Name: Amara Sigatar Khura'in
Vehicle: Carriage of Khura'in (This vehicle may just be a wooden cart pulled by a single yak, but its simplicity allows for Amara to aid her people and the Holy Mother by freeing herself from the distractions of material wealth.)
Vehicle Armor: 5/5 (The Carriage of Khura'in may not look sturdy, but don't let appearances fool you. For through Amara's dedication to the Holy Mother, Her Holiness has fortified its defenses beyond those of standard vehicles.)
Vehicle Speed: 1/5 (Good things come to those who wait; slow and steady wins the race; Rome wasn't built in a day. If one wishes to attain inner peace through the teachings of the Holy Mother, then one must take these sayings to heart. Think of life like a path travelling through a lush meadow. If you run down the road, you may reach your destination faster, but you'll miss out on the journey. However, if you decide to walk down the path, you can truly admire the vivid rainbow of flowers and smell their pleasing aromas, truly enjoy the bluebird's tweet, and truly savor the warm glow of sunlight on your skin. In the end, whether you walk or run, you'll reach your destination; but only with the former do you gain an experience; and with that experience, you take one step towards Her Holiness and enlightenment.)
Vehicle Handling: Very Tight (If you put your faith in the Holy Mother, you will never go off course.)
Special Attack: 3/5 (Orb of Protection- A true follower of the Holy Mother never raises their hand in violence; for that would only start a cycle of vengeance and suffering as perpetual as that of day and night. However, that doesn't mean that the Holy Mother abandons Her followers when they're on the receiving end of the sword's cold blade. On the contrary, Her Holiness will directly protect Her most faithful by surrounding them in an impenetrable bubble of spiritual energy, keeping them safe from all attacks that may come their way. Though one must remember, nothing lasts forever and the bubble is no different, existing for only ten minutes before fading into oblivion; at which point, it will require a five minute cooldown period before it can be used again.)
Bio: Greetings, I am Amara Sigatar Khura'in. For generations, the women of my family, the descendants of the Holy Mother, have led the country of Khura'in with the ability to channel spirits that we have been blessed with by our most holy ancestor and have established a golden era of peace. But even though we have never strayed from the teachings of Her Holiness, a sinister cloud of evil has cast the world into darkness. This sinister cloud, Kristoph Gavin, endangers all of existence with both his evil powers and malicious desires. That is why I am participating in this competition despite the fact that Her Holiness abhors violence in all forms, so that I may rid the world of Mr. Gavin and his sinister ways. However, I will not be doing this with violence, but rather with peace. For when darkness is fought, it is merely repelled, only coming back when light is absent. But when darkness blends with light, twilight is formed, and with it, the path to the Holy Mother and peace.
When people win a competition, they don't hesitate to revel in their victory. They gloat, they smirk, and they walk with a slight spring in their step as if nothing in this world that could even scathe them. At least, that's always how Kristoph handled victory- that moment in time when one proves to the world that one is the best at what one does. After all, what's the point of winning and competition in general if you aren't going to boast about your triumphs?
So when the host of Debauched Steel sees Amara approach him with calm, refined steps and a small smile that exuded a sense of serenity and modesty, he's slightly puzzled. How can this woman remain so calm at such a time? Even if the former queen isn't concerned with winning- though how could she not be when the prize is the ability to wish for nearly anything that her heart desires?- she should at least be upset that her loved ones were brutally killed in the competition. But then again, considering what Amara subjected her children to simply because she didn't want to upset her sister, maybe that latter part isn't so surprising.
"Congratulations on winning Debauched Steel, Ms. Khura'in. So, what'll your wish be?" Kristoph asks with a warm grin and crossed arms.
"My only wish is to know why you are the way you are, Mr. Gavin." Amara politely states with a caring look in her eyes, prompting the host of Debauched Steel to flinch a bit.
"You do realize that you can wish for practically anything you desire, right? For example, I could make you the ruler of Khura'in once more. Wouldn't you like that, to live the peaceful life you once had?" Kristoph asks with a devilishly enticing tone.
"While that would be nice, it would be but a temporary solution" Amara says with closed eyes as she slowly moves her hands in circular motions. "For if I accept that offer, you would be free to wreak havoc upon the world with your dark powers. That is why I desire to understand just what made you the cold, misguided man that you are today so that I may help set you on the path of redemption."
"If that's what you want, then who am I to deny you?" Kristoph smirks with a shake of his head.
The host of Debauched Steel raises his arms in the air, causing bolts of electricity to stream between his hands, emitting a blinding light. However, before he can grant the wish, he is interrupted by a female voice that he knows, and fears, all too well.
