Yu-gi-oh!: Twisted Fates [IC|Accepting|PG-13]

[The Frost King]

 

What the-, Samantha thought when she saw the summoning tablet start glowing in her hand. She hadn’t activated it, so why was it glowing? Before she could think about it any further, Zaddicus spoke.

 

"In that case how about we make a deal of sorts?" He backed away from the door, leaving enough room for her to exit the closet. "Since that sword is government property why not give it to me as payment for breaking my plates, I'll return it to it's owner and be sure he leaves you alone. in return you are welcome to join the meal you interrupted, i am short a few guests so it's no trouble at all. If not then at least allow me to get you a room to stay in for the time being, an apology of sorts for the behavior of my men. "

 

After hearing what Zaddicus had said, she almost fell backwards in shock. He was going to let her off the hook? That and let her have dinner in the dinning hall that she had just recently been in? And all she had to do was give her sword to him? It seemed too good to be true. This had to be trap.

 

She looked back and forth between Zaddicus and her holstered sword, thinking. If I give this sword to him, he might stab me with it as soon as I turn my back. Her stomach grumbled hungrily.  Buuuuut if he is telling the truth, I will be able to eat some really nice food, fill my belly and maybe even get to drink some beer or something like that. Samantha started to unlatch the holster from her belt before stopping half way through. But this is a really nice sword and it is the main weapon I use… Samantha shook her head quickly. Stop thinking, just give him the sword and take the risk, like you always do. And besides, you still have your summoning tablets and your hidden dagger and you could just find Marcus later and steal the sword again, she thought to herself.

 

After unlatching the holstered sword from her belt, she handed the sword over to Zaddicus. ”You know, I am feeling hungry and would like to take up your offer, Zaddicus” Putting the glowing Judge Tarot back in her pocket, Samantha walked out of the closet. “Oh, and if you don’t mind me asking, do you have any alcohol I can drink?  Whisky or beer or anything strong would be fine”.

[0PxPz0]

Zaddicus took the sword, calling over a nearby servant "Could you please return this to the armory? someone will come to claim it soon enough at which point i'd like you to direct them to my throne room for a quick meeting." the woman nodded and headed down the hall with the sword "Now then, I believe you asked about my liquor cabinet? Most of it's imported so I hope you don't mind the comparatively bitter taste but it is all rather strong." He gestured for her to follow as he headed back to the dinning hall to attend to his guests. "Since you clearly don't know the importance of that tablet, or why it's glowing for that matter, allow me to explain. It is one of twenty one powerful tablets I personally sealed and sent out in order to find those that could control them as they will not obey just any summoner. The fact that you have one means you are welcome to stay in my palace and receive very private information regarding these tablets as well as what my intentions are with them, currently there are twelve I know the location of, some of which are waiting on me and the others to enjoy a very lovely dinner. I'm sure you have questions but for now let's just take our seats shall we? I'm going to attend to the missing guests but feel free to chat with those already in the dinning hall." Zaddicus swiftly turned left, heading off towards the rooms the tarot holders had been staying in.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

"Although the real mystery is what the polar opposites of a court jester and a soldier are doing together in a place like this. Care to introduce yourselves?" the soldier turned towards Kassyl, an expression of disinterest for the magician and disgust for the Jester obvious "We will likely be working together in some sort of elite task force for lord Zaddicus so I see no reason not to." he stood from his seat and pulled out his glowing tarot, The Emperor "I am Wardell Sutton, as you can see I hold The Emperor's Tarot, no you may not ask futher, no I will not ask further information from you." the Jester pushed his seat away from the soldier, somewhat intimidated by him despite the seats between them, and pulled out his own Tarot "I'm Coryn Bizerios, honestly I didn't even know i could be a summoner until I found this, master Zaddicus saw me with it in my private quarters a-and well, he showed me how to seal and summon spirits, he said once I had a competent amount I would be his guest instead of his, his private entertainer." He quickly sat back down, ashamed of his status compared to the magician next to him. "Do I happen to be late, Lord Zaddicus?" Coryn turned towards the newest member of the "Zaddicus Mystery Dinner Theatre" and spoke in a soft whisper "N-n-no, Master Zaddicus has yet to make an appearance actually as far as I know, it seems n-n-not everyone is here yet anyway so I guess that's n-not a problem." his white face paint began dripping off in his sweat.

