneel before the Royal Family, the others following suit. “Your Majesty.”

King Richard raises his hand to bid them all to rise. He has a solemn manner to himself as he and his family proceed into the building, the others and Benjie following behind them.

Around the plaza, men in official-looking robes and holding scrolls, with an attendant, set up a high stool upon which they stand at the farthest points. They clear their throats and stand ready. At the top of the tower, King Richard stands at the balcony with his wife and daughter beside him. The Red Shield, Benji, and Korlen stand feet behind them. The King clears his throat, takes a minute before starting to speak down to the assembled crowd.

“We, your sovereigns, gather here with you to mourn the passing of loyal and dedicated citizens into the afterlife. They were taken from their families and friends last night in the course of an attack by persons unknown.”

As The King speaks, those on the stools read the same words from their scrolls, ensuring as many people as possible hear his words if not his voice.

“It is not by accident that these attacks occur during our Union Celebrations. These assailants sought to tarnish the spirit of the festivities, of the very union with our brother nation Linia, with a barbaric display of violence.”

At this Korlen lowers his head slightly. Down in the plaza, most everyone is still as they listen. Man, woman and children of all ages hung on every word. Except for a few individuals; a young man who moves slowly about the crowd and passes by Harry and Anne; and three people who come from outside the plaza proper. One of them, a distance away from the two but in sight, is another young man who carries a clay pot and sets it down as he listens to the speech.

“We cannot allow these barbarians to win. Remember always, the Bloodless Revolution which gave birth to our nation as it is today. The people rose up to oust the tyrants of old who used your families and your work as a weapon. They stoked old rivalries to make their vendetta appear to be yours as well. These people are cut of the same cloth. Know that in your hearts. We tore the warlords from their thrones and have lived in peace ever since. For the sake of those lost in the night and the generations before, bring forth any who would sympathize with these attackers to face judgement for crimes against the peace!” King Richard finishes on an impassioned note, and the plaza erupts in applause. People raise their hands, shout affirmations of their King. King Richard raises his hands accepting the affirmations.

On the ground Anne has been listening throughout the speech while scanning the crowd. The words don't touch her the same as the citizens around them. She does cover one ear with her right hand and grimaces. She mouths to Houdini “Looks like nothing happened.”

But she has spoken too soon.

The people who had been carrying the pots take off the lids, and use two pieces of flint to strike a spark over the opening. The contents ignite, and explode. Three of these explosions rock the plaza. Those nearest die almost instantly from the shrapnel, others fall to the ground deafened and/or injured. People panic and run away screaming.

Anne and Houdini are outside the blast zone of the nearest explosion to be unaffected by it directly. The panicked crowd it produces does threaten to trample them. But that is not the biggest issue on the ground. The explosions frighten the team of horses, and they take off still attached to the carriage. Anne, seeing this, gently shoves Houdini against a wall where he should be safe from being trampled and sprints after it. She leaps ont top of the carriage, draws her cutlass, and cuts the ties that bind the team of horses to the carriage. They keep running, but without the carriage are much less dangerous while they do so.

At the same time, a blur of movement weaves through the panicked mob, concealed from Houdini's sight by many bodies and a cloud of smoke. It passes the White Guards before they fully close ranks around the entrance. It runs up the stairs.

In the tower, Korlen draws his sword and shouts “Your Majesties! To safety!” as he reaches out to pull the King away from the balcony. But it is then that the fast-moving figure comes to a stop behind them. Before Korlen can react, the young man breaks his hand to grab hold of the sword, and punches him in the jaw hard enough to send him falling from the balcony. Korlen's sword in hand, the assassin goes for a thrust at the heart of King Richard before anyone else could raise a hand in his defense.

That is, almost anyone...
 
Last edited:
When she was a child, she often would have trouble falling asleep. The servants and nannies would often be at a loss as to what to do. They did not wish to displease their master, the ruler of their lands. But the child often would simply be awake, far later than she should be. One of the servants, Tomio, would go against the wishes of the other servants and seek out the lord of the house. The servants thought the lord could not be bothered, that is the whole reason for them to be employed in the grand ruling house. But Tomio knew what was best for the little girl.

And so often as it was, the lord of the lands would come from his late night meetings with his council to find out why his daughter was still awake. She should be asleep, he would tell the servants. It’s not healthy for her to be awake so late in the night. He would scold the servants and nannies, but it never went further than that. He knew his daughter could be a handful, and a willful child. Tomio, while accompanying the lord to his daughter’s quarters, would often say “She is of your blood, master. She is strong of spirit, and only one of equal spirit has a chance to quell her.” The master of the lands appreciated Tomio’s attempts at levity, to make it seem like the servant were doing their best.

Now the lord of the lands, enters his daughter’s room alone. She is sitting out on her balcony. The child is no older than 10, but far older than most her age. “Little child, why are you not asleep? Have your nannies upset you? Have your servants failed you?” He would join her on that balcony, and sit next to her. When he found her like this, she would be staring up at the moon. She would say nothing, she would just stare. The father, Hizashi, would in turn stare at the child. “Tell me again, father.” Silently he would stare at her, and then speak in a tone so soft as to not disturb the hotaru (fireflies) fluttering in the garden outside of her room. “Tell you what, little child?” He knows what she will say, but he likes to hear her say it. “About the moon, about mama…” Silently he would stare at her, and then he begins the little tale.

