Island The Azure City, Chongqing

[Einsauer]

He advanced forward and kicked open the main door.

- « Mina ! Mina ! » yelled the Skypiean « Bring me to the Prisoners » finished Shaarib.

Doors fell open and the sound of rain hitting stone clarified to those within the embassy-

The green-haired woman rose to attention as Shaarib blasted into the marine embassy. Her hand was brought to her forehead in a hasty salute before she gestured to an open hall in which the majority of the Azure City guards were being held, most of which were still unconscious.
"They're right here, Vice-Admiral, sir! Their weapons have been locked away for the time being." She responded. "What's the plan?" She was ignorant to Shaarib's intentions.

General Lu Zhaoxun, now awake at the end of the hall, rose his head to the sound of the doors being kicked open. The general's mouth was gagged with a long piece of fabric. He bit down on the rag as he heard Shaarib's voice. His hands shuffled behind his back, but it would take more time than he had to free himself.

...

Genjo Stein was first to reach the top of the epic flight of stone stairs. The dwarf looked to the two palace guards stationed at the opened up doors.
The little man bowed, a gesture that at his size, it may not have even been noticeable.
"We, representatives for the World Government, arrive to heed the call of the mighty emperor." Genjo Stein said respectfully. "Please give my comrades time to reach us."

The emperor awaited inside, guards stationed only outside the doors to the audience chamber, he seemed not to have need for protection- only guards to prevent unnecessary disturbances. The powerful man breathed in deeply as another beat of the gong resonated, he felt the vibrations deep within him. The emperor was one with Chongqing, the gong was akin to a second heart for Dai Yuanjun.
He could feel the arrival of the marines, without seeing them. He knew his guests were arriving.

Much explanation was needed from these marines.

@Emperor Cross

Edit: lol thank you Future Cross, yes. I meant Stein.

 

[Emperor Cross]

The green-haired woman rose to attention as Shaarib blasted into the marine embassy. Her hand was brought to her forehead in a hasty salute before she gestured to an open hall in which the majority of the Azure City guards were being held, most of which were still unconscious.
"They're right here, Vice-Admiral, sir! Their weapons have been locked away for the time being." She responded. "What's the plan?" She was ignorant to Shaarib's intentions.

General Lu Zhaoxun, now awake at the end of the hall, rose his head to the sound of the doors being kicked open. The general's mouth was gagged with a long piece of fabric. He bit down on the rag as he heard Shaarib's voice. His hands shuffled behind his back, but it would take more time than he had to free himself.

Shaarib's lips thinned. What was the plan ? He didn't have an answer, to be honest. He knew what he was going to do for the next minutes but could he express it ? Mina, like her commander was the good kind, they were nice and easy to live with. He needed to keep her away from the bloodshed. She would never forgive herself for this.

- " Thank You" He waved his hands towards the welcome desk " I think it would better if you return to your desk now soldier."

The Vice-Admira penetrated into the hall, eyes focused on on Lu Zhaoxun. The poor general had lost his splendor without his armor and weapons. They had gagged him, but from the displeased look he had when he was the Birdman. Shaarib knew he was preparing something. The marine walked to the prisoner and threw him on his stomach.

- "Ma, ma.." began Shaarib with a childish voice, as he saw the work the man did on his restraints. " Where you planning an escape, Sir ?" continued Shaarib while he sat on the man's back. "You are regretting your decision isn't ? " as he poked the neck of the general " You overestimated your worth" another poke " You...had...to...force...my....hand..right ?" continued SHaarib, poking the neck at each pause. "You got knocked-out without ever seeing it coming, and now you are going to have the blood of all those soldiers on your hands general." finished the birdman as his fingers suddenly were coated in haki. He took the gag off the man's mouth and spoke "Why should I keep y'all alive matey ?"
----

Genjo was first to reach the top of the epic flight of stone stairs. The dwarf looked to the two palace guards stationed at the opened up doors.
The little man bowed, a gesture that at his size, it may not have even been noticeable.
"We, representatives for the World Government, arrive to heed the call of the mighty emperor." Genjo said respectfully. "Please give my comrades time to reach us."