[)e//!s0P]

"N-n-no, Master Zaddicus has yet to make an appearance actually as far as I know, it seems n-n-not everyone is here yet anyway so I guess that's n-not a problem." Someone had replied to her? Jordan decided to roll with it until Zadicus comes back. "So, I'm guessin' that this here be the tarot convention?" She forced a smile. "I'm Jordan, owner of the Towering Tarot, or as my friends call me,'The Mad Zing'. And you all are?"She felt the tension in the room as she sat down, prepared for a long discussion. She looked down upon her tablet. She had a flashback to when she had first used the tarot. It was during a mission. A revolt in which summoners had made a small blockade. Her Tower was used to stop their spells and traps. She shuttered at the thought.

[The Frost King]

 

 

Samantha followed Zaddicus to the dining hall, all while listening to what he was saying.

 

"Since you clearly don't know the importance of that tablet, or why it's glowing for that matter, allow me to explain. It is one of twenty one powerful tablets I personally sealed and sent out in order to find those that could control them as they will not obey just any summoner. The fact that you have one means you are welcome to stay in my palace and receive very private information regarding these tablets as well as what my intentions are with them, currently there are twelve I know the location of, some of which are waiting on me and the others to enjoy a very lovely dinner. I'm sure you have questions but for now let's just take our seats shall we?”

 

She had a lot of questions, but before she could ask any, Zaddicus spoke again.

 

“I'm going to attend to the missing guests but feel free to chat with those already in the dinning hall." With that, Zaddicus then swiftly turned and walked away. Samantha looked around the dining hall and noticed that there were now more people in the room than when she was last in there. Along with the magician, there was a jester and a soldier seated at the table, while a young woman with tomboy hair was walking towards the table. The young woman then spoke, "So, I'm guessin' that this here be the tarot convention? I'm Jordan, owner of the Towering Tarot, or as my friends call me,'The Mad Zing'. And you all are?" The woman then sat down in one of the chairs.

 

Well, at least I’m not the only female tarot holder here, she thought. Samantha saw that the chairs around the table were labeled, each one of them saying a different tarot. She spotted the chair that said ‘The Judges Tarot’ and sat down in it. "Well, my name is Samantha and I have the Judges Tarot," she said, replying to Jordan's question. Samantha then reached over to grab the goblet that was on the table in front of her. Instantly pain shot through her hand and in response, her hand recoiled back to her. Looking down, she realized she had used her injured arm. "As you can see, I'm a bit on the injured side at the moment,"  She said while showing off her bandaged left arm.

 

She then grabbed the goblet with her right arm and raised it in the air. “Can I get some kind of alcohol to drink over here?” She asked out loud to the nearest servant

[0PxPz0]

"So, you're finally coming to escort me to dinner? such a gentleman Devil, innocent you are not but your etiquette is on point." The man wore a hooded robe covering most of his face, his room had the curtains drawn to extinguish any form of light, while his age could not be distinguished he appeared to be in his early thirties, similar to Zaddicus whom had just entered the room. "Actually I have to return to my guests that were on time, I've simply come to let you know that on your way to the dinning hall there are two more guests I'd like you to pick up, the door should be unlocked." as he turned the hooded figure smirked "You want me to judge him don't you? After all you could have easily gone right to the room instead of detouring here." he put his finger to his temple as if in thought. "I'll do it, not for you though, I'm interested in seeing what guilt he bears." the figure stepped towards the door and pulled out his glowing tarot. "If I find him guilty I want to play with him later, if you interfere you'll face what you deserve." of all the tarot holders this was the only one Zaddicus was cautious about, Ezekiel the Judge, the first to find his Tarot and arrive at the castle as well as the only one to tap into it's powers over fate. "Very well but please make it to the meeting, phase two is taking longer than anticipated and we're running out of time." As he took of towards Astra's room he left an echo behind, a final remark to intimidate Zaddicus further "On the contrary Devil, you are, I have all the time in the world."