“Your mama was the most beautiful woman in all of Japan. Her name was Sana. We were betrothed, she and I. I think we finally met when I was just a bit older than you. She was of the greatest beauty, of both body and spirit. We did love one another, though it was not always easy.” He smiles a little, and as if on cue the child leans over to rest against his larger form. His hand comes up, as he always does, and gently caresses her long dark hair. “She, like you, was blessed under the moon. Even before you were born, she loved you as she had never loved another. She loved me, she was loyal to me, but with you, it was more. She even feared for you, growing up in such dangerous times. I assured her I would protect both of you.” Now the child closes her eyes. “She was the calm I needed, so often. When my anger was roused, simply looking into her eyes brought back rationality to my thoughts. And yes, looking at you in the moonlight reminds me so much of Sana. You are your mother’s daughter, you are as beautiful as she. You are as giving and compassionate as she. You have the same gentle, loving spirit as she.” He pauses, and he then looks to the moon. “She was fascinated by the moon… she would often say you would be the returning spirit of Kaguya-hime. Her own little princess of the moon. So strong was her will to keep you safe from harm, she left us after your birth to live upon the moon itself. So she could always watch over you. Even your name, it acts as a beacon to the moon. The name Sana gave you, it means ‘Tender Moon.’” the child smiles a little, and then she is silent for a few minutes. “I am ready for sleep now, father.” “Then come, little child. I shall put you to bed, and I will leave the partition open. Sana wishes to watch over your sleep. She will keep you safe, Yuzuki.”



The Royal Family exits the carriage, their steps slow and deliberate. The Queen, the Princess, move with such grace. Almost an unearthly grace really. Clad in black robes, they both move with the King. The Princess trails behind the Queen just a little, her head bowed down under her veiled cloak. And as the King addresses the crowd, the Princess gazes out into that crowd. So many people… so many love the King, this family. They have been a boon onto these lands. But that, by any measure, means they are safe here.

In fact… she is rather counting on it.

The King’s speech gets to the part concerning barbarians.. a word she didn’t really know until she heard it while the King practiced his speech in front of her the night prior. But something is… off… the Princess, from where she stands, has a very good view of the crowd. Most are focused solely on the King’s words, as well they should be. But a few seem to be ignoring the speech. They stand out to her. Most everyone gathered has their full attention upon their King, upon his words. Save for a man in the crowd, moving through it. And a few more that enter the plaza.

Something is wrong. She feels it in her bones. It is an instinct which has served her so many times in life. And now.. in this odd afterlife. The Princess jumps as the explosions go off, and she gasps loudly. More ghost weapons… explosives! Chaos ensues, and the royal family huddle closer to one another, the Queen staring towards the Princess. The Princess seems almost dazed, staring down into the crowd. Loyal Korlen is the first to reach them, and he starts to pull the King away. Good Korlen! Get him to safety! But as soon as that thought manifests… Korlen is down. The Princess glances down as Korlen falls from the balcony, and she knows she can’t help him. No, she has another task.


You see… this ‘Princess’… had been found wandering in a forest. Lead by a fairy on a puppy. Yeah, that’s a thing that happened. The King happened upon her, and at that moment she was in his service. She had been assigned a very important task. Stand with us, protect us.


Just as Dean grabs onto Korlen’s sword… the Princess is in motion. The King and Queen haven’t even realized yet that they are in mortal danger. The tip of the blade Dean holds slices through the air, intent on ending this King’s reign. Were it not for an incidental meeting in the forest, Dean would succeed. But as it stands…

From under the Princess’ cloak there is a flash of light, and the sound of metal clacking loudly against metal. The Princess seems to just… suddenly be between Dean and the King. Dean’s blade is deflected off of her own blade, his blade driven upwards and away from the King. Ya know, instead of through his heart. Dean stares in disbelief. No one is faster than he in this world. No one.

Which, technically is true. But if you have good reflexes, and a sense of danger coming, then you can counter speed. You just have to start moving earlier.

Dean’s eyes snap towards the veiled figure as the cloak falls away, her long brown hair falling about her shoulders. This… is not the Princess he thought it would be. Yuzuki holds her sword up, keeping his sword locked. Her own blade, it almost seems to give off a gentle glow for a moment in the sunlight. Her free hand snaps forward, and she jabs him right in the throat. He coughs, he gags as he stumbles back. She steps back as he drops the sword, stepping closer to the King and Queen. She holds her new sword in both hands, glaring towards the crowd. As if daring someone else to step up and try to harm the royal. The Queen whispers as more guards head for the balcony, all of the leery of the new bodyguard and her ‘Bastard Blade’ (as the guards have come to call her sword). “Thank you, Yuzuki.” Not looking towards the Queen, she just nods as she stays close to them. “Yorokonde.”

Yuzuki now looks in the direction of Dean as she frowns, relaxing her stance a little. She holds the samurai sword in her right hand, her breathing slow and calmed. The white gown/robes she wears sway gently against the winds as she stands at guard, her long brown hair (tied into a loose ponytail with a white ribbon) sways in rhythm.
27523f8c-785e-42e7-8f2d-8bc1255d4f69.jpg
 
Harry Houdini

At first Harry wasn't paying a lot of attention to the Royals, and the speech. He did listen though, mention of an attack explained the flurry of armed activity with the local guards. A small part of Harry's mind drifted to a year or two during his childhood when he ran away. He learned a lot about life during that year. One of his natural gifts was intelligence, a bit of a gift for analyzing things.

He did notice the men with the pots, he thought about that and had doubts. But he had thought there was some sort of thing the locals did ? His troublesome hunch proved terribly right as the pots blew up, injuring and killing people.. After he had recovered and was unceremoniously shoved out of the way.. another terrible thought occurred. Distraction. A magician's first tool of the trade. So what would they be after.... The Royals..