The emperor awaited inside, guards stationed only outside the doors to the audience chamber, he seemed not to have need for protection- only guards to prevent unnecessary disturbances. The powerful man breathed in deeply as another beat of the gong resonated, he felt the vibrations deep within him. The emperor was one with Chongqing, the gong was akin to a second heart for Dai Yuanjun.
He could feel the arrival of the marines, without seeing them. He knew his guests were arriving.

Much explanation was needed from these marines.

OOC: Stein right ?
The footsteps of men echoed through the gigantic hall, their shoes or boots clicking at repeated measures. The air was thick with tension but they still were able to watch and admire the old tapestries. The hall stretched before them, a testament to the King's will to intimidate them.

The fate of their adventure, reposed on one thing and one thing only, it reposed on their meeting with the man behind that freaking tall door. The soldier leading them was prepared to face whatever awaited. It was time for Hajib to meet the King and decide if their country was worth recruiting into the World Government.

 

[Einsauer]

- " Thank You" He waved his hands towards the welcome desk " I think it would better if you return to your desk now soldier."

Mina's lip tightened as well in response, the woman may be often sleep-deprived (and perhaps a little neurotic), but she was no fool. She knew immediately what her superior officer intended to do with the Chongqing general- Quietly, she swallowed a bit and stepped away and turned her head after a salute. To kill the general of the Azure Army would certainly destabilize the country, but to spill his blood within the World Government's embassy was risky.

- "Ma, ma.." began Shaarib with a childish voice, as he saw the work the man did on his restraints. " Where you planning an escape, Sir ?" continued Shaarib while he sat on the man's back. "You are regretting your decision isn't ? " as he poked the neck of the general " You overestimated your worth" another poke " You...had...to...force...my....hand..right ?" continued SHaarib, poking the neck at each pause. "You got knocked-out without ever seeing it coming, and now you are going to have the blood of all those soldiers on your hands general." finished the birdman as his fingers suddenly were coated in haki.

The general was quiet throughout the short interrogation, not granting Shaarib the satisfaction of hearing him grunt in disgust or discomfort. He merely looked into the tile floor that he was pressed against as the Vice-Admiral gloated over and threatened him. A cold-burning fire of hatred alight in his dark eyes.

He took the gag off the man's mouth and spoke "Why should I keep y'all alive matey ?"

Without hesitation, the subdued general responded bluntly: "-You shouldn't."
With no elaboration, it was clear what the general, Lu Zhaoxun, meant- He would undoubtedly see Shaarib suffer for his crimes should he be spared. After an extended pause he spoke again though.

"But should you decide to take the heads of my men- The Emperor's men? I promise you, your fellow parasites will meet their ends." He warned confidently. "Your grave mistake will be unearthed regardless, exterminating soldiers will merely assure the complete annihilation of your pathetic troupe of thugs."

The general fell silent once more, it was clear he was only interested in his men being spared. Lu Zhaoxun would never beg to Shaarib for his own life; his honor as not only a man, but the general of the great Azure Army, would never allow for sure a thing. His men watched on from the sides of the hallway, anxious sweat beaded down their faces as they watched what seemed to be a prelude to a political execution. A charged silence hung in the air, amplifying the suspense that already enveloped the room.

...

The footsteps of men echoed through the gigantic hall, their shoes or boots clicking at repeated measures. The air was thick with tension but they still were able to watch and admire the old tapestries. The hall stretched before them, a testament to the King's will to intimidate them.

The group of men approached the great set of doors, the two guards on either side of the entrance wordlessly pulled the two doors open for the visitors of the palace. Stretched before them was an elegantly crafted throne room with a second story arcing across the room. In the center of the room, bottom of the small flight stairs behind him, stood a mighty man.

