"V...Vyse!? Where are we!?" Fina clung to him, mystified by her surroundings. The three stood alone, enclosed by a veil of a broad mist that seemed to swallow all that was around them.
They walked forward, only to continue to be swallowed by the fog. There was no sense of direction; all that once stood for something seemed to hold no meaning. They remained silent; almost terrified to break the sublime and inexplicable silence. What was this place?
Through the mist a bulky figure crept forward. His white facial hair and mechanical arm made his identity unmistakable. Vyse still was unable to speak, as he fixed his eyes on the man before him.
"Heed me words, boy. The blood is only starting to shed. Be careful, lest you become swallowed up by the winds of evil."
Drachma simply turned the other way, his head facing his feet.
"Remember, things aren't always what they seem!" He turned around to show a taller, proud figure, a scar across his face. "You shall fall with all the rest who refuse to bow before me!"
The haze quickly turned a crimson red, the moans of lost souls filling the air as the three were quickly engulfed by the blood spray. Their screams were stifled as Anakin's demonic laugh continued to echo.
"AHHH!" Vyse quickly shot up, as the sweat rolled into his fearful eyes. He looked around. His cabin. It was just a dream. It was just a dream.
"VYSE! You okay in their!?" Aika quickly ended, and sat down n Vyse's bed. "You don't look so good Vyse. You had a bad dream?"
"Yeah, just a dream." Vyse wiped the sweat from his brow, the unassailable panic still running through him. "It's nothing, don't worry about me."
"You know Vyse, you've really been acting strange lately; sure you don't want to talk about it?" Aika wore a befuddled complexion as she attempted to make sense of Vyse's odd behavior.
Looks like there was no way out of it now. Besides, I guess its best that she knows. I could use someone to talk to.
"It's just, I've been thinking about what happened back in Nasr. I'm afraid that I may of put you in Fina in grave danger, and if something were to happen to you two, I could never forgive my.." Vyse stopped quickly. His mouth remained sealed, as Aika placed a finger gingerly upon his lips, her eyes mirroring those of a mother trying to comfort a distressed child.
I don't get it? This is unbecoming of her. Shouldn't she be shaking me until I come to my senses? I'd expect this from Fina, but Aika?
"Vyse, we're worried about you. The whole crew fears that we may lose you." Aika rose up, and fixed her hair into place. "Come on, let's get on deck. We'll be docking soon."
Vyse arose from his bed and watched Aika intently as she left the room. What was she trying to prove?
Vyse ventured onto the Dawn's deck, the skies as bleak and dreary as the darkest of hearts, the raucous winds roared across the deck as their deafening howl filled the air.
Vyse surveyed his surroundings as he leaned over the side of the deck. The dark, craggy mountains and barren terrain were as ubiquitous on the Valuan continent as ever. Even though the imperialistic empire had at long last dissolved, the island's malevolent vibe remained strong.
After a thorough analysis, Vyse's engineers concluded that the repairs needed for the Dawn were beyond their expertise. After completing various makeshift maintenance upon the vessel, Vyse decided their only existent alternative was to travel to Valua and seek the knowledge of Brabham and other Valuan engineers.
"Good to see you up, Vyse." Fina handed him some coffee has she leaned near him. "We got a transmission from the Valuan guard. They're sending out an escort to bring us into the bay."
Vyse thanked her for the coffee and headed to the bridge. As he looked ahead two cruisers stood stagnant before him.
"Sir Vyse, we bid you to accompany us into the bay. We have a welcoming committee awaiting your arrival."
The city of Valua had made significant leaps in the field of development in the peaceful times that followed the fall of Galician. With help from nations such as Ixa'taka and Yufatoma, construction had been rapid and successful. Never the less, only so much progress can be mad in less than a year. Most buildings were simple 1 or 2 story houses, but with the cultural variations of architecture from almost every corner of the world, it was still an admirable conurbation.
Vyse, accompanied by his two female companions, walked out from their lifeboat unto the docks. Valuan forces had filed in, standing in 2 parallel lines of 5 men each, with around 15 feet between each cue. They held golden poles to create an arch way, the new Valuan coat of arms hanging from each staff.
A bed of newly thrown flowers lay among the path where Enrique's feet tread. He walked towards the group, wearing a royal Valuan garb.
"Vyse, how bravura of a moment this is!" Enrique accosted him, his hand outstretched, with a welcoming smile which seemed to illuminate the entire continent
"It's been to long, Enrique." Vyse grabbed his hand with both of his own. He truly was overjoyed to be reunited with his former comrade.
"Enrique! It's so nice to see you again." Fina spoke as she performed a humble bow before him.
"Fina my dear, how nice it is to see you in such good health." Enrique returned Fina's gesture, and planed a chivalrous kiss upon the back of her hand.