Since childhood Harry was a runner. He ran for health and to pay tribute in his own mind to that terrible year of being alone. Harry then moved with speed and agility rarely seen of him. Climbing the wall he had been shoved into for a better look. He was a distance away, but he made a quick effort of moving in the direction. In the future of his world, his movement would be called Parkour.

He really had little idea of what he would do to help when he got there. Probably get himself dead... again. But his instincts, the little voice in his head. (Really his little voice in his head had belonged to Bess for years). Right now his true heart kept telling him, move to them, protect them.

@Camleen @Ms.Ezra @Nomad-22
 
Hearing the trumpets, Benjie saw the carriage pull up. It felt so odd to him to be in scene like something out of the Robin Hood film. The younger version of himself would’ve been grinning ear to ear but alas it wasn’t the case now. Instead, the sergeant remained professional in appearance as the king and his family, approached wearing the trappings of mourning. Watching the commanders kneel Ben briefly hesitate to bow as well but did so anyway, more out of respect for local custom than actual fealty.

When they were bided to rise, the Filipino did so and followed the entourage into the building. Once they reached the balcony Ben stood in the background and listen to the king address his people. A charismatic speaker we got here. President Quezon and General MacArthur would’ve approved. Before he can even think further three explosions erupted in the midst of the admiring crowd that immediately.

Smoke consumed the packed square, obscuring view.

Ben was lifting his M1 carbine and was about to assist Korlen in escorting the monarch inside when the flash of a figure appeared. Before he can even blink the white guard officer was thrown off and his sword taken by the intruder who attempted to pierce it into King Richard’s heart. Subsequently, the veiled ‘princess’ intervened, dashing at super speed, deflecting the thrust. As the cloak gave way, Ben’s mouth dropped, recognizing who it really is.

“Baka sisihin ako.” He muttered, completely shocked the Japanese swordswoman actually survived the battle in the woods from yesterday. Regardless of his personal feelings on her and the country she’s from, Benjie was at least glad the royals were safe. Narrowing his eyes, the Filipino saw it was a young Caucasian with obvious clothing from Earth.

Ironically Ben found himself standing alongside with Yuzuki, in front of the royal couple who were soon surrounded by more guards. Aiming down the iron sights at the recovering assassin, Ben’s eyes blazed with fierce expression. While their enemy was fast the samurai seemed to be his equal and with the carbine centered on him, they held the advantage for now. “Your move.” Benjie said in a deadly tone, his finger on the trigger.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Gands
A thud and clatter joins the din of the chaos for a moment when Korlen's body hits the ground. Dean does not waste time with a response to Ben. He becomes a blur of motion again and diverts his attentions from the Royal Family everyone is focusing on, to the Red Shield and White Guard. With Korlen's sword, Dean runs through two of the Red Shield before the rest can ignite their red swords. Those two don't hit the floor before three more of the White Guard fall with them. They yell and clutch their chests, sides, throats.

Dean runs back down the tower stairs, cutting down multiple guards at the entrance in his way. There is still enough chaos to escape unnoticed, he thinks as he weaves about the people. He thinks about how he's failed what was supposed to be a simple mission: soon as the pottery bombs went off, run up and murder the Royal Family, then escape by any means. He'd been told to expect a fight with guards and Red Shield. Not that samurai woman or the soldier with that gun. He didn't want to risk meeting that guy head-on having never tried to dodge a bullet at close range like that.

Quick-thinking as he is, Dean doesn't see Houdini before Houdini lays eyes on him. And suddenly Dean feels the speed leave him and in his surprise missteps and falls forward, tumbles over himself and yells “Shit!”

Anne in the meantime is still on top of the carriage when her eyes are drawn to the tower by the scream of Korlen as he falls, and they follow him down until he hits the ground. Even with her strength and speed, Anne knew there was nothing to be done about his fate. The woman jumps off the carriage and runs for the tower entrance, intending to do something, anything, about what's going on up there. She gets there just in time to watch the White Guards stationed there break ranks when a blur comes through them. A few fall dead or dying to the ground in its wake. She barely manages to track its general direction and gives chase. She would have had no hope of catching Dean were it not for the assailant running into Houdini's line of sight.

“Oi! Who the hell are you?!” Anne yells as she skids to a stop before the fallen man. “By yer clothes boyo, I know yer not of this land.” She grabs Dean by his hair and pulls. Again,Anne doesn't feel that strength in her body as she does. Lucky for Dean, that meant she's not able to do more damage to him with the sudden rough action. Dean yells, swears and goes stiff in her grip.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Gands and Nomad-22
YuzukiB.jpg
It doesn’t take long for others to rush towards the balcony she stands upon. Her form slides forward a little, glancing over her shoulder to ensure the King and Queen are indeed safe. The White Guard has surrounded them by now, attempting to make it so the royal family can’t even be seen. It’s then that Benjie joins her there, standing with her. A brief sideway glance is given to him, and a little nod of appreciation for him helping her out. Yuzuki’s attention then move back to Dean, Benjie aiming his rifle towards him.

But barely a moment before he starts to move, Yuzuki feels a warning in the back of her mind. “Kih!” she spats out as she rushes towards Dean, drawing her sword back. She swings it forward, the blade slicing through the air. And.. nothing else. Dean is gone suddenly. She realizes she should have incapacitated him while she had the chance. It’s obvious by his clothes that he isn’t from this land. His clothing looks more similar to Albert’s. Perhaps they are from the same year or something.

And yes Dean and Albert are decades apart, but all strangely dressed far western guys look really similar to Yuzuki. So she presumes at first they are from the same time.

