candybox | FOR TAISA - Reincarnation AU

FOR TAISA - Reincarnation AU

It had been two weeks since the attempt on the Regent of Khura'in's life. He had given a speech in the temple plaza, which coincided with the annual festival of Khura'in's founding and continued sovereignty. Now, it also became a festival to celebrate its freedom from tyranny once more, mirroring the acts of the Founder and of Lady Kee'ra all those centuries ago. The political nature of the celebration was important, but it also made it a perfect time for Ga'ran loyalists to strike. A sniper had narrowly missed a shot and had been apprehended at the scene, as had several other armed individuals, all shouting, 'Ur dihara Ga'ran!'. Since then, a search had been on to find the one who had coordinated the attackers.

Unease had spread throughout Khura'in, and with it, the rumours. A masked figure had been spotted, some said, stopping the sniper from taking a lethal shot. Others denied it, not wanting to pin their hopes on what could turn on to be a fraud like the rebel-hunting Lady Kee'ra.

As for Nahyuta, he had heeded Amara's advice, retreating from the public eye for the time being except to prosecute in court. The rest was televised statements or interviews of reassurance to the public that all was in hand, and that the revolution would not be quelled so easily. To the public, he embodied the perfect combination of the unwavering determination of his father, and the pragmatic caution of his mother.

Privately, however, was a different story. Fear hounded Nahyuta everywhere, because he knew if something happened to him, Khura'in would likely be ruined, Apollo would be in danger, and his mother and sister would be prisoners once again. Not only did he have a family to protect, now, but an entire kingdom, and once again he needed to be prepared to lay down his life for that.

So his nerves were frayed, he was becoming increasingly on edge which each day that turned up no new information or leads. Even meditation did not help. So when he went to sleep at night in the palace, it was a fitful sleep, wracked with dreams of spiders ensnaring him and the palace burning. Tonight, however, was different. Tonight, his dreams were interrupted as he was struck in the world of the waking -- hard -- across the head. Dazed, he could feel someone yanking him upright by his silvery hair, and the feeling of cold, sharp steel at his throat.

If he was half asleep before, he snapped awake in an instant. The assassin was a dark silhouette, their face covered, so it was impossible to discern their identity even with the pale strand of moonlight streaking across his bedchamber. Then they spoke in a low voice that identified his assailant as male.

"Before I kill you, tell me where the Founder's Orb is."

Nahyuta swallowed, trying neither to flinch or cringe away at the blade at his neck, but instead to lift his chin in defiance.

"You cannot threaten a dragon. I would sooner cut out my own tongue than tell you."

Despite his confidence, Nahyuta knew how dire the situation was. The guards outside were surely all incapacitated; no one would come to save him this time. All he could do was pray to the Holy Mother that if this was the end, his soul would be safely conveyed to the Twilight Realm.

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[As if nature could sense the impending danger, dark clouds begin to gather outside Nahyuta's room. Lightning dances among the clouds, thundering loudly, threatening of a potential downpour. The windows shudder until they come open by some invisible force, or perhaps from the sudden burst of wind from outside. The assassin, momentarily distracted by the sudden noise will not notice a third person had arrived at the scene. Appearing in a flash, a masked individual now stood behind the assailant. The new arrival looked like he could have been a Khura'inese monk, but one who had been trained as a warrior. His robe exposed one side of his chest as the dark colors blend him into the night. Only the gold trimmings shined in whatever light there was, revealing his position. His face, the face of a man who shouldn't be alive, was hidden behind a matching black mask, designed to the likeness of dragons.

Immediately Dhurke went to work, grabbing a hold of the assassin's weapon arm, his other hand applying pressure on the man's shoulder uncomfortably, causing the assassin to scream in pain by the strength he felt behind this newcomer's grip. The assassin let's go of Nahyuta's hair as he falls to his knees. They pull out another knife in an attempt to stab Dhurke in the leg. There was a loud clang of metal breaking as the dagger failed to penetrate through his skin and drops to the floor. This caused the assassin to make sounds of sheer panic and confusion.

"W-What are you?!" Realistically, he may have had armor hidden beneath his clothes, but the man wasn't thinking straight to be logical. He was completely in disarray and overpowered by Dhurke's inhuman strength.