Without preamble, the emperor stood right in their line of sight, his throne sat empty atop the climb of stairs. The Emperor of Chongqing needed not posture to a group of World Government soldiers. His almond shaped eyes traced over the group with a sense of skepticism, accented with a furrowed brow slapped across his deeply tanned face.

The emperor awaited to be addressed properly by the party of marines. His hand rested casually on the hilt of his mighty katana. A perceptive eye would see he didn't foresee a need to use his weapon, simply that he always carried it with his attire. Stein bowed in the presence of the man.
"O Mighty Emperor of Azure-" Commander Stein said, still bowing. "-We humbly answer your call."

The emperor seemed to find the greeting satisfactory and looked over the group. "Which of you-- is Shaarib Hassan?" His voice carried a feeling of mystery and grit. Not overly deep, merely a voice used well over a lifetime. No doubt the voice of a ruler.

@Emperor Cross

 

[Emperor Cross]

"But should you decide to take the heads of my men- The Emperor's men? I promise you, your fellow parasites will meet their ends." He warned confidently. "Your grave mistake will be unearthed regardless, exterminating soldiers will merely assure the complete annihilation of your pathetic troupe of thugs."

Shaarib ticked on a word : unearthed. How would they ever know he killed and burned the Azure soldiers ? Even if they learned about it, there was no way the truth would be known before they left the island. Shaarib was sure of it... He could swipe his fingers on Lu Zhaoxun's throat and end his life. The simpleton was an horrible guy, acting tall and mighty but he wasn't an idiot. Yes he had overestimated his strength against Shaarib but he had spoken with too much confidence for it to be a bluff.

The Vice-Admiral thought about the situation for a minute, he wasn't afraid of the Emperor and his forces but he wasn't alone. He palmed the General's head with his hand and crushed it into the floor, hoping to knock him out. The Vice-Admiral got up, redid the restraint and spoke to the prisoners :

- "Aight... I'm going to change, it won't take more than 10 minutes. Then, we will all go to that stupid castle of yours. I swear to the goddess, if any of y'all try to act stupid, I will kill y'all " the Skypiean walked back to his room without a care. They knew how strong he was; if not, his smell could explain it better.

It did not take long for him to wash all the blood and cut the remaining hair he had on his head. Ayol had already prepared a suit for him. She had even ditched his sandals and puffed coat for a pair of mocassins and a more formal Marine Coat. Shaarib was surprised that they decided to go for the army look. Hajib had wanted them to be friendly and to cause any problems. Shaarib wore his attire and refused to add any medals to it. He wasn't pompous.

He immediately went to the hall, lifted the General by the clothes on his back, and ran to the exit. The birdman did not want any of the blood to soil his clothes. He threw the General far in the air, changed into a bird and caught him with his claws. It was time to meet the Emperor.

---

On the other side, things were not so easy.

The emperor awaited to be addressed properly by the party of marines. His hand rested casually on the hilt of his mighty katana. A perceptive eye would see he didn't foresee a need to use his weapon, simply that he always carried it with his attire. Stein bowed in the presence of the man.
"O Mighty Emperor of Azure-" Commander Stein said, still bowing. "-We humbly answer your call."

The emperor seemed to find the greeting satisfactory and looked over the group. "Which of you-- is Shaarib Hassan?" His voice carried a feeling of mystery and grit. Not overly deep, merely a voice used well over a lifetime. No doubt the voice of a ruler.

The Emperor was tall and mighty. he had an aura around him that intimidated most of the soldiers. Hajib couldn't care less; he had seen firsthand how strong Roger and Whitebeard were. Nothing could ever top that for him. Following Stein, he had decided to bow. But the Emperor of Chongqing interrupted them and asked for one thing: his grandchild.