Her eyes would widen when the guards around them start to fall, and she retreats back to Benjie. “Your back to mine!” She speaks to Benjie in a firm, commanding tone. “Defend each other’s blind spots!” She isn’t sure of how well Benjie can actually defend himself… but Yuzuki intends to keep him safe. This man’s power is speed… running just really fast. So his perception must be exeptional to comprehend all that’s going on around him as he moves. Yuzuki notes Dean moves with purpose, not just random directions or acts. Her eyes dart left to right, trying to follow his movements. And at one point her form tenses, feeling he is about to come at her.

But…

Dean is suddenly down, seeming to trip over his own feet. Well… did not see that one coming… Anne appears suddenly, and Yuzuki knows she has to act quickly. She darts away from Benjie, calling out as she does. "Come! We can't let him get up again!" Yuzuki heads towards the stairs that lead down the tower, holding her sword in front of her with both hands. Getting to the bottom of the stairs, she runs toward where Anne now has Dean in grasp. She has to dodge and push through people, keeping her sword held close to her, to not hurt anyone accidentally. She comes out of the crowd, and suddenly out of nowhere she leans almost the whole upper half of her body to her right. And just as she leans, the sword of a White Guard whizzes by her face. Her gaze snaps to the Guard, who gasps as he realizes who she is. He's kind of on edge, this Guard. There's... a lot... going on around him, so it's no wonder his nerves are shot. He sees someone running out of the crowd with a weapon, and he acts. Luckily Yuzuki reacts faster than he does. He drops his sword with a clattering sound, fearful of what comes next. But instead Yuzuki turns and sprints toward Dean and Anne. She twirls her sword in her hand, raising that hand upwards. Just as Dean yells out from Anne’s treatment, Yuzuki gives him another reason to yell. With a low ‘thunk’ sound she stabs the tip of her sword down into one of Dean’s feet, and she then leans forward to drive it a little deeper into his foot. Just as quickly she draws the blade up, twirling the sword once more in her hand. His own blood dripping off of the blade, she points it at Dean as she stands near his feet. As if in silent warning. He won’t be able to run now. Heck, he’ll barely be able to walk without a ton of pain thanks to her stabbing him.

But as she stands there, she glances over her shoulder to make sure Benjie is safe… her gaze drifting towards Harry (another from Albert’s year!?)… and then towards Anne. Silently a few moments she watches the red haired lass, and then focuses on Dean again as she speaks. “Cap’n. I did say we would meet in Gatecia.” this.. isn’t exactly what she had in mind though..

She doesn’t see Albert, though. No doubt he’s somewhere indoors, safe from the danger.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Nomad-22
The assassin sped past them, killing and wounding guards as he flees. Ben swore, realizing he should’ve pulled the trigger beforehand. At that point Yuzuki proceed to command him again! He scowled but still readied for another attack. Until their common foe actually tripped himself and was caught by Anne.

As Yuzuki said they need to move quickly, Benjie retorted in annoyance before going. “I don’t need you to tell me that!” While not as fast as either Dean nor the samurai, Benjie made swift progress as humanly possible down the steps. Once reaching the bottom, he beheld the mayhem caused by this attack, people running left and right.

This would’ve worked as the perfect cover for an escape.
He mentally noted.

The Filipino sergeant had to push and navigate through the running masses to keep up. Finally he arrived at the scene where a screaming Dean was held down by Anne and Harry looked on. Seeing the blood on the Japanese’s blade and hostile’s wounded leg, Ben silently approved. They can’t take chances with someone of that kind of power. Clutching, the carbine Ben guarded the group in fromt of the tower while a reunion between the pirate and samurai unfolded.
 
Last edited:
Harry Houdini

Harry watches things unfold. The subject of everyone's attentions now was well and truly caught by his pirate companion. Harry took a careful look around for any other oddities but there was simply too much panicky chaos at the moment.

He climbed down off the wall and made his way back to Ann, just as others were gathering around her. He rather dodged, weaved and ducked through the crowd to get there.

His jacket was off and his fancy tuxedo pants had a couple of new rips. The style of clothing he was wearing was not truly meant for anything exciting.

He stood behind and to one side of Anne, giving a nod to Benny, but saying nothing. He watches as the oriental woman stabs the offender hard through one foot. That should slow him down Harry thought to himself.
 
“Sonofabitch!” Dean yells through clenched teeth when Yuzuki stabs him through the right foot. “You...are...gonna...pay for that...soon as it heals!” He threatens Yuzuki, which prompts Anne to yank his hair again and make him yell in pain once again.

“Shut yer gob less we ask ya to open it, whelp.” Anne makes her counter-threat looking down at Dean, and while her tone is tense she smiles as she answers Yuzuki “A lass of yer word, Zuki.” When Benji arrives Anne thinks for a moment to let go of the man, thinking he wouldn’t try to run with a gun trained on him. She thinks better of it and keeps her grip on his hair, foot to his back.

The Red Shield members come in behind Benji; their weapons are inactive and they look upon the man with an unfocused gaze. Odalwa scratches his jaw, blinks rapidly. “James Dean. You are alive.”

Dean chuckles but offers no other response. The crowd which had filled the plaza has dissipated for the most part. Those who remain had been thrown or fallen to the ground and are now getting to their feet. A few men tend to the injured. Those nearest the scene turn their heads at the name and also look on in disbelief.

The surviving White Guards from the tower form a circle around the scene, bolstered by Guards who had been on patrol. One of them comes forth with iron shackles. Dean is cuffed by the hands and feet, and only then does Anne let go of him. The circle parts as the King and Queen arrive.

King Richard looks down at Dean, disappointed. “Take him to the dungeons. No more harm is to come to him.” He orders dispassionately.

