To Unite With the Dark.

Liana was definitely able to wave back to the creatures surrounding their escorted carriages! She had always been able to converse with her people easily, but only when she was out during social gatherings, visiting the sick (It was true, she had amazing healing abilities for all dark creatures -including humans), or just counseling those who needed her advice. By age twelve she could literally solve the toughest problems without even thinking too much about the subject, and she made sure poverty wasn't heard of among her people. Whereas Earth had only twisted, corrupted government leaders, she herself was as selfless as Landion accused her of being most of the time. She couldn't stand to see her people suffer. In spite of growing up in dismal situations, she learned to rise above them, and deal with one day- at a time policies. She had forgotten about making any sort of speech when she came back to Dark World, but now that she was here it was most certainly important. Once inside the palace, she did exactly what was needed, greeting the servants, butlers, chefs, and everyone who helped maintain the palace. She had- been sorely missed more than she thought possible! They gave her updates of what she'd missed out on while she'd been gone, and they even assured her they would do their best to make things easier for her. She thanked them gratefully, before going to the cellar where the crystal seemed to light the way. She stood before its 7ft. tall glittering quartz pillar, radiating silver white light throughout the area, so she could see this room was also a computer lab, with a television, a radio, and all sorts of electronics and technology. The weird thing was, though she saw plenty of almost Earth like modernized equipment down here, which to her further surprised, worked by a simple directed thought, there wasn't a single cord anywhere to be found. Putting off the matter of the crystal was making her feel strange, so she left the rest of the room alone, wandering over to the smooth-seeming crystal that seemed to silently welcome her back. She felt closer to this crystal than she felt possible, and she instantly placed her hands over the glowing quartz tower, falling through memory after memory. Her palace... it hadn't wanted her parents around. It had only wanted -her-. Her parents unfortunately had been very negative. Even when they were around they weren't exactly nice to their only daughter. They had hoped to give birth to a son and hadn't bothered to hide their bitter disappointment when she arrived instead. The palace, in response, had encouraged with many subtle ways that the parents should just leave the palace to their daughter... and so that's how the legacy of the Empress began on unstable grounds.

Liana fell back to the present time with a startled shock! Her energy... it was literally being absorbed by the crystal! The palace was whirring with life already, everything technological wise seemed to activate at the same time. The barriers surrounding the whole planet increased 100 folds, and the planet itself was restored land, water, and air to purified states. As for her? She felt so tired it was only the crystal holding her up now. But when she was finally released by the crystal, she sank to the floor in a dead faint, barely even able to use her wrist-communicator she never noticed before.... "Guardian Landon... palace is up and running.... mission accomplished." Then she couldn't even speak in favor of letting blackness take over.~
 
Landion felt so overwhelmingly busy! First, he was all over the Servants' Corridor giving out the plan to everything that was to be done around the palace daily. Watching the chefs demonstrate their cooking skills, the maids and their cleaning skills, and the Butlers skills as well. Next, he was sitting at the front of the Courtyard in front of 500 Knights of the Royal Guard along with their leader Sir Alven Veltriet. Looking at each Vampire Knight as they stood up straight, shoulders spread back and heads held high, he began to instruct them, "Now that each of your positions have been given out by both me and Sir Veltriet, I'm going to give you the run down of everything you need to know Empress-wise. Your superior will let you know the rest of the rules. Now, each of you will be split up into groups picked out by Sir Veltriet. You'll have your own places around the palace that your group alone will take watch over, since, of course, this Palace is immense. However, only a select few of you will be given the exclusive role of helping me protect Empress Courdes. Of couse, it will only be the best of the best of you 500. There will be certain times these few will come up by schedule, and there are certain times where you'll be commanded to come. Either way, both I and Sir Veltriet are still your superiors and you will do EXACTLY as we say.