"How ya doin, big guy? You ain't seasick anymore, are ya?" The formality of the meeting seemed to be shattered by Aika's statement, as she gave Enrique a friendly punch on the arm."
"Ahem, well...I'm quite alright. You all must be very wary from your travels. Wouldn't you please accompany me back to my home? I'm sure you'd be pleased to visit." Enrique outstretched his friendly invitations as he nursed the small bruise upon his upper limb.
Before he even required to request, a chariot pulled up along side Enrique, a brilliantly white stallion at the head with a purple canopy over the top. Everyone piled on, and with a sharp tug, they began to journey through the Valuan streets.
The sides of street bustled with activity as the group rode through. Small stalls and the sounds of friendly banter pervaded the area. Traders from all over Arcadia began flocking to Valua, and the amount of trade running through it came close to rivaling sailor's Isle itself.
"Ohhhhh, look at that one! And that!" Aika could hardly contain herself as she observed the shops to their sides. "Can we please go get something Vyse? Pleaaaase!?"
"Maybe later Aika, we've got to get to the palace now, anyway." Vyse spoke as he fiddled his hands through his pockets. Not a single piece of gold on him anyway. Must have left his coin pouch upon his bureau in his cabin.
The chariot began to slow, and the group prepared to dismount.
"Oh my!" Fina stared in amazement at the sight portrayed in front of her eyes. Before them stood a simple dwelling; hardy any more impressive then any other building in Valua. It only stood 2 stories tall, constructed of simple stone and wood.
"Uhhhhh, Enrique, not to be rude, but, IS THIS your PALACE?!" Aika turned to him, her perplexed demeanor a glaring insult to his abode.
"Yeah, buddy, this hardly strikes me as a place for royalty." Vyse shared in on the group's bewilderment as well. Almost expecting the question, Enrique, cleared his throat, and prepared to speak.
"I believe that a ruler's possessions and attitude should be a reflection and compliment to that over which he or she governs. The Valua of old was built upon the foundation of violence, evil, and poverty under the veil of riches and beauty. So it would only be fitting that the palace would shine bright over the darkness beneath it. I plan to build a nation upon compassion and equality, and for me exalt myself over my fellow citizens would contradict all which I hope to accomplish."
The group stood quiet, absorbing his benign message. It would appear he had gone over this at least once before.
"But enough of that, my friends. Moegi is awaiting us inside."
Enrique bade them to enter, and they walked into the main parlor. Moegi stood over the dining table, placing a Yufatoman rice medley among the pre-set spread.
"Vyse! Aika and Fina, how lovely!" Moegi seemed pleased to see them as she took a seat at the table, "Please, dine with us. I hope my cooking will please you."
A loud rumble echoed throughout the room. Vyse REALLY was hungry.
"Sounds good, let's eat!" Vyse quickly took his seat, and the 5 were quickly engrossed in the victuals laid before them.
"Mmmm, Enrique, mmmm, tell me," Aika spoke as she savored the heavenly flavors which danced across her palate, "if this is where you live, then what was that large building I saw from the bay?"
Enrique quickly dropped his fork and smacked his hand over his face. How could he have forgotten to explain?
"Ahem, allow me to elaborate. In my first months in power, my main priority, besides the reconstruction of the city, was to ensure the people of Valua that the atrocities committed by the former monarchy would never again occur. I realized that even if my rule remains stable, there is no assurance that my future successors would command with compassion."
Enrique reached into his coat pocket and removed a small scroll. It bore the Valuan coat of arms on its back along with Enrique's signature. He unraveled the paper and began to read fro it."
"Effective immediately, I, Emperor Enrique, here by overthrow the Valuan monarchy, and in its place, erect a governing senate, in the hopes of bringing equilibrium to our shattered nation. For I believe that if the power of government is too highly condensed and placed in the wrong hands, only evil could arise. I shall become the head of senate, and each position shall be elected by you, the Valuan people. May we yet again rise to greatness, the new, great republic of Valua."
He placed the scroll back into his pocket, and eased into his chair
"So, Aika, in a nutshell, the building you saw was the Senate hall. I do apologize if my answer was rather superfluous."
"Enrique, that is very thoughtful." Fina's face lit up as she shone praise upon her friend, "That's a big step towards equality in this world."
"Umm, guys?" Aika started, scratching her head, "What's a senate?"
The room quickly went silent. Vyse tried to hold back the forceful laughter working its way to his tongues edge.
"What? Why's everyone looking at me like that?" Aika obviously felt alienated by her ignorance.
"I'm sorry Aika, let me simplify it for you." Enrique's patience far outstripped the others, despite his continuous elaboration which he had just completed. "Instead of me making all the decisions, I simply let the Valuan public elect a number of representatives to discuss certain policies and make decisions, and I will be at the head of this council."