- "Your Highness.... Shaarib Hassan is not present. I am Hajib Hassan, and I humbly answer your call. "

 

[Einsauer]

The Vice-Admiral thought about the situation for a minute, he wasn't afraid of the Emperor and his forces but he wasn't alone. He palmed the General's head with his hand and crushed it into the floor, hoping to knock him out. The Vice-Admiral got up, redid the restraint and spoke to the prisoners :

- "Aight... I'm going to change, it won't take more than 10 minutes. Then, we will all go to that stupid castle of yours. I swear to the goddess, if any of y'all try to act stupid, I will kill y'all " the Skypiean walked back to his room without a care. They knew how strong he was; if not, his smell could explain it better.

The general remained quiet as Shaarib attempted to crush him into unconsciousness, only a sharp breath leaving his lungs as the pain shot down his spine. The soldiers winced at the brutish display and remained unmoving while Shaarib addressed them, retied the general and then disappeared into his room.
The general was still awake, but hardly holding onto consciousness. The marine's constant carelessness would be his own undoing, Lu Zhaoxun was certain of this. The general simply needed to shine light on the monster that hid beneath the veneer of a young marine.

It did not take long for him to wash all the blood and cut the remaining hair he had on his head. Ayol had already prepared a suit for him. She had even ditched his sandals and puffed coat for a pair of mocassins and a more formal Marine Coat. Shaarib was surprised that they decided to go for the army look. Hajib had wanted them to be friendly and to cause any problems. Shaarib wore his attire and refused to add any medals to it. He wasn't pompous.

He immediately went to the hall, lifted the General by the clothes on his back, and ran to the exit. The birdman did not want any of the blood to soil his clothes. He threw the General far in the air, changed into a bird and caught him with his claws. It was time to meet the Emperor.

The Chongqing soldiers' eyes would meet the well-dressed vice-admiral before he scooped the injured general and fled with his limp (though conscious) body. Shaarib was quick and made an effort to keep the general's blood from touching his handsome military attire, taking off into the skies, reclaiming the thrown body of the general in his talons as he ascended into the sky. Phoenix firelight would herald the vice-admiral's approach on the skyline.

...

Following Stein, he had decided to bow. But the Emperor of Chongqing interrupted them and asked for one thing: his grandchild.

- "Your Highness.... Shaarib Hassan is not present. I am Hajib Hassan, and I humbly answer your call. "

The emperor looked over Hajib and nodded in acknowledgement, seemingly still satisfied with the respectful manner of the elder Hassan.
"Mixed rumors meet these halls of the one called Shaarib. I trust you understand." Explained Emperor Dai Yuanjun. "While you are much appreciated in my home, I trust you aren't here to speak on behalf of your descendant-"
"An audience has been granted to you. I ask you to state your intentions in this, my land, The Azure City."

"And I ask; Where is Shaarib Hassan?"

@Emperor Cross

 

[Emperor Cross]

The emperor looked over Hajib and nodded in acknowledgement, seemingly still satisfied with the respectful manner of the elder Hassan.
"Mixed rumors meet these halls of the one called Shaarib. I trust you understand." Explained Emperor Dai Yuanjun. "While you are much appreciated in my home, I trust you aren't here to speak on behalf of your descendant-"
"An audience has been granted to you. I ask you to state your intentions in this, my land, The Azure City."

"And I ask; Where is Shaarib Hassan?"

Hajib's eyes widened, they were in trouble. The emperor did not care about them, nobody knew where his grandchild was and if he did not come soon enough they we-

- " I am here." said a newcomer

Shaarib came, finally. You could have deducted from the remaining blue flames around that he arrived shortly. At his side, the General, free of any restraint. Shaarib immediately took in the atmosphere, the tension was high enough that some of the soldiers were shaking in fear. The Emperor was really one of one. Shaarib couldn't mask his excitement.

Not forgetting his education, the Vice-Admiral saluted the Emperor with a bow.