"Khrissy! Khrissy, is that you over there?" The woman enthusiastically calls out, prompting the ex-defense attorney's complexion to go pale as he quickly lowers his arms.
"No! No! This can't be! This isn't happening! Please tell me that this isn't happening!" Kristoph shouts as grabs Amara's shoulders, his saucer-sized blue eyes mere inches away from her terrified teal orbs.
"I do not know what you are referring to, Mr. Gavin." The former queen states with a tone of unease as she slowly pushes the host of Debauched Steel off of her. "A person calling out to you?"
"You foolish woman!" Kristoph snarls as his left eye starts to twitch. "That's no ordinary person, that's-"
Suddenly, as if on cue, a slender woman with long, wavy blonde hair that flows down her shoulders and who is wearing a pair of round glasses with pink frames, a mint-green blouse, and a pair of blue jeans with a face that looks like a softer version of the demented host's rushes over to him.
"Kristoph, thank goodness I've finally found you!" The woman exclaims as she squeezes the demented host in a bear hug. "I feel like I'm the luckiest woman alive!"
Strange, because I'm starting to feel like the unluckiest person on the face of the earth right now. "Hello… Mother." Kristoph growls as he frees himself from the woman's grasp.
"Why are you feeling so down, Khrissy?" The demented host's mother asks with a look of concern on her face. "You should be happy to see your dear old mom..."
"That's exactly why I'm upset. You're not supposed to be here." Kristoph curtly states as he pushes up his glasses.
"Kristoph Konni Gavin!" The woman exclaims, her hands firmly on her hips as she glares at her son. "When did you start thinking that it's alright to talk to your mother like that?"
"When I was given powers that allow me to bend reality at will and my own television show, which you-"
"Television, you say?" The woman states with obvious interest in her voice, interrupting her son as she looks over to the camera while styling her hair. "Why didn't you tell me that you were starring in a television show, Khrissy? And more importantly, why haven't I been given any screen time? I dedicate my life to raising both you and your brother and this is the thanks I get?"
"Mother, that's not it." Kristoph sighs in exasperation. "You're not part of this show because-"
"I get it, you and Klavier think you're too cool to hang around your mother- you want to be your own men, just like your father was at your age. I completely understand. But at least your brother has the decency to dedicate a song to me every once in a while. Is that too much to ask, Khrissy? Is it too much for a mother to receive a bit of appreciation from her son?" The woman asks with an obviously fake whimper in her voice.
"And is it too much to ask-"
"And another thing…" The woman states, once again cutting off her son. "Why is the city on fire and in ruins? I don't like that, Kristoph. It's evil. Why can't you use your powers to make things nice, like a romantic comedy where two people fall madly in love? There's enough negativity in this world with all those medicine and cancer commercials. Oh, I have an even better idea!" Mama Gavin chirps with a look of excitement in her eyes. "Why don't you have a show like The Bachelor where you find a nice woman to marry and make me lots of beautiful grandba-"
"Mother, please!" Kristoph snaps, casting a death glare at the woman as his left eye begins to twitch. "You have no right to criticize my demolition derby which entails numerous people from our world fighting to the death- especially since you aren't even an actual person! You're not part of this universe!"
"A demolition derby…?" The woman sternly parrots back as she pushes up her glasses. "When your father decided to get us cable television when you were a young boy, I knew that something like this would happen? I KNEW that your sweet, beautiful mind would get poisoned by all those shoot-em-up detective programs and evil zombie dramas. But did your father listen to me? No! 'Kharmen, Kristoph's a big boy. He knows what shows he should watch.' That's what your father told me, but he should have listened to me! He knows that I'm always right, and now look!"
"That's what's bothering you?" Kristoph asks with a tone of legitimate shock. "Not the fact that you're not a real person, but that I'm hosting a demolition derby?"
"Don't be silly, Khrissy." Kharmen titters with a dismissive wave of her hand. "After all, I'm your mother! And another thing-"
Before Mama Gavin can finish, Kristoph makes her vanish into thin air with a snap of his fingers.
"Thank goodness…" The host of Debauched Steel sighs in relief. "Why didn't I think of that sooner?"
However, Kristoph's victory is short-lived when Kharmen instantly reappears as if nothing happened and continuing right where she left off.
"Are you making sure to use the bathroom frequently? Because I know how sensitive your bladder gets and I don't want you having another accident like that one time during your fifth grade play. I will never forget how sad I felt for you on that day…" Mama Gavin whimpers as she puts her hand to her heart, her head tilted to the side as she brushes a few loose strands of hair away from her eyes. "The way the other children started laughing at you before you burst into tears and ran offstage."