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

"So I guess we're finally going to be able to ask Lord Zaddicus about these Tarots, this is going to be awesome!" Milleno and Astra had been going over the invitation in shock and disbelief for the past half hour or so while the others had been arriving at the dinning hall, unsure of what they were suppose to do despite the obvious instructions "I guess." Astra wasn't as sure about this feast as his new friend, while he believed Zaddicus would help him he still wasn't quite sure of how "Maybe he can use these Tarot things to find Addy?" he thought, clutching the stuffed dog spirit in his arms when a strange hooded man entered the room holding his own glowing tablet in the air "Hello gentlemen, Lord Zaddicus has sent me to escort you to the dinning hall to ensure your arrival. before we go I request you look at me Tarot as it's easier than forcing you." both took only the quickest glance as the glowing intensified within all three summoners tablets then abruptly ceased all together "You, Milleno, Strength, Innocent for now." the stranger quickly turned his head towards Astra and grinned sinisterly "You on the other hand, Astra, The Star, are much more complicated at the moment, not guilty but clearly not innocent. Perhaps when you know more so will I." he left the room and with only a simple command Astra and Milleno were compelled to follow "Come along now boys, we best not keep The Devil waiting." it wasn't long before the three remaining summoners along with their host arrived and everyone was seated, Ezekiel took his seat three spaces away from Milleno and four away from Zaddicus in the seat labeled The Just Tarot. Astra stared at the girl between him and Zaddicus, the girl that held The Towering Tarot. He had no idea if he was suppose to introduce himself or ignore her before their host clinked his goblet and stood from the head of the table "Thank you all for coming, I am humbled by the presence of such worthy allies, now then as the servants bring out the delicious meal I promised why not go around the table and introduce ourselves hmm? starting with, of course, The Fool." Astra looked at the man Zaddicus had motioned towards, a quivering fearful clown whose soft voice barely carried across the room "Well, Lord Zaddicus, I'm Coryn Bezrios, obviously I have The Foolish Tarot and well, I'm very grateful to be here thank you." the last words were spoken quickly as he desperately returned to his seat in embarrassment "Wonderful as always Curyn, now that you've let everyone know a bit about yourself why not show off that tablet of yours?" Astra noticed that it seemed more like a command than a request as the jester pulled out his Tarot and whispered something into the stone causing it to burst into confetti while a man dressed in similar attire to the spirits controller appeared behind him, miming everything the nervous man did like some cruel mirror. "Next let's have The Magician and I'm sure you get the order after that." Zaddicus said, unimpressed by The Foolish Tarot humiliating it's master.

 

[spoiler=OOC] for the time being I'll be taking the role of Milleno as PopularWannabe has not responded and we should really move the plot along 

[Yuya-Kun]

Dazon walked from the hall into the great big dining room. The table was laid out and their was chairs all around, Dazon looked for his tarot, The Moon, and was surprised to find it quite far away. He sat down and looked around the table. It was a miss-match of people, a woman with silver hair and eye-patch, the man he'd seen a long time ago.... Kassyl was his name. He then pulled out his pouch and stared at his tablet. "Finally, answers!" He told himself entusiastically. "Hey, mind if i can get a goblet of wine?" He called to a servant.

[)e//!s0P]

Jordan was surprised by Samantha, but not by the new male. They both called out for liquor. " Well, who are ya, tarot holder? I'm trying to learn everybody's names." She paused. The person was very interesting looking, kind of ruggedly handsome. 'This better break the ice of this table,' She thought just as Zaddicus came through the door. Her heart leapt at the thought. He was the most incredible person he had ever heard about and saw. She had once heard about his drink, demon's blood. 'No stop it' her mind had said. 'Focus on the task at hand. It's time for some answers'.

[ChampionZero]

"So... mind telling me where we're going? We've been walking for quite a while now. Maybe your name while we're at it? Unless you want me to call you Random nameless Zombie."

 

Amaranth cranked his neck around to look at Simon. "OH~! Sorry, I didn't see you there! Howdy! My name's Amaranth! It's nice to meet'cha in person! I'm no fan of the written word, if my ah, brief response to your letter didn't tip you off." He winks. "Golly! That magician fella disappeared fast, so I'm glad to have a little company! I'm just going to make my rounds through some of ol' Zaddicus' cities before I pay him a visit! See the sights, you know?" He giggles.

 

"But I sure hope that the next town is a wee bit more hospitable."

[Mochi]

The zombie turned to look at Simon. "OH~! Sorry, I didn't see you there! Howdy! My name's Amaranth! It's nice to meet'cha in person! I'm no fan of the written word, if my ah, brief response to your letter didn't tip you off." Fair enough. Amaranth winked before continueing to speak. "Golly! That magician fella disappeared fast, so I'm glad to have a little company! I'm just going to make my rounds through some of ol' Zaddicus' cities before I pay him a visit! See the sights, you know?"