- " Your highness.. Shaarib Hassan, humbly answer your call." The man straightened his back and looked directly at the emperor. "We came to Azure City to form an Alliance with your country; we came with the will to straighten the friendship between our governments. " began the Skypiean " I need to ask first for your forgiveness, I, Shaarib Hassan as a representative of the government had shown a bad image. My sense of duty and justice made me break your laws and fight the JiangshI and some of your soldiers... Despite that, I was hoping you could permit me to give you the missive from Admiral in Chief Sengoku " said Shaarib kneeling and taking out the letter he had previously refused to show to the Jaguar Mink.

 

[Einsauer]

Shaarib came, finally. You could have deducted from the remaining blue flames around that he arrived shortly. At his side, the General, free of any restraint. Shaarib immediately took in the atmosphere, the tension was high enough that some of the soldiers were shaking in fear. The Emperor was really one of one. Shaarib couldn't mask his excitement.

The crackling of phoenix fire and the shouts of soldiers met the the group in the audience chamber, before he was seen all could feel the presence of Shaarib Hassan. Soon enough in a shower of dispersing blue cinders- the young vice-admiral burst into the chamber with the general of the Azure City's army in tow. It was clear that the general had been beaten to near death at some point recently but he was awake, the general's eyes immediately fixed to his emperor: Dai Yuanjun.
The Emperor of the Azure City settled his eyes on the well-attired young man, how could he not? After Shaarib's startling entrance (followed in by a few angry guards) he was the center of the the room. The emperor's eyes then moved wordlessly to his general, the general dropping his eyeline to the floor soon after his gaze was met.

The emperor dismissed Shaarib's pursuers with a knowing wave of his hand, the men immediately bowed and exited, shutting the doors behind them. As Shaarib began addressing Dai Yuanjun, the emperor squinted as if he were in deep concentration over the vice-admiral's flowing speech.

- " Your highness.. Shaarib Hassan, humbly answer your call." The man straightened his back and looked directly at the emperor. "We came to Azure City to form an Alliance with your country; we came with the will to straighten the friendship between our governments. " began the Skypiean " I need to ask first for your forgiveness, I, Shaarib Hassan as a representative of the government had shown a bad image. My sense of duty and justice made me break your laws and fight the JiangshI and some of your soldiers... Despite that, I was hoping you could permit me to give you the missive from Admiral in Chief Sengoku " said Shaarib kneeling and taking out the letter he had previously refused to show to the Jaguar Mink.

Emperor Dai Yuanjun waited a moment, observing the kneeling soldier and his message. The ruler's gold-gilded boots began moving across the elegantly crafted floor with purpose, but at a slow and dignified pace. The gentle footsteps still effortlessly carried the weight of a gifted leader and warrior.
"You quite boldly admit to crimes, Shaarib Hassan." The emperor remarked. "Your anarchistic sense of justice is not appreciated in my home."
His knowing eyes traced the other marines, namely Stein and Hajib before settling back on the kneeling Skypiean. The emperor reached out his hand and removed the missive from Shaarib's grasp, but did not look at it and instead kept it comfortably in his grip.

"The Azure City does not need World Government vigilantes."

@Emperor Cross

 

[Emperor Cross]

"You quite boldly admit to crimes, Shaarib Hassan." The emperor remarked. "Your anarchistic sense of justice is not appreciated in my home."
His knowing eyes traced the other marines, namely Stein and Hajib before settling back on the kneeling Skypiean. The emperor reached out his hand and removed the missive from Shaarib's grasp, but did not look at it and instead kept it comfortably in his grip.

"The Azure City does not need World Government vigilantes."