"Wha- HOW!?" Kristoph exclaims as he reels back in shock. "I used my powers to erase you from existence! You shouldn't be here!"
"Don't underestimate what a good mom can do, Khrissy." Kharmen cheerfully states with a smile.
As if seeing his mother's remark as a challenge, Kristoph snaps his fingers again, causing Kharmen to disappear once more; only for her to come right back, which in turn prompts the deranged host to make her vanish a third time; thus, creating a cycle of disappearance and reappearance that continues for a good ten minutes.
"Are you done, Kristoph?" Kharmen asks in a matter-of-factly tone, narrowing her gaze as she gently taps her foot.
"Fine! You can stay!" The host of Debauched Steel snaps. "Just please stay out of my way while I grant the winner's wish… Sorry about that, Ms. Khura'in." Kristoph states as he redirects his attention to Amara, who was patiently watching the heated discussion between him and his mother with a smile on her face. "I'll grant your wish right-"
"Wait!" Kharmen interjects as her son raises his arms to grant the wish. "Did you just say 'Khura'in', Kristoph?"
"And didn't I tell you to stay out of my way until the episode is finished?" Kristoph hisses back.
"Kristoph, please answer my question. Is that, or is that not, Amara Sigatar Khura'in, the former Queen of Khura'in?" Kharmen asks as she directs her narrowing gaze at the winner of Debauched Steel.
"You are correct, Mrs. Gavin." Amara jovially states as she approaches Mama Gavin. "Though I must say, I am quite surprised. Most people from your country don't even know of Khura'in's existence, let alone its royal family."
"Of course I know about your country." Kharmen smirks. "As the mother of a prosecutor who loves to travel internationally, it's my duty to know about all the dangers that my baby could run into… including that group of terrorists led by your ex-husband."
"While I can understand your logic, Mrs. Gavin, I have to disagree." Amara states with a serious look on her face. "Dhurke and his Defiant Dragons, while fervent in their goals, never spilled a single drop of blood. So I hardly think that it is fair to call them terrorists."
Yes, but they did invoke terror; hence, they are terrorists." Kharmen curtly retorts as she pushes up her glasses. "But while your husband is a peace-threatening brute who is half the man that my Koen is, he's at least a decent parent in that he tried to raise your son… which is more than I can say about you."
"Excuse me?" Amara asks, cocking her head in confusion.
"You heard me, Khura'in. You're a horrible mother whose lackluster parenting has produced a miscreant of a son."
"And just what is so wrong with Nahyuta? He was an upstanding, spiritual man who is dedicated to both his country and his family." Amara states with closed eyes as she slowly moves her hands in circular motions.
"Oh, that boy of yours is spiritual alright… He oozes spirituality when he's prosecuting and telling everyone who doesn't agree with him that they're going to rot in Hell. And on top of that, your son is sexist! That's right, I've seen the way he treats female detectives when they cover his cases on international news- threatening to cut their pay and making them listen to his sermons whenever they make a mistake. My Klavier, on the other hand, is a perfect gentleman in the courtroom who treats both the defense and detective with nothing but kindness and respect- a trait that he inherited from me." Kharmen smirks.
"I am sorry that I was not able to play a greater role in my son's life on account of me dying in a house fire when he was but a young boy. Perhaps I should utilize this second chance at life given to me by your other son and raise Nahyuta- Oh, right; I am unable to on account of your son forcing me, Nahyuta, and countless others to fight to the death in his twisted television show, of which I am the sole survivor." Amara states with closed eyes, her head tilted to the side and the wind gently blowing through her hair as she is lost in thought.
"Don't you talk that way about my son! Kristoph can't help it if he gets enthusiastic! It's just one of the many wonderful traits that he inherited from me, his mother who loves and supports him no matter what!" Kharmen snarls with crossed arms as she glares daggers at the former queen. "I don't care if you died in that fire. Even in death, a mother doesn't stop being a mother. Why, when I die, I'll be visiting Kristoph and Klavier while they sleep and giving them advice in their dreams like a nice version of Freddy Krueger!"
"Are you just going to stand there and let your mother belittle me, Mr. Gavin?" Amara politely asks, albeit with a hint of frustration in her voice, while the host of Debauched Steel watches the argument unfold with an amused look on his face.