“As you wish, Your Excellency.” The guard who had cuffed Dean and another pick up him up and lead him away. The man offers no resistance or even a word of protest. He holds his head high even.

The Red Shield watch him be led away, dismay on their faces. Odalwa says rather quietly. “He was a hero.”

“He was a dead hero.” Kind Richard says in a correcting tone looking off after Dean. “Now, a living prisoner.” He looks away from Dean and around at the dead bodies dotted around the plaza, the ones who had been nearest the blasts, and over at the motionless body of Korlen at the bottom of the tower. “We must learn all we can, and avenge those who have fallen.” He says to Yuzuki, Anne, Benji and even the unknown Houdini “For the bravery shown today, I welcome you all to the castle as my guests. I will send for another carriage to bring you all shortly.”

Another similar carriage comes then and settles nearby. Queen Gweyr approaches Yuzuki, reaches out for her hand, and to the shock of many parts her veil to kiss the back of her hand. “I thank you, Lady Date. I would ask you to continue accompanying us, guard us, but I feel it is not necessary right now, and you will want to speak with your compatriots.”

The King and Queen depart in the carriage. The White Guards let the Strangers be to tend to their own dead and wounded. Odalwa dismisses the rest of the Red Shield, but remains behind. “I am thankful we have not lost another this day. And it appears you have gained another fellow.” He says nodding at Houdini.

“Aye, Harry is a good lad.” Anne walks over to pat Harry on the shoulder, points at Yuzuki “That be Yuzuki. I’d thought her dead yesterday. Glad I was wrong. And this fellow be Odalwa, head of a group who studies us.” She points with her thumb at herself, Harry, Yuzuki, and Benji.
 
YuzukiB.jpg
Yuzuki would draw back a little with Dean’s exclamation. She whips her sword in his direction, some of his own blood spattering against his shirt. She then draws her sword up and drags a small cloth hanging from her scabbard to clean the blood off. Later she’ll have to properly care for the blade. But she does whisper a soft ‘thank you’, knowing the blade will know why. She sheathes it as her eyes draw along those gathered, still feeling a little jittery. Still feeling much on edge. She speaks in a calmed, collected tone though as she looks back to Dean. “Or you will remember my eyes every time you try to walk on it until it heals. If you are able, please challenge me again.”

As the crowd parts, Yuzuki also steps back. The King and the Queen emerge, and she immediately bows to them, her hands pressed together. While she says nothing of their exclamation of Dean being a hero.. it certainly does pique her interest. But that will have to wait for another day. She watches as Dean is lead away, her eyes narrowing a little at him. He isn’t being treated cruelly, as she had seen in the Barbin Village… what seems like an eternity ago. But she is surprised they take him prisoner. She’s more used to helping those captured achieve an honorable death. But.. this isn’t exactly her world, is it?

Queen Gweyr now approaches her, and she draws her full attention to the her. And for a moment.. the little samurai girl that rarely shows being flustered or confused… is in a panic. This is the first time she has addressed someone with the title of Queen in public. She followed all of the protocols (she hopes) when they had their private talk in the Queen’s chambers. But she doesn’t know what the proper way to act in public is. Her first thought is to drop to one knee in a kneeling stance, and one of her knees actually does start to bend. Without thinking, she reaches out to the Queen when her hand is offered… and her eyes widen. “I..” she kind of stammers, looking around quickly as if to see if anyone else saw that. Well of course they did, Yuzuki. She draws her hand away slowly, her arms then falling flat to her sides as she half bows to the Queen. “My Lady… I am grateful. I will return with my comrades.” Her comrades? She said that without even thinking about it. Why does that bother her so?

Introductions are made, and Yuzuki now stands with her hands folded behind her back. A small, soft smile upon her lips. She looks to Benji, and then towards Harry. Huh.. for a moment she thought that was Albert. They look very similar. To Yuzuki, of course. And just as she has that thought, the crowd that is dispersing gets a little louder. Most of surprise, of warning people to clear a path. And the source of the newfound ‘excitement’ is a very large unicorn making her way quickly through the crowd. She huffs as she trots, her hooves making loud clacking noises against the cement. Her coat is of a gray/silver, her horn shimmering slightly in the day’s sun. She trots a bit faster as she now sees Yuzuki, she sees the others. Niji moves right up behind Anne and starts to immediately nip at one of the corners of her hat. She nudges Anne playfully with her muzzle, snorting loudly.

Yuzuki moves to the unicorn’s side, gently patting her as she addresses Benji. “We had not time to properly be introduced. You did well in defending everyone. I thank you.” She nods to him, and then she looks to Harry “You, you are Hah-ry?” She still seems to have a little trouble with English names, despite the magical bauble hanging around her neck at all times. “If Cap’n says you are the good lad, you are welcome.” And then to Anne she looks with a little smile. “And where is Albert, please? He is hiding somewhere until the excitement passes?”
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Nomad-22 and Gands
There was no sympathy in Benjie’s eyes as he watched the captured assassin be taken away. The fact he was once considered a hero didn’t sway the sergeant at all. While Dean’s attempt on the king’s life was stopped the fact remains, innocent bystanders were killed by bombs just to give him a diversion. He can hear sobbing in the background, no doubt people had lost loved ones in this hour. It caused Deflino to squeeze his hands tightly on the carbine, recognizing that kind of pain all too well.

Should’ve cut off the bastard’s legs and see if he still laughs. Ben thought for a brief moment. Of course Ben understood the authorities wanting to keep find out information from their new prisoner but he believed Dean was too dangerous to be kept alive for very long and Hitler’s forces may just try to setting him free in the near future. Hopefully, the guards will have the sense do it after whatever interrogation they will conduct.