"Now if I say you jump, what will you do? JUMP. If I say you run, what will you do? RUN. And if I ask for you to fall back and leave the Empress to my protection, what will you do? LEAVE," Landion shouted firmly to the large group. Of course, the last command Landion gave out, left Sir Veltriet for a loop, shocked as to why he'd think he could ever protect the Empress alone. But he had no room to question Landion's motives, after all, he is her Guardian. Sighing tiredly and rubbing his temples, Landion stood up towards them once more and concluded, "That is all for now. If there is anything else that needs to be pointed out, I or Sir Veltriet will---" All of a sudden, he was cut off by Liana's voice talking through his wristwatch. She was making a statement, but something wasn't right. She didn't sound good at all.

"Guardian Landon... palace is up and running.... mission accomplished."

At the sound of that, Landion quickly ran through the courtyard and back inside the palace. Passing by a few teenage Interns carrying large equipment and machinery, he called out to them, "TELL DR. FUJISAWA TO MEET ME IN THE EMPRESS' BEDROOM!!! IT'S AN EMERGENCY!!!! HURRY!!!!" Running down the halls and stairways, it seemed like the Basement was taking forever to reach. Finally, upon reaching the lowest level of the Palace, he burst through the Basement doors and started searching for Liana. There she was, nearby the Zialon crystal lying helplessly on the floor. She looked very weak and pale, which scared Landion more than he could bear beacause he didn't know what had caused it. What had happened?

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Liana herself wasn't sure what had happened, feeling too dizzy to wake up again, she could only remain unconscious in Landion's arms. Her pulse was low, and her skin was cold.

It was hours later when she finally woke up, blurry eyed and dazed, to a beautiful soft pale-pink-and-light blue room that had once been hers' as a child. She stared around at all the huge shelves of reading books, her writing desk, her computer... even her endless toys, games and stuffed animals she'd collected mostly from adoring village children and adults around the planet, crammed in every inch possible on the shelves. She was fascinated for a moment, as if she hadn't expected such a nice room. Even her bed was queen-sized, and the comforters all matched the colors of her room. Gingerly, she attempted to sit up, wondering if she was alone or if someone else was with her. "Landion..? Dr. Fujisawa?" She had to drink the glass of water before she could even make her voice cooperate. Nothing in this room had changed... not even the balcony, or the closet which still held only pretty clothes for child empress! It was sad, yet intriguing at the same time...
 
Walking back inside of the room, Dr. Fujisawa smiled when he saw Liana awake. "Empress is awake! For third time! I knew what wrong as soon as I see you! Zialon Crystal had gone so long without power of Empress, that it suck up all your energy! I suspected that happen before we even got to Palace, but forgot to tell! So, sorry Empress! Will remember next time! I already run tests, too! You just fine! You just need to rest some more, so you can get all your power back! Sleep good now, okay? We want you fully recharged for Inauguration in 2 days! And no worries! Landion right outside talking with Knights!" he said. Walking away, he motioned for Landion to come on in, who followed suit.

Landion walked into the bedroom slowly. Everything was still the same since Liana was a child, of course, but only beacause he refused to let them redecorate anything until he brought her home and she said otherwise. Not really paying anymore attention to the room, he put his focus on Liana, the one who needed the most attention anyway. He was terribly worried for her, this being the third time she has collapsed unconcious. He knew she'd be alright, but was still worried for her physical and mental health. Walking towards the bed and sitting down on the edge, he looked at her with worry and tiredness plastered all over his face, "How are you feeling?"

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"Relieved you snuck this wrist communicator on my wrist... I -hope- I'm done passing out for a while, it's getting a bit annoying." She admitted, still feeling tired. "I'm alright, Landion... it's just as Dr. Fujisawa said............... but....." This was the part she had to stare down at her pretty pink comforters. She had to tell him all the impressions and messages the crystal had given her before she'd woken up just now. So the mystery of her parents were over, they simply hadn't wanted her. It was easy for her to understand unfortunately. Sometimes she didn't want herself either.

"So, now all I have left to do is write the Inauguration, and maybe a few plans for redecorating. Aside from this, I leave -you- entirely in charge of the security, along with Braun.." She was definitely not wanting to admit how upset she felt just then. Liana had her ways of hiding things since living on Earth.
 