"You wanted to see why I am the way that I am, yes? Well, you're having a conversation with it." Kristoph sneers. "Plus, even though I am fully aware that this woman isn't really my mother, but rather a character created by a man almost as twisted as myself because he desired to explore my family life and had no other ideas for his weekly story that Friday, the memories that he created regarding our relationship have been seared into my mind and nothing- not even my incredible powers- can remove them. So with that in mind, after 32 years of dealing with Mother, I've learned that no force on this earth can stop her when she gets like this. So what do I have to gain by getting involved?"
"That's right, Khura'in. My Khrissy is a gentleman who knows his limits because I raised him to be that way. Though it also helps that he gets his intelligence and sense of refinement from my side of the family." Kharmen states as she strokes her son's right arm, prompting the ex-attorney to nudge her away.
"A gentleman who knows his limits? Are you blind? Look at the havoc that your son has wreaked upon this poor world!" Amara bellows with her arms outstretched, gesturing to the ruins of what used to be L.A. "If you truly believe that the countless deaths caused by your son's hand are acts of moderation, then you are a hypocrite who is no better. No wonder your son is the way he is! With how much of his behavior you let slide, I'm surprised that he hasn't…? Are you seriously styling your nails? At least have the common courtesy to wait until I am done talking." Amara grows upon seeing Kharmen take a bottle of nail polish out of the small mint-green purse that she has on her person and proceed to meticulously paint her well-styled fingernails.
"No, no, go on. I'm listening… I'm listening." Mama Gavin says with a tone of disinterest, not even bother to look up at the other woman.
"This is what I am referring to!" Amara roars, raising her left hand as a flash of lighting appears behind her followed by the loud boom of thunder. "You are a selfish, egotistical woman who has raised a selfish, egotistical man! Sure, Nahyuta had his flaws, but at least I am willing to admit that I am partially to blame for them. You, on the other hand, are too stubborn to realize that you have made your son into a demented psychopa- OW!" Amara screams as Kharmen scratches her face, leaving behind a small cut in the process. "That was quite uncalled for, Mrs. Gav-ack!"
The former queen grips her chest as the color starts to fade from her face. She tries her best to speak, but the only noises that can come out of her mouth are weak grunts as she sputters and gasps for air. With each passing second, her breathing becomes weaker and weaker as she falls to the ground, thrashing about like a fish out of water as she desperately tries to cling to life. But alas, despite her best efforts, Amara soon passes from this world, her body becoming limp and motionless.
"Khura'in, Khura'in, Khura'in…" Kharmen jeers with a shake of her head as she looks down at the former queen's corpse. "Did I forget to tell you that Kristoph also got his affinity for painting his nails from me? However, whereas my baby likes atroquinine, I prefer batrachotoxin. It gives the nails a nice shine while being able to kill a person within mere seconds."
"That's right, Ms. Khura'in. We inherit our murderous desires just as much as our genes." Kristoph sneers before turning to the camera. "I am Kristoph Gavin, and I thank you for watching-"
"Kristoph, don't slouch. I want the nice viewers to see your beautiful posture. Who knows, your future wife and the mother of my grandbabies could be watching this episode and I don't want her thinking that you have back problems." Kharmen interjects, pushing at her son's back in order to straighten it out.
"Mother, please don't interrupt my conclusion." Kristoph snaps. "It helps to show the audience that I'm in control and a force to be reckoned with- something that can't be accomplished while you're being so overbearing."
"I'm not overbearing, Khrissy, I'm loving. There's a difference. And if those viewers can't appreciate that, then they aren't good enough for you!"
"I'm a grown man airing a television show, Mother, not a kindergartener who's trying to make friends with his classmates over cookies! So if you can please step aside…"
However, instead of heeding her son's request, Kharmen walks over to the camera.
"Listen here, viewers, my little petunia is trying his best with this show. So I want you to show him how much you care by watching every episode and giving him lots of nice comments. And if I hear that anyone is saying mean things about my baby boy, then I'll pootie tang them!" Kharmen yells as Kristoph pushes her out of the way.
"Now I know why Debeste didn't allow OCs on Pick Your Poison!" The host of Debauched Steel huffs, wasting no time in pushing a button on the camera which causes a picture of Kristoph in his deranged breakdown pose against a solid grey background with a caption underneath it that reads 'WE ARE CURRENTLY EXPERIENCING TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES…' to appear on screen for the viewers at home.
A/N: I would like to thank JordanPhoenix and DJ680 for submitting the ideas used in this chapter. Though speaking of DJ680, here's my reply to their review from last chapter.
DJJ680: Thanks for being so patient with my lack of responses, as well as being a great fan over the years. I hope you liked Kharmen's inclusion in this chapter. The best idea I could think of for torturing Amara before I saw your suggestion is one that I'm saving for Ga'ran, so it really helped out.