Then the guerrilla listens to King Richard who invited them all to the palace. Looks like Anne will finally get her audience. Foiling assassinations can make it happen faster apparently. Ben slightly smirked at the observation before noticing the Queen personally thanking the stunned Yuzuki for her efforts. He looked away, content to avoiding the Japanese for the time being but it was not to be. Soon enough the unicorn from yesterday appeared moving toward her new rider.

When it happened Ben discovered himself exchanging eye contact with the samurai. To his utter surprise she thanked him for protecting the others. A Japanese thanking a foreigner? What the hell is this?! In all honesty Benjie didn’t know how to respond to it.

Suddenly memories of their first encounter resurfaced. Of how Yuzuki threatened to cut out his tongue, her gall to give him orders and last but not least letting the Imperial Army officer go during the attack on that camp. The last one was especially infuriating. It took every fiber of Ben’s being not to spit in her direction. Instead, he remained silent with an expression filled with resentment and mistrust while the swordsman addressed Harry.

When she asked their mutual pirate friend about Albert, Ben sighed loudly. The last thing he wanted was to be reminded of that cowardly opportunist. Slinging over the carbine to the left shoulder, Benjie next said to Anne in a weary tone. “You tell her.”

He looked away, pulling out another cigarette from the pack, intending to smoke again as they all waited for the next carriage to take them to the palace.
 
Last edited:
Harry Houdini

Harry watched as the group of people from his world gathered around the speedy Dean. He wasn't exactly sure what happened, but he did recall this: That the speedy Dean stumbled as Harry looked at him.

He smiled as the pirate Anne introduced him. Anne for all her drunkenness, seemed a decent sort. The Filipino soldier seemed, frustrated in some way.

As the crowd gathered and the Asian woman, Japanese by the name he thought, talked to him, he replied

" Nice to meet you Miss Yuzuki "

Then he noticed the Unicorn and for all his years of disbelief... he stared slack jawed at the legendary animal.

This was some world, and at war now it seemed.
 
"Very nice attire Zuki." Anne compliments Yuzuki on her new clothes. She almost looks like a new person. Anne's smile drops at the mention of Albert's name. In the heat of the moment, she had almost forgotten about the young man. Anne had met the two at the same time, she presumes soon after they had found themselves here. It was only right of Benji to tell Anne she had to be the one to tell her. Doesn't mean she likes it at all.

The pirate tilts her head away from Niji when she nips at her precious hat and grumbles, but pets her in response "How do I even start..." She rubs the back of her neck with her other hand as she steps away from the unicorn and towards Yuzuki. "Y'see....we made it here, got taken in by the Red Shield. I had too much to drink at dinner an passed out." Anne sighs as she looks up at Yuzuki "An while I was out, we got attacked. Someone named Hitler, with that magic Jim talked about and guns. And Albert......he joined them. After killing one of the Red Shield as proof of his resolve."

At this point Odalwa steps up. "As of now, he is considered an enemy of the kingdom. By all witness accounts, he did not hesitate." He says in a serious tone. "Should he be caught, he will be imprisoned, and as a Stranger his fate will be determined by King Richard. Which you may witness with James Dean." He shakes his head slowly and walks away to join his fellows. Anne looks after the man and sees a carriage coming towards them.

"Here be our ride." Anne announces as the carriage comes to a stop and was about to jump up into it, but then remembers something. "Hold up!" Anne runs, drunkenly, to the wagon where they had left their things, and came back with them in hand. The most important thing is in her right hand: Yuzuki's katana. The pirate holds the samurai's sword out to her. "We thought you were gone, but we kept yer sword all the same. " She says smiling again. With the sword returned Anne jumps into the carriage. The interior is comfortable enough to seat all four, but someone could sit atop if they wished, and of course Yuzuki could ride Niji.
 
YuzukiB.jpg
Yuzuki finds herself smiling a little with Anne’s compliment on her wardrobe. She looks down at herself, her arms coming out a little at her sides, as if subconsciously showing off a little. Or consciously, because she feels pretty for once.

But suddenly the air felt thick. Her brows furrow together, and she glances in Benji’s direction. Tell her what? Yuzuki feels her heart drop, and instantly guilty thoughts rush through her brain. While she wasn’t at his side, was Albert killed? Captured? Did he… have some kind of accident? He is rather clumsy, after all. Did he run off to look for her? Anne asks where to start, and immediately Yuzuki steps towards her, her own tone firm. “The beginning.” She’s expecting to hear the worst, really.


Anne steps away from Niji, and that doesn’t make her happy. Why is she taking the hat away from her. Niji would move forward to get the hat once more, but her ears flick as she bobs her head up. She doesn’t like how things feel suddenly, centered on Anne and Yuzuki. Niji lets out a loud snort and suddenly veers her large form (she’s about on the smaller size of a Clydesdale) and suddenly moves towards Benji. She steps right into his personal space and exhales through her nose, her muzzle right next to his head. She nudges his shoulder, since it’s his turn now to pay attention to her. She’s sure of that, it’s written down somewhere. But as she does, her dark eyes linger on Harry. Specifically the buttons shining gently against the light. They look… just delicious.