Taking in her words, Landion wasn't buying it, and even though he was so tired, he suddenly saw himself climb into the middle of the bed and start holding Liana close to him. He held her tightly to his chest, not wanting to let go, and hoping that her pain could somehow pass on to him. He hated to see her so upset, and he hated it even more that she was pressured into hiding it. What was he going to do? He couldn't let it get to the point where she would be crying in her bedroom at night again! He didn't want the past to repeat itself. Holding her face up to his, he looked deep into her eyes. "You........You better not lie to me, ever! Never at all! Don't be afraid to tell me anything! You know that I'll do anything for you if it makes you happy....." he whispered. Outside, he could hear the commotion of the large Palace, but, for a moment, it almost felt as if it was just her and him in the room......and no one else in the world....He slowly leaned forward to press his lips against hers.......

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Liana of course, melted in Landion's kiss. She held her arms around his waist, so glad he was here with her! "Landion... you're just the most wonderful person, I'm so glad you found me again." She told him, feeling lighter than she had in a long while. She wished their moment could last forever. She didn't want to keep holding on to pain or anguish from her screwed up past, or grim looking future. She wanted happiness in all forms she could find; especially with Landion at her side with her. Aside from protecting her world, nothing else would even matter.
 
Closing the door to Liana's bedroom, Landion let her rest. His face was beet red, having shared a kiss with her only moments ago, and Braun surprisingly hadn't noticed! He was too busy running around and giving out orders, and just excited about.....well......everything! Landion waved at him as he passed by, and continued down the stairways to finish checking up on the Palace staff and Knights. The day was ending in only 2 hours and nightime would come. With the Inaugaration and the Empress Festival in only 2 days, there was much to be fussed over, especially since it would be the perfect time for the Demons to attack. He finished the rest of the day's work in a ghost-like fashion his mind on nothing but Liana. And even when he went to his own room to go to bed, he found himself staring at the ceiling in his bed unable to sleep. His thoughts of the only woman he loved ran through his head. His heart fluttered through his chest as night encompassed the Dark World.

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Liana slept peacefully that night, feeling protected, and not at all alone. She looked at things a little differently. This wasn't childhood. Nothing had to be as dismal because now as an adult she had full control over world and castle. She could do a lot more of what she wanted, so long as none were offended. And because this castle was so huge and full of countless rooms, there were places to re-explore, and decorate! She felt hopeful, restored even. She went to sleep, dreaming of a better life as the Empress, both for her people, and for herself.
 
The next two days were filled with work, work, and more work! Landion hadn't had a moment to himself beacause he was still trying to get the staff and the Royal Guard straight and at the same time help prepare the streets for the Inaugaration and the Empress Festival. Braun and him had been working their butts off to the core, and it was really becoming hard to keep their eyes open while exchanging regular pleasantries with people higher up in command. There wasn't a moment around the Palace where it wasn't noisy and chaotic, barely even at night! Landion knew he had bitten off more than he could chew, but it couldn't be helped now! Everyone needed his help and attention, and he had to somehow deliver. Running up the steps through the Palace carrying 2 heavy boxes stacked on top of each other, he bumped into Braun, who, of course, had to mention Landion's appearance. "....Whoa! Landion, look at you! Slow down! You're sweating like a pig and you're all dirty! What have you been doing?" he exclaimed. Landion shook his head in protest, "I-I.....I don't need any help. I-I-I'm fine....I think! I have to go!" Running back up the stairs and past Braun in a frenzied fashion like the other helpers surrounding him, Landion didn't even stop to catch his breath. Too much to be done in so little time! He only got in about 3 hours of sleep at night, which he kept secret from Liana, Braun, and Dr. Fujisawa. He knew if they saw how he was overworking himself, they'd try and keep him from getting things done, and definitely couldn't have that.