Shaarib smiled, the aura around the emperor wasn't no lie. As he came to take the missive in the Vice-Admiral's hands, playful that he was, SHaarib tightened his grip just a little. The Emperor removed the letter from the Skypiean's hand gracefully and showed no sign of struggle. The emperor was strong and confident in himself. The noble spoke and SHaarib did not appreciate it. The Vice-Admiral straightened his back and spoke once again :

- "With all due respect, we did not choose to act; our hands were forced. The Jiangshi kidnaped Commander Stein and his escorts, and they decided to attack our ship; they even sank it. " The Skypiean took a glance at the dwarf. " I had to try to save them. But I presume you already know about the event that happened since we arrived here. " He paused, trying to bluff his way. " The books I read in the Temple said every Emperor knew always what was going on the Island. The spirit we freed from Song Wuji's influence, restored the temple and all the vegetation in the vicinity." He smiled even more " I will never be ashamed of my actions. I know deep down I have helped the country. " He took two steps forward" I would understand if you ask us to leave immediately, but I can't leave without arresting the Leviathan Pirates. They are attacking most of our ships without Chonqing trying to protect us from them, and my anarchistic sense of Justice can't sit still in front of this." finished Shaarib

 

[Einsauer]

- "With all due respect, we did not choose to act; our hands were forced. The Jiangshi kidnaped Commander Stein and his escorts, and they decided to attack our ship; they even sank it. " The Skypiean took a glance at the dwarf. " I had to try to save them. But I presume you already know about the event that happened since we arrived here. " He paused, trying to bluff his way. " The books I read in the Temple said every Emperor knew always what was going on the Island. The spirit we freed from Song Wuji's influence, restored the temple and all the vegetation in the vicinity." He smiled even more " I will never be ashamed of my actions. I know deep down I have helped the country. " He took two steps forward" I would understand if you ask us to leave immediately, but I can't leave without arresting the Leviathan Pirates. They are attacking most of our ships without Chonqing trying to protect us from them, and my anarchistic sense of Justice can't sit still in front of this." finished Shaarib

The emperor stroked his beard momentarily as he pondered Shaarib's words as they met his ears. He saw brief reflections of a younger version of himself as he looked at Shaarib, nevertheless:
"Criminal acts with noble intent are criminal acts-"

"I recognize the challenges we face, the threats that loom on our borders, and the need for swift and decisive action to protect my people. However, as the chosen emperor of The Azure City, I must emphasize that our rule of law is sacrosanct. It is the bedrock upon which our society stands, ensuring justice is blind, fair, and impartial." He answered in a voice that demanded attention, it seemed Shaarib would be facing punishment despite his speech.

"To allow such transgressions to go unpunished would be a betrayal to the principles that have guided us through centuries of prosperity and strength. This is not a matter of vengeance or personal disdain, but rather a solemn duty to maintain the order that has kept our empire flourishing." He took his hand from the hilt of his blade and gestured to the injured general.
"Make yourself aware, Shaarib Hassan, striking the general of my army is a crime typically worthy of beheading-" He said, with a hint in his tone that his decision may not be quite a drastic as death-penalty.

The mighty emperor turned his head down to the Tontattan marine. "And the escorts?"
The dwarf frowned and responded: "Gone- due to my failures." He said solemnly while falling to his tiny knee in shame.

The emperor nodded quietly, the grim conclusions of Bo and Yuki not being lost on him. "You ventured at night." The emperor asked in a way that answered itself immediately.
The dwarf bowed deeper, a tear falling from his eye. His shame was not that he had broken a law of a foreign country, it was that he had gotten his friends ambushed and killed.

"He holds your soldiers as political prisoners within the marine embassy, My Emperor." The general spoke up with a voice that stung in his throat. "He intended to be rid of us!"
The emperor looked over the marines for confirmation. "You come into our home to imprison us and belittle our laws?" He asked to the group, rather than just Shaarib.
It felt as if without any word, a trial had began with only a thought from the emperor; and the defendants were all seemingly gathered within the emperor's mighty grasp, closed in with him behind heavy doors- The guards allowed all to enter... Because they were not guarding the path in, they were blocking the way out...

@Emperor Cross

 

[Emperor Cross]

"To allow such transgressions to go unpunished would be a betrayal to the principles that have guided us through centuries of prosperity and strength. This is not a matter of vengeance or personal disdain, but rather a solemn duty to maintain the order that has kept our empire flourishing." He took his hand from the hilt of his blade and gestured to the injured general.
"Make yourself aware, Shaarib Hassan, striking the general of my army is a crime typically worthy of beheading-" He said, with a hint in his tone that his decision may not be quite a drastic as death-penalty.