Dhurke will put himself between his son and the assassin, his hand still squeezing the weapon arm. Believing he had restrained the assassin, he gives his son a side glance, as if he was expecting something from him. The assassin, seeing no way he would be able to complete his mission now, drops a flash bomb, filling the room with light and blinding Dhurke long enough to release him so that he could flee. Dhurke was a stubborn man though. This assassin could potentially have information that his son needed, not to mention they threatened one of his own. He wasn't going about to let them get away with that. He pursues after him, almost disappearing instantly like the assassin had, as the doors to Nahyuta's room are left open.]

[Nahyuta's eyes widened when he spotted that second figure, wondering why it should possibly take two people to finish him off when he was already overpowered. It was then that he saw that dragon mask. That inhuman strength, coupled with the strange weather outside, made him feel sure that he was not seeing a man before him, but some wrathful spirit. Despite his fear, Nahyuta almost felt as though his prayers had been answered and that he was saved.

Not that there was time to dwell on it. As soon as he was freed from the assassin's grip, Nahyuta scrambles off the bed to put some distance between himself and his assailant, his loose hair falling across his shoulders. Something warm trickled across his face, and he wiped it away, realising he was bleeding from his head wound.

The flash bomb catches him completely off guard, by which time both the assassin and his rescuer had fled. Nahyuta pursues them out into the hall, calling after the masked warrior.]

Please, wait! [What could he do if there were more of them -- or if Rayfa and Amara were targeted as well?]

[No one would be there to answer him. The hallway was empty, beside Nahyuta and the guards laying in front of his door who had been killed by the assassin.

There was silence for a stretch of time until there came the sound of approaching footsteps, and something being dragged along the floor. The masked warrior had returned, with him the assassin that he tossed at Nahyuta's feet. Torn pieces of the assasin's clothes had been used to gag him and bound his legs. He was whimpering in pain and fear, bruised and trying to hold back tears as his arms lay limply like they had been broken or dislocated. He wouldn't be going anywhere or doing anything anytime soon.]

[Nahyuta's wait was an anxious one. Checking on his mother and sister meant crossing the palace grounds, which would only expose himself and lead danger straight to them, given he is the biggest target. So he waited, hoping that either reinforcements would arrive or at the very least, someone allied with that masked stranger.

In the meantime, he went between the bodies of the guards checking for survivors: there were none. So instead, he offered each of the fallen his prayers. Their last rites would have to be given later more fully, but for now, he could offer at least that much. A few stray butterflies drifted through the hallway and out through the open windows as he went, fading into the storm.

When the masked warrior returns, Nahyuta bows to him deeply.] I owe you my life. Was this man acting alone?

[Interrogation could happen later. First, he needs to be sure the rest of the palace is secure.]

[Were they not in danger right now that he had to keep his identity hidden, Dhurke would have been amused, laughing at Nahyuta's words and how formal he was being in front of someone familiar without realizing it.

Instead he shook his head, and held up his hand with his index finger raised to indicate there was one other who had been with the assassin.]

Sniper. [His voice comes out muffled, deep and low behind the mask, lacking the same kind of boisterousness Dhurke usually carried. He then opens his hand in a gesture for him to follow. Better they stick together until the threat has been dealt with. If anything, he could get him to the rest of their family and force the sniper to one place.]

[To Dhurke's words he casts a fearful look at the windows, as if expecting someone to be aiming a shot at him this very second. But he's sure the masked stranger has accounted for that already and wouldn't be talking to him so calmly if there was a present danger. So he takes a deep breath, forcing himself to remain calm.]

Let us make haste.

[Something about this other man makes Nahyuta trust him implicitly. His identity is unimportant for the time being; for now, what matters is that he feels safe in his presence. So he nods, prepared to follow his lead.]

[He quietly waited for Nahyuta to come to his side before they proceeded any further, remaining attentive of any sudden sounds or shift in the wind. Once he was out view of any potential sniper, they would head in the direction of Rayfa and Amara's chambers. This would require them to pass through the palace courtyard at some point, exposing them to the potential sniper.

Until then, they would have to deal with a few palace guards. Dhurke chooses to ignore their confusion as they take action when they see a strange man escorting their regent around. There was no time to deal with this. Some point their guns at him, demanding him to halt, others put themselves between him and Nahyuta as protection. When he doesn't stop, one of them ends up firing at him, not to kill, only to hinder his movement. The firing shot does stop him, but the bullet itself doesn't break skin. It hits the floor with only a dent on it, not a single drop of blood could be seen. This causes a wave of panic and confusion within the ranks, all their weapons now trained on Dhurke. He does not turn to face them, instead he slowly raises his hands so that they could see he was not a threat to them. The rest would have to be handle by Nahyuta.]