 

Zaddicus? Simon was a sort of traveler, so he didn't really know this noble. If anything he tried his best to avoid nobles, mostly because they saw him with a rope around his neck. Simon didn't really pay attention to the last bit the zombie said, neither did he care, but he was curious. "I have a two questions. One, who's Zaddicus again? Two, what can you tell me about the Tarrot tablets?"

[TheVanguard]

"Next let's have The Magician and I'm sure you get the order after that."

 

Kassyl grinned. Showtime. "Of course. but I feel as though I need little further introduction to most of you. I am Kassyl, wandering entertainer and holder of The Magical Tarot."

 

He pulled the glowing tablet from his cape, grateful he could feel the soft energy emanating from it to save him from being the fool in not being able to find it. "As for introductions of my tablet..."

Kassyl realised he had no clue how this tablet really worked, just that it probably did something impressive when summoned and hopefully wouldn't backfire as his new friend's had.

 

"Come on out!" 

At first it appeared nothing had happened, but then he saw it and started to giggle. Standing precariously balanced atop the high backboard of Zaddicus' throne stood another magician, appearing to be Kassyl but with his costume colours inverted,resulting in a figure covered in a white coat with a mop of raven hair, as if to be a dark mockery of its summoner. Kassyl would have found it disturbing were it not for the fact that the spirit was clearly having too much fun making a fool of the emperor. Seeing his work had been done he dispelled the spirit but made a minor note to avoid letting it come out again lest something worse happen.

 

"A round of applause for my beautiful assistant there please. Who's next?"

[0PxPz0]

 

"A round of applause for my beautiful assistant there please. Who's next?" Zaddicus clapped sarcastically, not allowing his composure to be broken so easily by a mere spirit "Next is my loyal soldier I believe, as well as the first course." he spoke as if this was a threat. "Of course my lord." the large man stood and spoke with a booming voice carrying across the entire room as servants rushed out with trays of what looked like some form of roast. "I do hope you enjoy it, it's a specialty among local butchers." Zaddicus said, taking a slice for himself and eating a small bite to ensure it was both delicious and unpoisoned "Continue Wardell." the soldier pulled out his Tarot in preparation and began "Yes Lord Zaddicus, as some of you know I am Wardell Sutton, holder of The Emperor." he revealed the glowing tablet and called out in a powerful voice "Imperial right demands your summon!" with that the tablet faded and an intimidating warrior dressed in the robes of a king, complete with a crown, appeared on Wardells right "I am The Emperor, dictated by logic." the spirit, easily taller than Wardell by two feet, sounded like a mix of a wise monk and a ruthless dictator, much like the host of this evenings feast. Wardell saluted Zaddicus before returning to his seat. "Guess I'm next then?"

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

Astra watched Excitedly as Milleno stood, happy to no longer be looking at the giant standing next to the soldier as well as to final get something to eat "Guess I'm next then?" Milleno stretched as he stood, amazing Astra with how casual he was treating the moment "I'm Milleno Zecher, I've got Strength Zaddicus sir." he said, staring at the emperor. Milleno merely mouthed the word "strength" while holding the tablet and it crumbled, replaced with a strange red lion that purred and nuzzled it's controller "Cool it's a Lion!" Astra giggled at the docile beast "It's like Lupus kind of." he thought, not noticing the stuffed dog running under the table to play with the new spirit while he tried to gnaw off a chunk of the meat on his plate. Milleno pet the cat then pointed to the hooded guy that had brought him and Astra to the dinning hall "Your turn next right?" the hooded man stood, a sinister grin on his face, Astra watched Lord Zaddicus stare intently at this man, differnt then how he looked at anyone else. "Indeed I am. The name's Ezekiel, I command the power of Justice." his pulled the tablet out of his robes and threw it to the ground causing a blind folded woman wielding a sword to appear "As you can see Justice is blind, forgive the bad joke and move on please, Lord Zaddicus I believe it's your turn?" as the man sat back down Astra turned to look at the man sitting at the head of the table hoping to see whatever amazing power he commanded. "Actually Ezekiel I'd prefer my guests introduce themselves before I do as I'm sure it's boring to hear about me, for now The Tower will go." Astra stared up at the woman between him and Zaddicus as the next dish came out, some type of soup with bread made fresh in the palace kitchen which Astra almost immediatley became more interested in.