"You come into our home to imprison us and belittle our laws?"

- "I'm not going to justify my actions or beg for forgiveness twice, Your Excellency." began Shaarib with a neutral tone, Genjo could sense it, and fear it. The Vice-Admiral was getting angry. " My allegiance comes to the citizens of the World Government first and foremost. I had to save my people and done so. " He opened his arms wide" I tried to be nice since I've arrived here and your General had to play bully with me, he tried to punk me, to insult us, considering us a threat to this country" The pressure in the room seemed to rise as Shaarib walked towards the General " While I, the pitiful marine just saved this country from the eternal night. "

Shaarib turned his body back toward the Emperor, and everything went back to normal. His face was now open, he did not seem to care about the situation anymore. He was tired, he wasn't a politician. He hits first and then asks questions.

"We are the World Government, we cannot bend the knee. I fight for what I believe. They tried to arrest soldiers on the Government's soil. I defended myself. Your men are not that innocent either. But I won't put any blame on them; if I had to choose whether or to repeat my actions, I would repeat it. " said the marine confidently " If we need to leave and never be cordial again, we will. " continued Shaarib while Hajib shook with fury, his grandchild was impolite and jeopardizing the mission. " I would gladly take the punishment. I acted alone, and I sincerely believe my destiny is not to be beheaded." finished Shaarib, red eyes looking right at the Emperor.

 

[Einsauer]

" While I, the pitiful marine just saved this country from the eternal night. "

Shaarib turned his body back toward the Emperor, and everything went back to normal. His face was now open, he did not seem to care about the situation anymore. He was tired, he wasn't a politician. He hits first and then asks questions.

The general, quivering with rage began to force himself to rise; the man was going blue in the face battling the residual pain echoing from within but still he barked confidently: "You are to treat Our Emperor with respect, swine!"
Emperor Dai Yuanjun waved his well-adorned arm to silence his general. "Enough, return to the ground." The Azure City's Emperor said in a seemingly cold manner, but ultimately just being sure his general didn't faint from the pain he was clearly in. The general growled at Shaarib, but dropped to his knee, breathing an inaudible sigh of relief as the room stopped spinning in his head.

"We are the World Government, we cannot bend the knee. I fight for what I believe. They tried to arrest soldiers on the Government's soil. I defended myself. Your men are not that innocent either. But I won't put any blame on them; if I had to choose whether or to repeat my actions, I would repeat it. " said the marine confidently " If we need to leave and never be cordial again, we will. " continued Shaarib while Hajib shook with fury, his grandchild was impolite and jeopardizing the mission. " I would gladly take the punishment. I acted alone, and I sincerely believe my destiny is not to be beheaded." finished Shaarib, red eyes looking right at the Emperor.

The emperor's eyes seemed not to match Shaarib's ferocity, in fact his eyes drifted away to scan the body language of the other marines, clocking the elder Hassan who had seemed to be losing his composure, and the tiniest navy soldier who seemed terrified. After getting a read on the party of soldiers he looked backed to Shaarib, with a slight smirk of smugness blemishing his otherwise composed expression.
"Quite convincing, it's quite charming-" The emperor said, slipping out of his more formal speaking manner - now becoming casually analytical. "-You act as if you lack humility."

"--Yet, you reek of failure." He quipped viciously at Shaarib as the once-thought ornate, inanimate snake around his neck began slithering down his collar and around his arm to the tip of his hand. The emperor observed it, as if he were just as disinterested with Shaarib.

"You know, Shaarib Hassan, there is a fragment of truth to what you say, all that happens within my domain may effortlessly peered in on." He said with a hint of boastfulness sneaking though. "I have seen much of what you have to offer, the might of a phoenix seems laughable."