[Nahyuta realises how it must look -- the bloodied regent being lead around by a suspicious stranger as though a hostage -- and he tries to convince them to stop, to no avail. At least that shot doesn't hurt him, so before another can be fired, Nahyuta steps before the stranger to shield him, arms spread.]

In the name of the Holy Mother, all of you, stand down! He saved my life, and therefore you will give him your respect, not your hostility. [Instantly, all of them lower their weapons, not daring to point them at their own regent. Though confusion is still spread amongst them, they snap to attention when he gives out more orders:] Half of you, secure the perimeter of the palace. Ensure no one gets in or out. Two of you, go to my chambers. One of the assassins is there, and I want him brought into custody. The rest, with us. We must see to the safety of Her Mercifulness and Her Benevolence.

[Those orders given, he looks back at the masked stranger, hoping he would have no objections to an extra entourage. Safety in numbers, after all, especially if a sniper is waiting for them.]

[He gives their expanded party a side glance. He would normally agree, except he didn't see the guards as help, more like extra lives he needed to protect. He will not argue with Nahyuta on this though and continue on. They have already wasted enough time as is, and there were others risking their lives to protect his family. Even if it was their duty, Dhurke didn't want anymore blood to be spilled. He must bring down the sniper as soon as possible.

They don't run into anymore trouble on their way to the entrance of the courtyard. It is here that Dhurke will raise his hand for them to stop behind him.]

I will go first. Wait for a signal.

[Nahyuta nods and stays inside and behind cover, motioning for his guards to do the same. They still look reluctant to follow the lead of someone whose face they can't see, and have no idea of his identity, but they trust Nahyuta's judgement on the matter. Then Nahyuta looks back at his masked companion.]

Be careful.

[Not that a bulletproof spirit needed to be told anything of the sort, but even so, there's no need to do anything reckless.]

[He gives them a nod before walking out into the courtyard on his own. The sniper, having no idea what had transpired inside the palace, already had his scope set on Dhurke when he left the safety of cover. He had plenty of bullets, so he could easily spare one to take down a fool who had left himself wide open. Not like the masked warrior was trying, and if the sniper had thought about it a little more, it would have probably seem a little strange to him. Right now, taking out Dhurke meant one less supporter to the current regime.

And so he takes the shot and ends up nicking the mask, knocking it right off the warrior's face. Dhurke staggers to the side, the sniper believing he had landed a killing shot. The sky above rumbles threateningly, Dhurke's back was still to the others as he turns his head to his right, where the shot had come from.

The air around him suddenly felt charged. It could make the hairs on anyone's skin stand up. There was then a crack of lightning as he suddenly disappears from where he stood, or perhaps he had moved so fast that the naked eye couldn't follow. In the next moment, there was a loud noise as the ground shook, like an explosion had gone off. A large hole had appeared in the palace building where the sniper had been. The back of something large, black and serpentine was protruding out of the hole. As if the night couldn't get any stranger, there was now a massive dragon on the palace grounds. The beast spreads his great wings to keep himself balanced as he pulls his head free. In his jaws, he held the terrified sniper like some kind of chew toy. As horrifying as it may look, the beast was being gentle with the human. When he eventually lowers his head to release the sniper from his jaws, other than the head injury he had sustained from the sudden impact of a dragon's head into a building, there were no puncture wounds on him. The dragon quickly puts the man between his claws before he could escape, baring his fangs, as if daring him to try and run. And there the sniper will remain until someone comes to restrain him themselves.

The commotion won't be missed by the other guards around the palace and they'll soon make their way for the courtyard. Dhurke had not intended to transform, but his face had been exposed by the enemy. He was left with no choice, but to become a dragon in order to keep his identity a secret. At least there was no one else left to threaten his family tonight.]

Edited 2016-12-29 03:02 (UTC)

[Nahyuta can scarcely believe his eyes. In front of them, a dragon. If it wasn't for the shocked gasps all around him, he'd almost believe his own head injury was making him hallucinate... or that he was still asleep, and this is all some terrible paranoia-induced dream.

But it isn't. He snaps out of his shock, immediately ordering two more of his entourage to go and restrain the man; but they look more frightened of the dragon than any sniper. Nahyuta's response is impatient; he has no time for disbelief until this is over.]