[)e//!s0P]

"Actually Ezekiel I'd prefer my guests introduce themselves before I do as I'm sure it's boring to hear about me, for now The Tower will go." Jordan could barely contain her excitement. The great lord Zaddicus, addressing her? She spoke out loud and proud. "Hello, my Lord, I am Jordan Carter, owner of the Towering Tarot and a humble soldier in your army. Here is my tower." She pulled out of her side pouch her tarot and held it up. A small version of her tower appeared. It was made of marble, finely etched to perfection. She remembered the first time she had summoned it other than for battle. She had even been inside. But what was weird was where normally it was her battalion's flag, it had Zaddicus's flag. 'Does Zaddicus has some connection to my tower?' She decided to keep it to herself. "So, my lord, who is up next?"

[0PxPz0]

"I believe it's our youngest friend." Astra looked up, a mouthful of bread muffling him "Mmm?" Zaddicus was, not exactly smiling but his eyes told Astra he would have been if no one else was there. the young boy swallowed before standing up, nervous about all the people he clapped to call Lupus away from his playmate for comfort "Umm, I'm Astra Yūutsu and this ones mine." the shy boy covered his blushing face with his scarf as he pulled out his glowing tablet, with a burst of light it was gone and replaced with a cluster of seven stars over his head, each whispering in a different voice, the same voices that told him what to do in his duel against that soldier, the voices that told him their name "Astra!" "Astra." What's happening?" "The others are here!" "Is Wheel here Astra?" "Wheel is with Hang Man." "That's to bad, Wheel is way more fun." Astra was confused by what they said but the voices were somehow comforting "Astra! tell the guy with Moon it's his turn!" "The Moon is next right?" he finally said, removing his scarf from his mouth.

[Yuya-Kun]

"The Moon is next right?" Dazon heard the words but didn't put them in sentences. "hm, Oh, Hello, my name is Dazon Karlo, the King of a kingdom named Corona." He grabbed the moon and threw it, and watched as a glowing light burst through the room. "I am the holder of the Moon Tarot!" As the moon shone down, something started to change in Dazon. A glowing red light appeared in his eyes. Suddenly it all made sense, The words of the fortune teller, the power of the Gate King, it all made sense. The Hope he would bring could change the course of the world. His hair grew and started to transition to white. A red aura appeared around him, he bent on his knees, trying to force back the transformation. The moon started to glow harder, and the room was engulfed in white. When the light faded, Dazon stood with a savage look. His mouth in a wide toothed grin. "Don't Mind me...... who's next?" He smirked.

[The Frost King]

 

Samantha was already a bit drunk and barely heard what the other tarot holders had said or done. She didn’t even notice how differently Dazon now looked. Finally, Samantha removed her attention from the alcohol and looked around. She had the feeling it was her turn to speak. “Oh hi, I’m Samantha and I own the Judge tarot,” she said in a voice that clearly showed that she was drunk. “I don’t really do much, besides gamble, drink and steal,” she then picked up her goblet and took a slow sip out of it before continuing. “So yah,” she then reached into her pocket and pulled out the Judge tarot. She then held the tarot above her head and a bright light appeared. After the light faded, an angel with blond hair and wings was floating just above Samantha. The angel then floated down until it was standing right beside Samantha. Looking at Samantha, the angel shook his head disapprovingly as she took another drink of her alcohol. “Is there anybody else who is going to introduce themselves or are we done with the introductions?” Samantha said sounding even drunk than she previously did. 

[0PxPz0]

Zaddicus slammed his empty goblet on the table "Wonderful everyone, now let's get down to business shall we? First, the reason i brought you here." Zaddicus pulled out his own tarot, finally revealing it to the other holders "You must all be incredibly interested to see this so I won't delay. I summon the darkest of the soul, The Demonic Tarot!" the tablet shook before exploding into a black mist that quickly formed the strange goat man Zaddicus was familiar with. "Finally ready to do this are we? Alright then." the spirit turned to the group seated at the table "So here's the deal, each of you were chosen by one of us, yes that includes this guy." he gestured towards the man at the head of the table. "The thing is there's danger coming, the apocalyptic kind, unfortunately your host won't let me tell you what it is just yet but I can tell you it's all his fault and he expects you to fix it." "That's enough." Zaddicus interrupted the demon and returned it to it's tablet "I understand you may not wish to help me but keep in mind this event will destroy everything you know, not just this kingdom. If your all still interested we'll have dessert then go right to the battles to see which of you are the strongest."