What Anne relays to Yuzuki about Albert… well she kind of wishes her initial bad thoughts were more the truth. “he..” she says softly, looking down a little. She can feel what little color there is drain from her face. That Hitler name again… In most situations, Yuzuki is the one that is able to keep her head. Not let outside stimuli distract her from her goals. This is something she has honed while learning to fight. She can make snap judgements on the fly, no matter how much chaos is happening around her. But this.. this just takes the breath right out of her lungs. Her eyes cast down, and she turns slowly away from Anne. She had thought Albert was their ally, she had thought she could trust him. She kept him safe as best she can, he sort of became her responsibility (in her mind) when they first came across one another. One of her hands raise to rest on her forehead, her eyes closing tightly. For someone you care for to die in battle… that’s hard, but it’s a noble and welcome end. To be lost while fullfilling your duty, that’s the goal of most warriors of her ilk. But to willingly go to the enemy, to kill a person as a show of allegiance.

She practically glares at Odalwa as he walks away, and she speaks in an angry tone “If Albert is found, I will deal with him.” She made herself responsible for keeping him safe when they met in that jungle… she’ll be responsible for making sure justice is carried out. She's fairly sure though, in the back of her mind, the King won't approve of that.

Yuzuki doesn’t look towards any of them now as the carriage pulls up, her eyes cast out towards the courtyard proper. She faces away from them because she doesn’t want them to see the tears now rimming her eyes. If she hadn’t pledged herself to the Royal Court, she would leave right at this moment and hunt down Hitler and Albert, just as she had said she would. But her duty keeps her bound here, and that just breaks her heart. She hears Anne stepping and stumbling towards her (woman would make an awful recon person), and Yuzuki draws in a deep breath. Discretely she brushes her sleeves across her eyes, and she turns to look towards Anne. And when she does… all of those bad thoughts and sudden crippling depression goes right out the window. Her emotions head into the exact opposite direction. Her eyes widen and there is a look of unmitigated joy upon her young features. Slowly she turns as the sheathed sword is offered, and she gently reaches out to grasp it. She feels her eyes close as her slim fingers wrap around the scabbard that is familiar to her as her own hands. Indeed this sword is as much an extension of her arm as her hands are. She is… without words. Her emotions were already taking a beating… but this is something else. She looks down at the sheathed sword with admiration, memories rushing back.


Master Ryo
Akihiko
The hellish heat of the forge
Training half naked in snow up to her knees
Her father… staring out at her… such pride in his loving eyes…


“Anne…” she looks up as Anne turns and heads off… and Yuzuki rushes towards her. She hugs Anne very tightly from behind, her sword still held in one hand. “I owe you.. so much.. for this.. thank you… I am in your debt…” Yeah, to some a weapon is a weapon. A thing to kill with. A gun is a gun. But for Yuzuki, for people trained as she was and who follow the tenets as she does (as she tries)… your sword is something akin to a piece of you.

It’s odd, isn’t it? Ever since the attack on Jim’s camp… ever since she had been lost to the party… ever since she lost her sword… she had felt incomplete. Until just now she hadn’t noticed. It’s like seeing the loving smile of a friend that you haven’t seen in far to long. You don’t think about it much at first, until you’re without. And then once you see that friend again… that love fills your heart once more to overflowing.

Yuzuki steps back after just a moment, not wanting it to be any more uncomfortable than it is. “I am in your debt, Cap’n. All of you…” she looks towards Benji and Harry, nodding to them. She then tucks the scabbard into her sash, it resting against the scabbard that already is there. She doesn’t think she’s ever told them about her sword, about what it means. It’s name, or anything. She hopes she can soon. But for now… she makes a soft clicking noise with her tongue.

And when she does, Niji’s ears perk up and she snorts, trotting away from Benji. She moves right up to Yuzuki, pushing her nuzzle right into Yuzuki’s shoulder immediately, forcing her to step back as she laughs gently. “Ay ay ay.” she says softly, smiling up to the mythical beast. Their eyes lock a moment, and it’s as if they see one another’s emotions. Yuzuki’s hand tenderly draws up and down the muzzle of the unicorn, and Niji then leans down a little. Yuzuki pulls herself up onto the saddle, grasping the reins. Niji trots happily towards the carriage as Yuzuki speaks. “We will rest, get our bearings. And then we will go after Hitler.” Her tone a firm one, one that she would use to command her troops. Which Benji should love. But come on… how can you argue with a beautiful samurai woman on top of a unicorn?
 
  • Like
Reactions: Nomad-22 and Gands
Just when Benjie was about to pull out his lighter again from a pocket when Niji came forward catching him off guard. He felt the warm air that flew out from the unicorn’s nostrils directly at his face. “Uh...hello there.” Ben said awkwardly, rubbing the back of his neck with one hand. The guerrilla was actually no stranger to horses, he used to visit another uncle named Amado who owned a couple of ponies on his farm.

Well I definitely not dealt with unicorns before. Remember she’s a horse too who happens to have a horn on the head. With this quiet reminder, Ben smiled at Niji while she was staring at Harry’s buttons and proceeded to gently pet her muzzle with his right hand. “Ikaw ay mabuting batang babae.” He repeated in Tagalog with a tone of praise, briefly smiling as a result. In a strange way Niji made the fighter think of childhood innocence and he appreciated it.

Those warm feelings disappeared when Yuzuki thanked him and Harry with the samurai sword now in hand given back by Anne. He only displayed a neutral expression in respond. This woman continues to puzzle him, she is certainly from the land of the rising sun along with sharing her people’s arrogance(his POV) but seemly not the cruelty he had long known and hated them for. Come to think of it, Ben didn’t recalled the Japanese allowing their women to fight in the war but Yuzuki was clearly a trained warrior.

She must be from another era in the past sorta like Anne is. Probably one of those samurai her people never shut up about. It would also explain why she doesn’t seem to know much about Hitler. Ben concluded to himself. This knowledge however did not change how he felt.

