Betrayal at knife point

[Ress]

Resplendant water, 10


*Ress stood a hundred feet from the massive structure before him, of which the map in his main manse marked as "The armory", his bow in hand as his blue and white silken imperial garments flowed in the breeze. On preternaturally graceful steps, the regal emperor made it to the mouth of the armory, looking about at the cracked and claw ridden scraps of mason stone of which he suspected was the door long ago. With slight trepidation, he took a single step closer, before a gout of hot air shot from the inner darkness of the armory. Stopping cold in his tracks, the emperor masked his fear and spoke to the dark entrance* " I am Emperor Ress of this great Empire of Imperveress... I will have to ask you to stand down, denizen of the armory" * Ress's voice rang out like a firm, kind commanding bell which betrayed a will of iron* "So.. you have returned, ancient master.. after so long? How troubling...There was a time when I would have welcomed you here.. but you are weak and pathetic, and I have become great and powerful over the hundreds of years... this armory and all within it are mine... and "Imperveress" as you call it, will have to go on without it.. or you may enter.. and see one final time, what it is I look like.... that is your one and only warning, Solar" * Two huge glowing blue eyes could be seen within the darkness, causing Ress to cry out in terror within himself.. but his exterior was unwaivering.. a majestic reborn solar to all who would look upon him* "Very well, beast.. count your days.. because I will be back. and all your treasures will once more belong to me * he turnned quickly, causing his imperial robes to flair out around him as he walked, his bow disappearing in a flash of sunlight* I'll be back..... and with allies...... we will burn away the darkness you hide within, beast... I promise it....

[Ress]

Ascending wood, 4



* Ress returned to the giant building called "The Armory". He stood in front of the ruined door, taking note once more at the deep claw marks. Ress took a deep breath before taking another step forward. He heard the sound of heavy, yet precise claws scuttling, and within moments.. the blue eyes were back and staring down at Ress* "So... the diminutive Emperor has returned to confront me in my own lair.... You are brave.. just as I remembered you, but beware... Ress. Take one step forward... and I will be forced to devour you" " Thank you, former ally..... I have come to talk with you... many hundreds of years ago, you and I worked together, but at the time, I was far stronger than you.... but now... the tables have tunned. There was a time I called you friend.. and I have returned to do the same, my ancient ally. There is no reason for the two of us to fight. If anything... we should be working together to return creation to the glorious golden age. Old friend.. there are many secrets to these lands... there is much you can teach me... and do not thing I will simply take.. there is much I can and will do for you, my once loyal friend... please... think it over. there is no reason for us to fight. If I remember correctly.. you have always been a reasonable being.. now then... what do you say?" * Ress' heart beat fast and heavy in his chest, the fear he had for this beating growing within him as the moments passed. he truly believed that himself and the beast could find a harmonious middle ground... though on the outside.. he was that same calm, collected Emperor that everyone knew* * the Beast's eyes changed color.. going from blue, to a muddy red brown, changing slightly in shape.. and dramatically in intention*" Master?.. That really is you, isn't it?... it has been so long... I am sorry.. I hid when they came. But you have returned.... but this is not a safe place to be, Master. you must be..." * The muddy color began turning blue once more and the thing began to thrash in the darkness* its taking over again, Master!.. Please, Help me!.. don't let it take me again!!" * The blue eyes once more engulfed the brown, calming the beast, yet making it strangely angry, as one could see in the narrowing in its eyes* " Friend?! You dare call me friend?!?! The monster that hunted me down was no friend of mine.. the depraved creature that lusted after the children of his empire? That same "lord" who turned droves of his own people into food to make an example of what might happen if he were displeased? You are no friend of mine, you reincarnation of an intemperate beast... you shall never have the first age treasure that I guard within this armory.. they are mine and mine alone... and you will only get them over my cold dead body.. good day, prince of sin" * the eyes disappeared as the beast turned its back to Ress and walked back into the depths of the armory * Ress blinked... mulling over what had happened, then nods as he turned away, walking back where he came* " alright old friend... I will be back to save you... and dispose of the beast.... just hold on... this may take some time... "* he nodded again as he tossed his hair over his shoulder, wondering to himself... how he could help his ancient friend* ( 20 successes to convince the beast to help, 5 successes to discern motivation)