[ChampionZero]

Amaranth burst into a bout of vicious, uncontrollable, cackling laughter. "Who's Zaddicus? He's the king of Predrealia silly! Not that he's a good one, but he did conquer the place pretty fast." He produced a blazing cube from his trail of purple flame. "I actually have no clue what these "Tarots" are about, but if there are more... Zaddicus seems to have left this one in my village, as a reminder of what he did to me. A last, mocking allusion to his utter destruction of all I stood for." He growls, the flames in his wake flaring suddenly.

 

He smiles again, his scarred and mangled face deforming it into a lopsided grin. "The Hanged Man. I guess it's symbolic of myself: hanged as an opposition to his rule. Well now he's going to find out what true opposition looks like..."

[Mochi]

Ouch, This Zadicus seemed like someone Simon would not want to come across. So, Simon now knew three things, one, Amaranth at one time used to be human before Zaddicus came to his village, two, if anyone knew what the tarrots were, it would be Zaddicus himself, and three, Amaranth hated Zadicus with a litteral burning passion. "I see..." Then a thought occured to him, these Tablets, though incantations, doubled as summoning tablets. Simon took out his tablet, The Fortunate Tarrot, he guessed it meant he was lucky he found it. "Do you mind if i see this "Hanged man"? I'll show you my tarrot if you show me yours."

[TheVanguard]

Kassyl was the first to speak up, finishing a mouthful of the most wonderful something he was just given. "Okay... thank you Mister Goat"

He grinned as all eyes turned to him once more, some kinder than others.

 

"But how are we supposed to trust you when you won't even tell us what we're meant to stop. How would we even stop something when we don't know what it is? It wouldn't happen to be our... friend... from Redwater would it?"

 

Kassyl slid his chair back and rested his feet up on the table casually, if oblivion was coming and the emperor was desperate enough to deal with the literal devil then Kassyl might as well have some fun.

"I'm staying for dessert but if I'm working for you then I need full transparency. No more mysteries. If knowledge is power then you're leaving us weaker than paper." He pulled a piece of paper from within his cape and ripped it to accentuate his point, failing to notice the message written on it from the Mokey Mokey that delivered it earlier.

 

"You need to tell us what we're up against, how to stop it, why it's your fault and what this fashionable blue mist is."

[0PxPz0]

Zaddicus grinned,he had him in the palms of his hand. "Of course, I did forget to mention that didn't I? I'm sure some of you were very confused as to the nature of this smoke, it's a very powerful spell I've created as a precaution against that friend you mentioned. I call it Sparing grounds, it's effect is so unique I'm not sure if it will even last let alone if it can be duplicated. this spell prevents actual harm through spirits while still allowing a friendly match, say what you will about me but I protect as much of this land as I can. As for that other holder you spoke of, The Hanged Man, he may be related, it's possible he's the catalyst to this event, he may also be a different unrelated destructive force, Destiny is fickle that way isn't it?" he was playing coy and making sure they all understood, he was going to give them answers but on his own terms. "Now then I'll take any more questions you have while dessert is served as it's very important you understand what we're dealing with but there are some things you aren't ready to know just yet. That being said this dessert is very dear to me, it's a type of honey cake from Culcheth, most of the best things are foreign after all." Zaddicus watched the child to his left as the individual plates of the sweet delicacy were brought out, waiting for a reaction when to his surprise he raised his hand "Yes, Astra?"

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

"Did you hear that Astra?" "Did you?" "The way he said "Destiny" was weird right?" "I wish we could tell you stuff directly Astra." "Don't forget why you came, you have to ask him something right?" the seven stars floating over him shone in time with their voices in Astra's head. "He did say we could ask questions . . ." Astra raised his hand as a plate with a the dessert Zaddicus had mentioned was placed before him. "Yes, Astra?" he said it like a question. "Mister Zaddicus, sir, I was wondering . . . if we help you'll give us anything we want right?" Astra was nervous, his heart beat rising as the man stared at him in a state of confusion and curiosity "Yes, whether that be joining my elites, some form of monetary payment, or simply access to restricted areas where more powerful spirits live, whatever you want will be assured once this crisis is averted." his tone was calm and somehow reassuring "I was hoping, if you can that is, that you could help me find my brother." Astra blushed and hid behind his scarf the second he said it, shyly peaking out to try the strange pastry, it instantly calmed him. "Of course, I did say anything after all and despite what most of you believe I am a man of my word." Astra gave a small smile and thought to himself "Addy, I just have to help then I can find you."

