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Post by Allison Kazim on Mar 20, 2019 13:34:22 GMT -8
It felt strange to be out on the open road again. Ali hadn't been on the move this much since she'd joined Leon on the journey back to Cabal when she'd first arrived. Now she was crossing multiple territories to spread word of what was coming, what was promised. No timeline, a painful reminder of what High Chancellor Salabim had pointed out, but she felt she knew enough of the King of Aurora to know the answer was sooner, rather than later. And that alone was only if he wasn't already on the way.
Official messenger. Messenger girl. It was the exact opposite of what the redhead was used to when dealing with a battle, but it needed to be done. There was no point in being taken by surprise again, as they had when the battle for Ayatlan had happened within their own borders. Now, escort or no, she couldn't help feeling alone. Aurora had survived, and her own home was protected by Cabal lands, with President Asiv aware of the warning as well.
Her next destination was the closest territory: Vindicta.
"What do we know about recent events with Vindicta's protectorates?" She opened her PT, looking for any information she might have on the next step of her journey.
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Post by Zack Asiv on Mar 22, 2019 19:02:33 GMT -8
Her Escort would look back at her while driving. "Not a lot honestly. Though I don't care what kind of army you think you have, no one marches into Vindicta. As for beyond that, they have a famous tournament coming up to showcase the different protectorate's preferred fighting styles. They say Alexander Malice himself will be holding the award ceremony for this one."
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Post by Allison Kazim on Mar 22, 2019 19:08:38 GMT -8
Ali's brow twitched at the implication of her marching an army in, but nods at the information with a resigned sigh.
"This man's already tunneled under entire territories to reach out beyond Vindicta borders, so it's likely that they may have done so under their lands as it is." She turned off the PT to address her escort, intrigued at the mention of a tourney.
"What's the prize?" She wondered if that was going to be how she'd have to get his attention. It would probably be something she had to go out of her way for. Nobles tended to be that way, and if he ran one of the Big Five, he'd have his own agenda anyway.
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Post by Zack Asiv on Mar 22, 2019 19:16:26 GMT -8
"Well it probably means nothing to us, but in Vindicta your physical abilities mean everything, your status, your position, your lot in life. So when I say the prize is the opportunity to fight Malice, it is the highest honor. If you beat him in a fight, anywhere, anytime... You become the leader of Vindicta."
The escort almost sounded excited himself.
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Post by Allison Kazim on Mar 22, 2019 19:22:49 GMT -8
Kind of barbaric, but in a way, she could understand it still. Duels in 260 happened to settle disputes that got out of hand. Though she doubted she'd be aiming to fight Preston anytime soon, if ever. Once was enough.
"I see." She nodded, noticing his enthusiasm as he explained it. A place where brawn ruled instead of brains. "You sound enthused, Mr....?" She might as well start putting names to faces, and if it wasn't likely to be an issue, then it was one less obstacle to focus on.
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Post by Zack Asiv on Mar 22, 2019 19:29:16 GMT -8
"Ah, yeah. Didn't have much time for introductions, huh? I'm Cabal military. Soldier Rank Shin Valdr, ma'am. And I enjoy a good fight from time to time, so in the territory where fighting is the way of life, sounds fun to at least watch. Plus, they say even without Qi, Malice stands on par in power with the other big five territory leaders."
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Post by Allison Kazim on Mar 22, 2019 19:35:51 GMT -8
"Allison Kazim." Ali would nod at the introduction, a thoughtful expression on her face. It sounded more like her kind of place in some ways.
"Sounds that way." It was something that sounded like a high level to match, to say the least. "I've heard he's strong, even without the qi. It's hard to imagine, though."
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Post by Zack Asiv on Mar 22, 2019 19:46:04 GMT -8
"Exactly! A guy that can just punch someone as strong as President Asiv can using his heat Qi attacks, or being able to take a hit from King Oleander head on and not even grimace. Unfathomable in my mind."
At this point they would be reaching one of the border territories between Vindicta and Cabal. Unlike other territories where there is a wall separating them, or Magic, or at least minor patrols, the border of Vindicta is manned by the population. Since attacks don;t come from the sea and it's always at the border people move and try to live as close to the border as possible to hopefully be the first ones in a fight should a war or attack come. They aren't stopped, or even really given much attention being a single jeep with Cabal's insignia on it. However the people, almost all of them seem to be training in some way if they aren't working normal jobs. Cutting wood, planting or picking crops, delivering goods. Except no one seems to be using tools. Or even technology, in a field Ali can even see a teenage girl strapped to a large metal blade dragging it to till land for planting. These people turn everything into a way to train and become stronger.
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Post by Allison Kazim on Mar 22, 2019 19:52:07 GMT -8
"Definitely impressive." Ali agreed. Considering she'd dealt with both of those, even if King Oleander's punches were pulled, she coudln't fathom it either.
She stopped, watching as they drove past the border where people trained and worked, sometimes at the same time. It was like their every waking moment was meant for this. She blinked a couple of times, surprised that the weren't even stopped. Perhaps they wouldn't be, unless they caused an issue. Classless and class-less.
"Unfathomable," she echoed softly. It made her wonder about...things.
"How far until we reach our destination?"
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Post by Zack Asiv on Mar 22, 2019 20:00:48 GMT -8
"We got a few hours since we just passed the protectorate borders. I'd suggest napping now if you need one."
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Post by Allison Kazim on Mar 22, 2019 20:11:51 GMT -8
Ali would nod, letting her gaze go back to the world outside. She doubted she'd be able to rest right away, though.
It's probably safe to say she small talks her escort until she dozes off.
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Post by Zack Asiv on Mar 22, 2019 20:20:58 GMT -8
Thank GOD she went to sleep. Shin does not like small talk, but eventually they would pull up to an official building and Shin would put on the brakes and come to an easy stop.
"Miss Kazim, we have arrived."
The stone pathway for vehicles and civilians was nice and clean, and the mansion they came to looked like it could house some of the larger noble families on 260 by its self.
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Post by Allison Kazim on Mar 22, 2019 20:28:54 GMT -8
Ali woke at the sound of the voice calling her, pressing her fingers against her eyelids as she took a moment to mentally compose herself before sitting upright and getting a better look at their destination. It kind of reminded her of home, setting another pang of homesickness she hadn't expected. Time for that later.
"Thank you." She thought she knew what to expect with the way the place looked, adjusting her hair with her hands as she took a breath. This was not the sort fo thing she normally did. Talking with nobles was other people's jobs. Mindful not to open the door and step outside once they were clear to do so, half expecting some form of guard to be approaching.
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Post by Zack Asiv on Mar 22, 2019 20:39:12 GMT -8
Shin would get out of the vehicle first and circle around to let her out. There were no guards, or even doormen. Shin would escort her up to the front door, where he would knock. The large heavy doors would slowly swing open with loud creaking, to Shin's surprise.
"oh... Uh... It's open."
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Post by Allison Kazim on Mar 22, 2019 20:45:10 GMT -8
"Seriously?" Ali frowned, eying the door as it opened on its own. No guards, no border patrol, now a door opened liked they were expected. She looked the doors over for a moment, then squared her shoulders and walked inside like she had every right to be there.
Still expecting someone to stop her.
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