"Oh, okay, I get it now," Aika stated, the other relieved as the prospect of a third explanation diminished, "I like the idea. Makes the people feel more involved, I guess."
"That's good, for that is exactly the message I was attempting to convey to my fellow citizens.
"Actually, Enrique, that's very noble of you." Vyse spoke up, as he ran Enrique's message through his head. "At least this way another Galician won't rise to power"
The words "rise to power" echoed through Enrique's mind. He must address them now. They must know what has happened. He quickly banged the edge of his glass for their attention and began to speak.
"Vyse, Aika, Fina, I'm afraid I have some rather disturbing news to pass on to you." Enrique stopped to gather his composure. He seemed greatly troubled by the news himself. "I'm afraid you all may be in great danger."
He then got up from his seat, and walking over to his nearby cupboard, retrieved a newspaper like document and brought it to the table.
"Here," Enrique stated, a stoical complexion across his face as he handed the paper to Vyse, "take it".
Vyse, sensing the gravity of the situation, slowly grabbed the object and unfolded it, as Fina and Aika huddled close.
Capt. Radon Valuan cruiser: The Modesto Status report
3rd day after 2nd Red moon eclipse
I believe initiating this emissary mission was a decision made in poor judgment. The danger level here continues to rise. If we were to be spotted I doubt we'd escape in one piece. Anakin marches his followers through Nasrad mercilessly, leaving destruction in the paths he decides to tread upon. The Nasr government will surely lose their position and fall soon; they simply lack the firepower for an effective resistance. We must pull out now; suspicion about our presence seems to be gathering. I shall report back in a few days, but I implore you, if communication is lost, cease your dispatching of scouts; there is no reason to risk more troops for such an inane purpose.
His fears had become a reality. As much as he wished to shun the truth, Vyse knew these problems must be confronted and realized; Anakin had ultimately seized control of Nasr, and his time was coming near.
"I don't get it." Aika stated abruptly, shattering the silence of the room, "Is this the same Anakin we saw preaching through the streets of Nasrad?"
Fina simply remained silent, her hand casing her mouth in an attempt to hide her apprehension. The world of Arcadia just narrowly escaped a plunge into darkness less then a year ago, and already the winds sang a foreboding tune once more.
Enrique retrieved the document, and, after folding it, placed it back into his jacket.
"This document" Enrique started, his eyes fixed intently down at the table, "was found among wreckage scattered along the banks of the south Danell strait. Although the captain gave orders not to do so, we needed this vital information."
"What does this mean then?" Fina spoke at long last, as she relaxed back into her chair, "Does this mean that Valua will go to war with Nasr? Please, Enrique, if there is any path available that would avoid conflict; I beseech you to take it!" Fina hid her face to hide the tears which brimmed upon her eyes. She had only begun to heal the scars left behind from the war with Galician; her heart could no longer remain under such duress. The blood, bereavement, anguish, destruction; she could bear to see no more.
"We couldn't declare war even if we wished to." Enrique arose from his seat and traded slowly as he enwreathed the table. "For all we know, the Modesto could have crashed due to an internal error. We have no proof Nasr is responsible for this atrocity. One thing does remain clear, however; you three are all in grave jeopardy. I recommend that you leave here soon, best to a place far from this region. You must stay in the clear while this mess is sorted out."
Vyse grew rather angry with Enrique's last remark. He simply couldn't' run away, he had a battle to fight. He couldn't let Anakin have his way, he just couldn't.
"I can't leave Enrique! I can't! You must dispatch forces to neutralize Anakin's advances!" Vyse put forth a flustered demand rather than a request.
"Yeah, Enrique, you surely can see he will only lead Nasr into destruction and darkness." Aika said, showing great concern over the brewing situation and Vyse's stability, "You have the power to stop this. I mean, all the Valuan forces which fled the final battle with Galician have fallen back under your command, surely you have the man power to complete the task?"
Moegi, having listed to the entire discussion, quickly ran out of the room. Just like Fina, she to could not bear to hear such disheartening words.
"Moegi, wait!" Enrique called out to her, but received no response. "My friends, even if I wanted to lead my forces into Nasr, the senate would throw out such a proposal. We are still rebuilding and are not yet out of our economic depression. We cannot risk the welfare of our nation at this time. I'm sorry Vyse, but for now, we must remain neutral. We simply have no right heading into such affairs without indisputable proof that we are in danger."
Vyse simply sighed. He knew Enrique was right. "I understand, Enrique. We'll take your advice. Perhaps it's simple paranoia I'm going through, I don't know."
"I'm glad you've seen the truth, Vyse," Enrique smiled and warmed the room through the deep morose ambiance which had just controlled it, "I've taken the liberty of having reservations made for you at a hotel on the shore. I'd suggest you enjoy the rest of today in Valua, seek out the pleasures and excitement our city has to offer. Rest here tonight and leave in the morning."