[)e//!s0P]

"I understand you may not wish to help me but keep in mind this event will destroy everything you know, not just this kingdom. If your all still interested we'll have dessert then go right to the battles to see which of you are the strongest." Jordan's mouth practically fell off. Battles, in a room filled to the brim with wild cards. That's like an impossible riddle, hard to understand, and impossible to answer. She raised her hand. "Umm, Lord, if I may ask, what type of battles are you speaking of?" She felt sweat drip from her throat. " Also, just like Astra, I have a condition. It is a choice for you between 2 options. The first is for help discovering the fate of my Father, where ever he is. And Option 2? Well, I would like to speak about it privately."

[0PxPz0]

A Tournament to Tip the Scales

"Also, just like Astra, I have a condition. It is a choice for you between 2 options. The first is for help discovering the fate of my Father, where ever he is. And Option 2? Well, I would like to speak about it privately." Zaddicus turned to the girl "As I said, anything you wish." he paused as he looked around the table "The battle I thought was rather obvious, you will all compete in a tournament of sorts so that I may judge your dueling skills and determine the best use for you in up coming missions." the emperor rung his bell shortly after which a maid appeared and handed him a scroll "Now, the matches of the first round I've had the chance to consider ahead of time due to a bit of help. Going against each other in the first round is Kassyl versus Coryn, a rather entertaining pair we all can agree, Jordan, you will be against Milleno, not exactly what I hoped for but it's feasible, Samantha, you have quite the foe, you will duel Ezekiel, and finally Astra will face Lord Dazon, quite an honor for the child I must say. as for you Wardell" the soldier stood and saluted "Due to your high standings in my forces you will be excused for the time being, I have a task you must perform." Wardell silently returned to his seat "Should there be no more questions I will see most of you at the dueling area in the main pavilion." Zaddicus quickly left the hall, gesturing for Wardell to follow. The man simply bowed to the other guests and left without a word.

[Yuya-Kun]

Dazon chilled when he heard his name not being called. "Phew, at least i have time to wait." Saying this his transformation stopped, and he reverted to his original state. Dazon smiled when he heard that Astra would battle Himself. "A duel between a child?" He thought. "How amusing." As he said this, he pulled out his box and looked through his tablets. "Jokudan, Gaia.... I'm afraid. If the fortune teller was telling the truth, if i use you guys, i could bring the destrucition of our world. But if i don't, what if i lose, Zadicus will never need me." He told himself. Torn between his decision, he turned and drank from his goblet. 

[The Frost King]

 

Samantha paid as much attention as a person who was half-drunk could whenever Zaddicus spoke. She was not interested in most of the stuff he said, until he mentioned that they could have whatever they want. So many things popped into Samantha's mind when she thought of all the stuff she could ask for. After Zaddicus had told them who would be fighting who, Samantha looked at Ezekiel. So, I'm going against Mr. Justice, Samantha thought. "Hey Zaddicus," Samantha said out loud , "I'm going to write a long list of all the things I would like to get, since you said we can have whatever we wish." Then looking over at Ezekiel, Samantha had an evil smirk. "And Ezekiel, I hope that luck is on your side because if it is not, your going to lose."

[TheVanguard]

As soon as Zaddicus left the hall Kassyl wasted no time in addressing the remaining crowd, outraged with the nerve the emperor had to deny such important information.

"You must all be mad. He's sending us on a suicide mission completely blind and you're all okay with that?"

He put his feet down and sighed deeply. He looked to the door, then to everyone else in the room.

"Are you forgetting who... what this man is? He didn't make it this far up the pecking order by being the kind of guy who leaves his underlings alive as soon once they stop being useful. He's made a deal with the actual devil, you must see something wrong with this."

Kassyl could feel the disdain emanating from some other people around the table, remembering that some of them were in fact okay with the atrocities the emperor had committed. He took a breath and steadied himself.

 

"But he's really twisting my arm here." He reached out and contorted his arm with all the flexibility of an elephant made of rubber.

"A duel for an audience as... varied as this is an offer too good to refuse. Coryn, if you're joining me I'll see you in the pavilion momentarily."

He addressed the table as a whole for that last bit, realising he didn't actually remember which one Coryn was despite hearing the name at least twice.

 

He bowed to his new friends and left through the kitchen door. The best meal he'd eaten in 2 years deserved some praise, he hoped a profuse thanking of the staff and a few tricks would suffice... Also because he didn't know how to get to the main pavilion.