On the final night before the big day, Landion crawled into bed wearily. This was the only moment he had to sleep in peace in almost 2 days! He had really over did it this time, and with only 2 hours til he had to "wake up" and get ready, Landion finally regretted it! But, of course, he couldn't give up! Even though he was bone tired and could barely stand up, he wanted to watch Liana give out her speech at least. Then, he could leave the guarding to the Knights and go back to the Palace and sleep while everyone else partyied at the Festival. Liana. Liana. She was the only person he had his mind on at all for the past 2 days, the only thing that kept him moving even though he was tired. I hope nothing happens during the Festival.....We all have had enough of all this Demon crap. Yawning, Landion turned over to begin his 2 hour sleep, and got up the morning of the Inaugaration/Empress Festival still tired, but his mind racing. He got himself up and got dressed in his flashy Festival attire that he was required to wear as the Empress' Guardian. It looked pretty okay, and thus, he headed out the door rubbing his eyes, ready to start the fun Festival day. He was going to have to stand right behind Liana on the high platform overlooking the 3 million civilians of the Dark World, but this didn't phase him. He was too tired to care, but then again, he had always been pretty comfortable in front of so many people anyway. Landion walked down the hall to greet Liana and escort her to the carriage. Hopefully, today would run smoothly.

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Liana was probably just as raggedly run as Landion! People came to her for advice on all sorts of Festival ideas, decorating themes, and so on. It was unbelievable! She hadn't been sleeping much-perhaps even less than Landion! She managed to get everything directed perfectly however, and there wasn't a single hitch in any of the preparations, which she took as a good sign. However, Lania was secretly a nervous -wreck!- She'd never had to give a speech in front of 3 million people before, and of course it was absolutely mandatory that everyone attended! Honestly, she might have felt easier in a smaller crowd, or at least been given more than 2 days to write a speech that had to be epic for 3 million people not to fall asleep to! She had taken speech class on Earth in the public schools, but she never imagined anything like doing this before. She hid in her room when all the long hours of preparing were finished, and was -very- close to having one of those horrible panic attacks while she wrote out her speech on a long sheet of paper. She'd already crumpled about fifty sheets trying to make it perfect. She sighed, rubbing her temples. She wasn't even fully outfitted for the Inauguration! She had brand new dresses in her closet now, however, from a few shopping trips down in the clothing stores. Amazingly, she'd gone from a working class- citizen of Earth, to the wealthiest person on Dark World! It was incredible how much her weekly check was just for being Empress! Finally, Liana had something written that didn't look half bad, and even searched out Dr. Fujisawa to help her go over the speech with her a few times, hoping it would make her less of a nervous wreck!

The day of the Inauguration was a cold one, but the dress she wore was perfectly warm. It was a pretty thing: A silk gown of royal ice-blue, blended in with stunning tiny crystals in the shapes of tears. The sleeves were long and billowy, almost medieval in style. The neckline was just high enough to be polite, while giving her neck plenty of space for jewelry. She wore only a familiar blue-diamond necklace on a silver chain. She'd spent the night before preparing herself for hours with a long refreshing bath. Now, she was ready for the longest speech of her life, and knew Landion would be right behind her. She felt a little more assured about this. When the time was right, and the whole world was watching, Lania shrugged off her nervousness, seeing she remembered many of her people by face and name! It was somehow comforting enough for her to begin as soon as the cheering died away. She went through her speech with a magically enhanced voice so everyone could hear across the globe. It was a well-written speech, many would say later, emphasizing on how she intended to prevent the demons from taking over their world, how glad she was to be back on this planet, and how she hoped, she would be able to improve as many lives as possible.

After the hour long-speech, the Empress festival was ready to start! Everyone had definitely been put in hopeful, happy moods just from her speech alone! She turned to Landion.. "So... what happens during the festival again?" She asked, curiously, watching everyone seem to head in different directions.~
 