Once Niji went away to her rider’s call Benjie walked over to the awaiting carriage with Anne and Harry. Just as he was about to step into the carriage Ben heard what Yuzuki proclaimed close by. While that was generally he wanted to do as well the sergeant did not appreciate what he perceived as the samurai acting like she was in charge of them all. Frustration flared in his heart and he twist around, looking back at Yuzuki with enraged eyes. Instead of shouting, he coldy answered.

“Listen here I do not need your permission like some slave you can order and slap around. I have more than enough cause to fight. So stay out of my way and don’t presume to give me commands ever again!”

Having nothing else to say Benjie entered the carriage, still angry and sat down opposite of Anne. To calm himself he finally lit up a cigarette in his mouth and blew some smoke. The sooner they get to the palace the better.
 
Last edited:
Harry Houdini

Harry watched the drama unfold among the people around him. The arrival of the unicorn made the young Japanese warrior someone special. It was further apparent that she had been missing from this group for a time. Further, that there was another who seemed to join the other side. There was a name, Hitler... Germanic of some sort he thought. He gathered that Benjie was not entirely pleased with the young Japanese warrior.

A lot of questions in his mind. He touched Anne's arm lightly, catching her eye with an expression of concern.
 
YuzukiB.jpg
It’s Benjie that then lashes out towards her. Grasping the unicorn’s reins, she watches Benjie out of the corner of her eyes. Her gaze is dispassionate, not showing anger at all. But he is clearly upset about something. As if she had personally insulted him. She quickly goes through her memories of the man. She had caught him spying on them with a ghost weapon. She got to him before he could do anything. The attack. And then the reunion in time to save the royal family. How had she insulted him? She genuinely doesn’t know. But his attitude needs some work.

Or a good smack in the face.

Passed Benjie she sees Harry share a look with Anne… and then Anne leans towards Benjie. She can’t make out her words, really. Not with the sound of the moving carriage and the clopping of multiple hooves. But she hopes Anne is telling him to calm the hell down. Yuzuki’s eyes look forward once more as she rides aside the carriage, her eyes closing a little.

She makes a soft clicking noise with her tongue and lightly tugs on one of the reins. Obediently Niji trots closer to the carriage. Yuzuki wants to make sure Benjie hears this part loud and clear. She stares the man in the eyes, trying to ignore the tabacco smell. “If I’ve wronged you, I humbly ask your forgiveness. Never was that my intent.” She pauses and looks towards Anne and Harry as she continues. “The Cap’n seems to trust you. And you threw yourself into danger to help the Queen and King. And for that, I am wholly grateful to you.” She bows her head a little to him. As she speaks, her voice is even, calm. “I see you not as my servant, or slave. But know this, stranger.” She now leans slightly closer to him. “I am an honored warrior in my land, fighting for my clan. I have held a sword since I could walk. My bedtime stories were tales of tactics and bravery. I know a few things about battle. My intent in such battles are to keep my honor intact… and protect every single person around me. Even the ungrateful and hateful ones.” She narrows her eyes at him a moment when she says that. “When I give commands in battle, I speak from experience. And I care not if my words are of use to you. But know this.. keep this in your mind… I will continue to issue commands in battle as I see fit. I will continue to serve as the Captain’s advisor.” She glances towards Anne. “For she is the leader, she is the master of a village. When I speak… it is not in order to enslave your spirit. It is my effort to keep you alive. I wish nothing to happen to you. I live to serve you, and those I travel with.” She glances again at Anne and Harry. “If this is something you’ve issue with, or if you have issue with me… then desert us, as Albert apparently has. Or have Anne banish me, I will obediently take of my leave. Or… put aside your pride and see I seek only to be of use to you and to the group.”
Yuzuki then sits up a little in her saddle, and she now frowns as she stares at Benjie. The unicorn puts a foot or two more now between herself and the carriage, and she then looks towards the path they ride ahead.
 
It didn’t take long for Anne to speak up. Benjie sat there and listen in silence as his cigarette continued its slow burn. For an infamous pirate the redhead seemed to mean well, and he respected that. This issue, however, can’t be resolved so easily. They weren’t there, none of them lived through it.

He shook his head and said.

“I’m afraid my past does have a connection here. Back at the camp the day before and the attack on the tavern from last night I immediately recognize what one of the attackers was wearing. He’s an Imperial Japanese officer from my time. I recognize that accursed uniform from anywhere. Your friend briefly crossed swords with that son of a bitch during the first skirmish but left him alive. Don’t know what exactly happened between them but you should ask her about it later.”

Taking out the cigarette he leaned forward looking back at both Harry and Anne. “For your sake and everyone’s else I hope there isn’t amymore of them with Hitler or worse possessing powers like Dean or that fire witch.” The other two strangers would note if they looked how deeply disturbed Ben seemed at the latter prospect. Just as Benjie was about to put the smoke back in his mouth when Yuzuki rode up on the unicorn to his side of the carriage. He regarded her suspiciously, until the samurai bowed her head with an offered apology and gratitude.

The confused sergeant could barely comprehend the fact with Yuzuki continued her talk with him. He briefly sneered when the woman made it clear when she will continue give commands she believed was necessary. However, as the swordswoman explained her reasons and opinion on the situation to do so Ben’s mouth dropped in utter shock.

Protect and serve us? Why?

This was obviously not something Ben expected. The guerrilla was so deeply conflicted that he failed to retort back whatever new angry outburst he would’ve had for her. His blood cry out for retaliation, but at the same the mind wrestle what was all said. Frustration grew, leaving him with no clear cut answers on what to do. It wasn’t long before weariness took over him once again, and with cigarette in placed to the side of the mouth Ben sat back in the moving carriage.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Gands