This dragon is here to shield us, not cause us harm. I have the blood of the dragon, and I decree it thus. Now go! [They scramble to do so, while Nahyuta heads out into the courtyard. More than anything, even more than his awe about the dragon now in the palace grounds, Nahyuta just wants to ensure his sister and mother are safe.]

[The guards were understandably still wary of the formidable dragon before them as they walk up to retrieve the sniper. The sniper's adrenaline will kick in as he frantically bolts for the guards once Dhurke loosen his hold on him, more than willing to be in the custody of the authorities than under a large scalely hand. With the sniper now taken care of, Dhurke turns his attention elsewhere.

A few guards reflexively point their guns at the beast as he starts to move, ignoring their threats. With every step he took, the ground beneath him would shake, shaking the guards to their very core that they wouldn't even dare try to shoot him. And so they remain watching, guns still pointing and being mystified by the dragon as he moves closer to Nahyuta's position. A crimson eye glances in his direction while Dhurke retrieves what he was after, the mask that had been knocked away.

More guards enter the courtyard from where Rayfa and Amara chambers would be, demanding to know what had happened. The disturbance must have led them to alert the guards to investigate. At least they won't be met with a dragon. With the mask back to it's owner, Dhurke assumed his human appearance once more while everyone was distracted by the new arrivals. Dark wisps seem to be trailing behind him and then disappearing.]

I will stay behind you. [He's certain there were no other Ga'ran loyalists around the palace, but he will remain at Nahyuta's side as a precaution.]

[When he locks eyes with the dragon staring at him, Nahyuta can't help but bow low again, and would probably be on his hands and knees at this point in respect if time allowed it. He feels blessed to be protected by such an auspicious creature, even if he doesn't understand the hows or whys. Seeing him take human shape again is something he's more prepared for this time, at least, so he only allows himself to stare for a few moments.]

Very well. I will go inside to check that my family is safe.

[He hurries down the path and up the steps into Rayfa's quarters, the guards waiting outside to keep a lookout. Rayfa had taken shelter there and was joined by Amara when the commotion started, mother seeking to shield her daughter from harm if it came to it.

Fortunately both are unscathed, confirming Nahyuta's fears that he was the primary target before the two queens. Amara embraces him and checks his head wound, which he assures her is only superficial and not as bad as it looks. Rayfa gives him a few choice words and some punches, but her voice trembles and her eyes are tearing up as she scolds him for worrying her. Eventually he manages to coax a hug out of her as well, though she's trembling and blushing furiously.

If Dhurke chooses not to follow them inside, he'll at least be able to glimpse the exchange through one of the windows.]

[He'll choose to remain outside, deciding his service would be better used patrolling the courtyard, clear out some of the debris he had created from catching that sniper. The other reason was to avoid an encounter with the rest of his family. He would not have been able to contain his excitement of wanting to surprise them, to let them see that he was alive, reborn with a means to protect them and the kingdom. But he knew, that by exposing his connection to the royal family while their kingdom was in such a fragile state would only put them in danger. Even with everything he was capable of doing now, someone could easily use it for malicious intent. Having had his family held hostage and used against him once before, he could not risk that happening again. To the kingdom, he had to be seen as a guardian to all the people, a spirit of hope until it could stand on it's own feet once more. Family matters would come later.

It still doesn't stop him from staring longingly into the window where he could see his family, comforting one another, relieve to see the other was safe and unharmed, for the most part. He might have been staring long enough for them to notice, but he'll have walked on before they can figure out if they had been imagining things or if he had actually been watching.

Once Nahyuta had finished checking on his family, he will find Dhurke sitting on a low roof of one the buildings in the courtyard, waiting for him before he disappears for the night.]

[Nahyuta does get the odd feeling he's being watched, but he figures it's just the paranoia talking. Once Rayfa and Amara have been reassured, he promises he will ensure the palace is secured and return for them once the necessary searches have been made. Until then, they were best to stay indoors.

That done, he leaves, looking around for the masked stranger. Soon spotting him on the rooftop, he approaches, looking up.]

Truly, I must thank you for all your aid. I doubt there is little I can do for a great dragon spirit as yourself, but if there is any way I can repay you... [He trails off, bowing his head once again in humility until he hears an answer.]

[Some of the guards follow suit and bowed along with their regent, after finally lowering their weapons. Dhurke just tilts his head, the mask hiding the awkward expression on his face. This whole worship and praise thing was going to take some getting used to. He wasn't doing this for any kind of glory, he rather address them like a casual friend, but that would seem odd here wouldn't it? At least he was no stranger to playing a another role. He stands and shakes his head.]