Landion stepped up onto the platform behind Liana as all the civilians of the Dark World cheered on. Liana was very beautiful in her dress, but, then again, she was always beautiful to Landion. Even when she was covered in blood and dirt! He brushed back his hair and tried to smile as his tiredness droned on and on. It was actually quite amazing to be surrounded by so many Dark Creatures. Quite a sight. If a Human from Earth were standing in his spot right now they'd be utterly terrified, and probably do the unthinkable. Landion was quite comfortable to have 3 million eyeballs staring at him, but it looked as if Liana was fixing to hurl up some chunks! Landion leaned forward and whispered into the Empress' ear, "Don't worry! They won't bite!" Humorous, yet surprisingly true! Liana's speech was wonderful just as he suspected, so he was glad he came, after all. Once she was done, everyone in the crowd in front of them cheered loud enough to be heard miles away. Ever since their Empress had returned, things were becoming a bit easier for everyone in the Dark World. The Civilians loved to see Empress Courdes alive and well. Even though she was a Human, she was a shining beacon of hope for them. They place their lives in her hands, and she was the only Human they trusted besides Dr. Fujisawa.

After the Inauguration, the Festivities began! Landion looked at Liana with a small smile as she asked him quizzically, "So... what happens during the festival again?" Landion laughed a bit then said, "It's a festival! Lots of things happen! The tables over by the shops have free food for everyone, but it's mostly just bowls filled with blood and plates of raw, uncooked meat, and........dead animals, so unless you're a Vampire or a Werewolf, I suggest you go talk to Dr. Fujisawa if you get hungry! There's a lot of games in the stalls they have out for the children, but the adults play as well. There's a lot of singing and storytelling, and whole lot of other fun stuff to do! And, also, your Empress, and this festival is to commemerate you, after all, so don't be surprised if people come up to you and ask you to dance or something! Other than all that, just get out there and have fun! I won't be joining you, unfortunately. As you can see, I'm too tired and can barely keep my eyes open, so I'll be heading back to the Palace to get some sleep. Don't worry, the Knights and Braun are out here to protect you, if anything happens. This festival lasts all day, so if you want a break, just tell Sir Veltriet, and he'll escort you somewhere where you can be alone. Well, I'm going to be on my way, now! Behave!" After bowing down to Liana, he then turned around to leave, and briefly nodded to Braun to signal his absence. Walking back to the Palace, and into his bedroom, he thought to himself as he undressed and hopped into the large, comfortable bed. This is the Empress Festival. I don't think there's ever been an Empress Fesival where something......strange didn't happen. He then fell asleep, the various sounds of the lively Empress Festival filling his dreams.

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Liana chuckled at Landion's abrupt departure! She'd gotten used to the sight of so many people by this time, and waved again before going back to her own room to change into a nice casual outfit! That dress would have been impossible to move in! She did make sure it was as pretty of a skirt and blouse outfit, both even matched the colors of her dress, but she went directly to Dr. Fujisawa first for a good breakfast she'd be able to keep down during the festival. Hopefully she wouldn't see anything too disturbing that day! After leaving the palace, she was certainly asked by many Dark World creatures to dance with them, and had many interesting conversations with all of them. She found herself feeling happy and in a much lighter mood than she had been for weeks. Now that the most difficult part of her day was over, she could really enjoy herself. Properly of course. She managed to greet dozens of old friends, there was certainly a lot of hugs passed around as well. The Dark World creatures had more love for their Empress than anyone on Earth had for their president, she noticed. It made her realize a lot hadn't changed since she'd been gone, they had been able to hold their own very well, with Landion's help, and she felt grateful no one had been hurt. Soon however, she managed to stroll down the streets alone, curiously looking at all the jewelry, and fine crafts! For her, everything was free! She did tip as many vendors as possible however, just because she wanted to. Yes indeed, today was turning out to be a fantastic day.
 
