Merry Christmas, everybody! :D And this is my present to you all. A new chapter! I'll admit that not much gets done in this one, but it gets a bit action-ier from here on out. And that was totally a word, by the way.
Disclaimer: First chapter. See it.
The Jade Palace was everything it was made out to be, that's for sure. Keelan looked up at its gleaming spires and almost lost his balance as they were escorted inside. The Samoorai led them through the twisting corridors, up and down flights of stairs until Keelan was completely and utterly lost. The leader paused outside a closed door before raising a gauntleted hand and knocking.
"Enter." Said a voice from within, and the Samoorai opened the door and went inside, Keelan, Alexi and Iridian being pushed through next. The door closed behind them, and they looked around the room curiously. It was plainly furnished, consisting of a desk, a chair, some bookshelves and various weapons on display on the walls, along with several maps detailing the various areas of Mooshu. A figure was standing looking out of the large window parallel to the door, and the Samoorai bowed deeply.
"My Chief, I have returned from Hamamitsu."The figure nodded.
"Anything to report?" The Samoorai nodded.
"Indeed, my Chief. You were right. The island had been taken over by a large group of Inoshishi bandits, and as you instructed we lay in wait for the opportune moment to strike. That moment came today."
"Very good. I trust Hamamitsu is being cleared of Inoshishi as we speak?"
"Yes, my Chief. We have also found where they were keeping the inhabitants of the Garden, and have seen to their wellbeing. No-one appears injured, only frightened."
"Understandable. Thank you, Constable Tatami. You are dismissed." The Samoorai hesitated.
"Apologies, my Chief, but there is one other thing..."
"And that is...?"
"The Inoshishi ambush had already been sprung when we attacked. The three caught in it claimed to have been sent from Skull Island, with a message for you from a 'Commodore'." The figure was silent for a painfully long time.
"I see. And where are these three now?"
"I have brought them here with me, my Chief. They say their message is of the utmost importance."
"...I see." The figure turned and stepped around the desk, and Keelan's eyes widened in surprise. Clad in similar gold and green armour to the Samoorai was a young girl, about the same age as Keelan himself. She had a pretty face and deep blue eyes, and he could see a tiny patch of blonde hair sticking out from underneath her horned helmet. Her eyes roamed over the three of them, and Keelan shifted his weight nervously from one foot to the other as her gaze came to rest on him.
"Well? What is this message, then?" Keelan froze. Alexi and Iridian shot him a puzzled glance when he didn't speak, and Iridian rolled her eyes.
"You are Maya Hawkins?" The girl paused before nodding.
"Yes, although few know me by that name. I am more commonly referred to as 'the Fang of the Jade Dragon'. And who are you?"
"My name is Iridian Elfirth, of the Marleybonian army. This is Alexi Shelton of Monquista, and Keelan Sharpe of Skull Island." Maya nodded her head in turn to each of them, and they dipped their heads in response.
"So, you claim to have a message for me?" Alexi nodded.
"Yes. You have heard of the Armada, no?" Maya tilted her head to the side, crossing her arms over her chest.
"I have heard the stories."
"Well, we come to beg your assistance. The Armada has already taken over Valencia, and is currently locked in a vicious war with Marleybone. If they continue this, in time they will rule the entire Spiral." Maya blinked.
"And what does this have to do with me?" Alexi took a breath to continue, but Keelan had found his voice and took over.
"The Armada's main base is known as the Machine, in Valencia. The Commodore of Skull Island has devised a plan to destroy it. He sent me to gather a small group of elite soldiers to sneak into the Machine, kill Kane-the leader of the Armada-and take the Machine down from the inside. Do you understand?" She nodded.
"I do. But again, what does this plan of yours have to do with me?"
"The Commodore provided me with a list of names before I left. Your name was on that list. He wants you to join us, and lend us your strength and skills and do your part to keep the Spiral safe. So, are you in?" She didn't respond for a long time, and Keelan was preparing himself for rejection when she said, "...I will need time to think about your proposal. I must confer with my generals. Until we reach a decision, you are welcome to stay here and rest, explore or do whatever else you wish to do. Constable, please show them to a guest room, and then round up my generals for an emergency meeting." The Samoorai bowed low.
"Yes, my Chief." He got to his feet and turned, leading the three humans out the door and back through the palace. Keelan glanced back into the room just as the door shut, just in time to see Maya standing with her arms crossed, her gaze focused on her feet in intense concentration.
It was almost seven hours later when they were called back to Maya's room. Keelan had managed to slip in an hour's rest but had spent the remainder of the time pacing up and down the room in his anxiety. Iridian had gone exploring and Alexi had asked to be shown to the library, so he didn't see them at all until they were all standing around Maya's desk. Keelan thought she looked tired.
"I have called you here because, as I'm sure you had guessed, my council and I have reached a decision regarding your proposal." The three of them nodded, signalling to Maya to continue.
"It was stated during my council that the Armada has little to no presence here in Mooshu, and that it is unnecessary for me to join you in destroying them. Many of my councilmen believed that would provoke them into attacking us, breaking the delicate peace we have worked so hard both to achieve and sustain." Keelan felt his heart sinking into his stomach. Had they failed? He had counted himself lucky to manage to get both Iridian and Alexi on his side, but he knew he couldn't count on luck in this mission. Maya, however, wasn't done talking.
"While that is a fair summation, the point was also raised that you yourself mentioned earlier. We have received news of war in Marleybone from the Ambassador in Hamamitsu Garden, and word of the situation in Valencia has even reached our ears here. We believe that the threat the Armada poses is real, and that nothing will stop them from conquering Mooshu once Marleybone has fallen. We have heard rumours of suspicious activity around the Valencian and Marleybonian Stormgates, and believe that an invasion from the Armada is imminent. And so, we have come to the agreement that I will accompany you on your mission, and lend you all the support and strength that I possess."
Everyone was silent. Keelan was in shock. Had he heard her correctly? She was coming? He didn't know why, but he felt a wave of relief and calm wash over him. He smiled and stepped forwards, holding out his hand.
"In that case, we welcome you to the crew, Maya." She blinked at him before grinning, and taking his hand in her own. He was surprised by the strength of her grip as they shook hands.
"The pleasure is all mine." She shook Iridian and Alexi's hands too before resting her hands on the desk.
"Very well. If you don't mind, I would ask you to return to your room for the time being. We will set off tomorrow." Alexi opened his mouth to object, but Maya held up a hand for silence.
"I am aware that this mission is urgent and that you would all like to continue as soon as possible. I do understand that. However, I have duties here in Mooshu that must be attended to. As Chief of the Jade Guards here, there are many arrangements that must be made before I can leave. I hope you understand." Keelan and the others nodded, and Maya dipped her head to them.
"Very well. Now, if you would excuse me, I have a lot of work to do in a very short amount of time. A servant will collect you for breakfast in the morning, and then we will endeavour to leave within the hour. Goodnight, get a good rest, and I shall see you in the morning."
"You too, Maya. And...thank you." Keelan said, smiling as he was escorted from the room. He glanced back just in time to see Maya's quick smile, and then she was gone.
And there you have it. All the names gone from the list. So, what happens now? You'll have to wait and find out! Please review and tell me what you think of the characters as we go on, as I'd like to know what you think of them. I'll admit that I'm quite proud of them. Anyway, I'll sign off here, so I hope to see you back for the next chapter!
Also, MERRY CHRISTMAS! (Again :P) I hope you all have a brilliant day! :D