I want the same thing that you do, to restore Khura'in as a respectable kingdom once more. As long as you don't lose your way, I will ensure Ga'ran's dark influence does not spread throughout our kingdom.

[And with a bow of his head, the masked warrior will disappear into the night, the threatening gray clouds clearing the area once he had gone.]

[Nahyuta watches him go, and the sky begin to clear. Immediately the remaining guards disperse to check the palace is secure, and Nahyuta whispers to himself.]

I will not lose my way again. I swear on my father's name, and on the honour of the Defiant Dragons.

[The next day or so involved containing rumours of a thwarted attack on the palace, and also ensuring word of a dragon guardian did not spread among the common populace. While it might act as a deterrent, it might also embolden Ga'ran supporters determined to prove it false. Besides, a secret weapon was always something useful to have in what was quickly becoming a continuation of the underground war in Khura'in.

Aside from the general damage control, Nahyuta had decided that a shrine should be erected in the courtyard. Though worship in Khura'inism was reserved solely for ancestors and the Holy Mother, it could not hurt to give prayers of gratitude and offerings to the dragon in order to maintain its good favour.

Which is why, as the repair efforts go on the next day and into the early evening, Nahyuta can be found alone outside, burning incense and praying, kneeling on all fours until his head nearly touches the earth. He is still well aware of the gravity of the situation, that both he and the kingdom were very nearly lost last night. Even if the dragon never returns, it deserves his utmost respect.]

[Dhurke spent his day away from the palace, keeping some distance after all of the excitement from last night. There were people in town that needed his attention anyway, so he wouldn't have had an opportunity to visit the palace until night had fallen once more. He at least planned to return at sooner or later when things were calm, to finish clearing out the mess he had left behind the night before.

When he returns that night to work on the task he had assigned himself, he'll notice there was something different in the palace courtyard tonight. There was a structure that had not been there the night before, and kneeling on all fours in front of it was Nahyuta. By the familiar praying position, he realizes the structure was meant to be a shrine. He slouches his shoulders, marveling at his son persistence to show his respects that he would put his own life in danger like this. Seeing the safety of his son was more important than clearing debris, he walks over to Nahyuta and seats himself beside him, to his right. He will not interrupt him while he prays though, understanding the importance of upholding Khura'in customs. At least like this, he can watch over him.]

[Nahyuta could, and most likely already has, stayed there for hours, given Khura'in's very intensive styles of prayer. So he barely notices when someone settles beside him, assuming it to be a a guardsman or another servant of the palace who might be paying their respects to the dragon protecting them all.

Eventually, however, Nahyuta moves to sit upright again, coming out of his meditative state... Which is when he notices the masked figure. Sitting beside him the whole time.]

P-pohlkunka! [He clutches his prayer beads in his hands, looking aghast.] Please forgive me for ignoring your presence...!

[He hoped he did not feel slighted. Dragons are proud creatures, after all.]

[He was ready to give Nahyuta a lecture about choosing a better time and place to pray when he had finished, but that all went out the window when he reacted to his presence in a humorous fashion. He ends up laughing, rather boisterously at that, the serious facade slipping for a moment.]

Please, I'm by no means offended. I made the decision not to interrupt you afterall. [He glances over at the shrine.] Is this meant for me?

[That laugh catches Nahyuta even more off-guard, simply owing to how... familiar it sounds. It has to be his imagination, so he turns his attention back to the shrine.]

Yes. I thought it fitting that you should receive a place of veneration for your services to the kingdom. Modest though it is for now, is it to your liking, O great dragon spirit?

O great... [Oh boy. He rests a hand on one side of his face, trying not to seem so amused by this. Thank goodness for this mask, but someone needs to inject some tone it down into his son.]

It's nice, but not really necessary. I rather you use your time and resources on more important things.

[Nahyuta frowns, his curiosity piqued.]

Does it not matter to you if we give thanks? It is only what you deserve. [He's surprised, but he won't show insolence by arguing.] But if that is your wish, I will heed it.

[A slight handwave.] I didn't come here to be worshiped, I came because I wanted to help. Besides, people like you are already showing their gratitude by ensuring the kingdom prospers. [He crosses his arms, probably giving Nahyuta a stern look under the mask.]

And don't take that as an order. You just keep on doing what you believe is right, and try not to get yourself killed in the process. [Was that meant to be a joke?]

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