Landion slept quietly despite how tired he really was. He had never really been a noisy sleeper, always turning and moving about. Something that his Uncle always teased him about. "You sleep like a little baby girl, Lan!" he used to say. And Landion would just sit there, smiling, he was never too ashamed of himself at all as a child. Landion missed being a child. His small hand always holding Liana's even smaller hand, pulling her along behind him to the fields where they would play all sorts of games like hide-and-seek behind the tall haystacks. He hadn't been back at the fields since his Uncle had passed years ago around about the same time he had been chosen at such a young age to be the Guardian of the Empress. Landion was thrilled when he found this out, and everyone had high hopes for him, too, and treated him with such honor! If only he had known that Liana was the "Future Empress" they had all been gloating about, he would have never let it fly. He felt so guilty when he did find out, but, then again, he was a little happy, too. Now he and Liana could hang out whenever they wanted without question. But, he wasn't totally unaware of Liana's feelings at the time. All those days she came running to him crying, especially when her parents practically packed up and went away, just out of nowhere. He remembered how furious he was. He was only about 12 years old in human years, but he came bursting through the military HQ doors demanding answers.

They looked at him with some dismay, then heartlessly explained to him how Liana's parents were only "tools" and nothing more. How, Liana didn't need them anymore anyway, and that the other Vampires in the Palace could take care of her just fine. Of course, Landion never told Liana any of this when he came back to her, and he still hadn't told her to this very day. He didn't want to depress her anymore than she already was. And when she was finally happy again, he didn't want to be the one to ruin it for her. Liana used to be so happy before all this "Empress" stuff came up. Landion still wonders whether or not her becoming Empress was a blessing or a curse. Either way, she is an Empress and he is her Guardian, and, frankly, the Vampire wouldn't have it any other way. He was going to protect her as much as he could, even if it meant death. He loved her more than anyone could ever imagine. He just had trouble expressing it sometimes.......In his sleep, he made a promise to himself to keep Liana safe and to love her always, but......he felt as if something wasn't right. He guessed after years of being Empress Courdes' Guardian he built up a preternatural instinct letting him know when something regarding Liana was amiss.....but, no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't get up from the comforts of his bed to check on her. The Knights were doing their job of keeping watch over her while he rested.....right?

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Liana was having a great time at the Empress Festival! She ended up having to put all her goods in a large burlap sack just to carry everything! Unfortunately, she was walking down a particular alley, cut off from all the festivities, wondering the quickest path back to the palace so she could just drop her belongings off before walking back out to the crowded streets. It felt . .. different here, in this alley, a little too isolated for comfort, but she still had on her wrist-watch though she didn't want to use it unless she absolutely had to! Poor Landion needed all the rest he could get! so for now, she focused on quietly walking through that alley!
 
Gazdreveg appeared in the alleyway in front of the Empress so quickly and, yet, so quietly! His fellow "Brothers" appearing behind him and behind Liana in order to close her in, so she couldn't escape. They were Werewolves. They weren't here to kill or to scare, although they sure did act as though that was their intentions. Then again, that was how all Werewolves acted, even when they were nice. If they didn't keep such a vicious stance, how else would they keep up their blood-stained reputation? A reputation enough to make even Vampires fear them? Gazdreveg didn't care whether he was scaring his Empress or not. He just wanted to get his story straight, and that's all. Walking up to the Empress, he towered over her like a giant, of course, to his amusement, but this was no time for games. It was time to get even more serious. Grunting a little as if he was clearing his voice, Gazdreveg stated firmly, "I am Gazdreveg! Leader of the Werewolves of Earth! Me and my Brothers come to you in peace, Sister and Empress. I beg of you to listen! My people on Earth, who are your people as well, Werewolves, Zombies, and other Dark Creatures alike, are in grave danger! We have done all we can to surpress this situation, but we no longer have the power or the capacity, to push them back! I speak of the Humans! Your kind!"

Scoffing, Gazdreveg turned his back to Liana. He then continued, "I hate to speak of your fellow kind in such a terrible way, but they are cold-hearted murderers! They are trying to wipe the rest of us Dark Creatures left off the face of Earth! There are only 10,000 of us left, now, and if nothing is done in the next 72 hours, the rest of my people on Earth will die! I have a mate, and daughters, and sons back there! And so does my fellow men you see around you! I think I speak for every Dark Creature on Earth when I say, help us, Empress Courdes! We beg of you! The clock is ticking now, and if you don't talk those Humans out of their devious plan, we'll all die!" Looking down into Liana's eyes he transferred the scenes of devestation and destruction into her mind. Then, turning away to leave, he concluded, "That alone should be enough to convince you. I must now go. The longer I stay away from Earth, the quicker my people die." All the Werewolves, including Gazdreveg, then vanished into thin air, leaving Liana to make a decision.
 
Liana was startled, but she didn't show her feelings once as she was surrounded by the werewolves! When Gaz described in her mind the terrible things going on her former planet however, she was lucky they didn't see her lean against the wall when they left, momentarily dizzy! It was a horrific scene of violence and needless deaths on all sides. As Empress, she had to intervene, and quickly! "Landion, I'm sorry, I hate to wake you right now, but we just have a serious situation going on Planet Earth. I was informed by the lead Werewolf there, and we have to intervene -and- quickly. Would you please summon the military commander? I'll have the conference room at the palace ready in 30 minutes." She said into her wrist watch, unable to help that she sounded just a tad stunned. That scene in her mind was going to scar her for life! She instantly dashed back to the palace, set her goods in her room, and straightened out her appearance before she went to wait in the conference room, which was sparklingly clean and full of extra chairs. She hoped Landion and the Military Commander would appear soon... she wasn't staying behind when the mission was to be deployed either!
 
"Landion, I'm sorry, I hate to wake you right now, but we just have a serious situation going on Planet Earth. I was informed by the lead Werewolf there, and we have to intervene -and- quickly. Would you please summon the military commander? I'll have the conference room at the palace ready in 30 minutes."

Landion jumped out of bed at this, and rushed to put on his clothes. He was still a bit sleepy, but this alone was enough to give him energy to carry throughout the rest of the day! As he ran around the room, he began to wonder. Gazdreveg confronted Liana?.....Last I saw him was the day I found Liana out in the streets of Earth......I knew something wasn't right! Pulling on his pants quickly and spucing up his hair, he ran out of his bedroom quickly and into the hallway and down the stairs. This definitely wasn't going to be a good meeting, he could tell. Especially if General Axel was involved! He got to the Conference Room at the same time Axel did, and, of course, Landion payed his respects before letting him enter first, "Good afternoon, General Axel!" The General nodded his head at Landion in solitude and entered the Conference Room with an attitude and authority. He bowed to the Empress and proceeded to sit across from her at the long table, while Landion sat beside her. Whispering to her, curiously, he asked, "What exactly did Gazdreveg say to you?" It wasn't long before more people began to enter the Conference Room, as well, along with Braun and Dr. Fujisawa.

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Liana repeated what had been said to her word for word, even describing the images Gaz had left in her mind before he'd vanished! "So you see, we must employ an emergency interference down to Earth at once. This tragedy must be stopped." She said to Commander Axel. She'd always had a hard time convincing him of anything however, and seriously hoped he wasn't going to be all that difficult today. She just -didn't- feel like arguing all day when other things could be done. She definitely felt the beginning of a huge, massive...ugly migrane starting through her skull. And today had started out so nice too! Oh well, life at the Empress wasn't -meant- to be easy.
 
Axel stroked his goatee as Liana explained what happened and everything else to everyone in the Conference Room. A long silence occured once she had finished, and everyone looked at Axel to hear his opinion next. Landion knew Axel's silence meant nothing but trouble. Some serious headbutting was about to occur between the General and Liana, and all he could do was stroke his temples and wait for it to begin and end. After overviewing the Empress' statement thoroughly, General Axel got up slowly, and, clearing his throat, began to state his disapproval, "That is.......a very touching issue, I see, Empress. But, we all know for a fact exactly how many times you've had your head messed around with. 3 times, to be exact. And to say that these so-called "Werewolves" then suddenly disappear into nowhere? Preposterous! We all also know for a fact that Gazdreveg never makes personal contact with anyone, usually sending his fellow werewolves out to make his statements for him. What I'm saying is, with all due respect, Empress, is that how do you know that any of that actually happened? It could be the Demons messing with your mind, again, making this meeting.........all for nothing." Axel then sat down unashamed of his accusations, and Landion feared for the worst of Liana's response.

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