After a brief moment the emperor's face recomposed itself into a stern leader.
"Kneel." He ordered, expecting disobedience, but wanting to gauge Shaarib and the other marines.

@Emperor Cross

 

[Emperor Cross]

The emperor's eyes seemed not to match Shaarib's ferocity, in fact his eyes drifted away to scan the body language of the other marines, clocking the elder Hassan who had seemed to be losing his composure, and the tiniest navy soldier who seemed terrified. After getting a read on the party of soldiers he looked backed to Shaarib, with a slight smirk of smugness blemishing his otherwise composed expression.
"Quite convincing, it's quite charming-" The emperor said, slipping out of his more formal speaking manner - now becoming casually analytical. "-You act as if you lack humility."

Shaarib did not move an inch , he knew how the people behind him were acting. Hajib was shaking with rumor, disappointment oozing from his old bones. Stein, per usual, was acting like a coward. Genjo was worried but he already about the kid and his anxiety. Troya and Vlad, who were at the back, seemed not to care. The first, having his trust in his partner and the other wasn't fazed. Marine problems weren't his. He only came to protect his grandfather and nothing else. Shaarib and his men could die, and Vlad would not bat an eye.

The Skypiean was still pissed about it. Garp said once that a head could only be trusted when the people under him weren't scared to face thousands. Here they were and some didn't trust his choice. The marines from Hajib's crew, the ones with the treasure were shaking in their boots. The ones at his side, his children, were more fearful of the outcome of the conversation between Shaarib and the King.

His presence alone couldn't inspire the troop. He was still lacking because he remembered clearly how people reacted when Gary intervened during the Pirate Festival.

"--Yet, you reek of failure." He quipped viciously at Shaarib as the once-thought ornate, inanimate snake around his neck began slithering down his collar and around his arm to the tip of his hand. The emperor observed it, as if he were just as disinterested with Shaarib.

"You know, Shaarib Hassan, there is a fragment of truth to what you say, all that happens within my domain may effortlessly peered in on." He said with a hint of boastfulness sneaking though. "I have seen much of what you have to offer, the might of a phoenix seems laughable."

After a brief moment the emperor's face recomposed itself into a stern leader.
"Kneel." He ordered, expecting disobedience, but wanting to gauge Shaarib and the other marines.

The birdman smiled once more. The Emperor was not used to people talking back at him. He seemed to be quite the funny man, one problem was that despite his age and all the bravado around the Vice-Admiral, Shaarib had his head on his shoulders. He had won a lot but lost even more. Today, he had saved a country but couldn't arrest a pirate. People had never embraced him. It was in a "failure" that he gained the respect of his peers. So it wasn't a problem. The Emperor did not lie. The might of a phoenix was laughable; maybe he deserved more, maybe it wasn't his destiny to keep these powers. He felt that deep down; he had been resting on his laurels : The healing made him sloppy, while the boost in strength made him weaker without it. In a way, he was thankful; he had pondered a lot since the trials of the Temple; if he hadn't, he would've jumped at the Emperor's throat.

- "I was born into failure; my mom abandoned me nor was I able to save the people from Skypiea... A pirate with elastic powers did it... I am a failure... everybody here knows that. That is basically why they call me a prodigal son, You know ? " answered Shaarib.

"They sent me here, because I talk too much, hoping I would fail so they could demote me. " continued Shaarib with fake laugh " But If you can confirm that me kneeling would resolve everything between the World Government and this country, I would gladly do it. " said Shaarib with serenity " We both would know that I don't mean it tho.." Shaarib paused." ... but they are something bigger than me."

"I won't lie, this island made me feel alive for the first time in a while. " said Shaarib with excitement in his voice " I nearly died in that temple or I think I died.... I don't know... " Pondered Shaarib while rubbing his chin

" The kid in the Temple even said that Seiryuu was a mighty sight.... I do hope to have the honor of meeting him before I leave. He might accomplish one of my wish, we never know" finished Shaarib

 

[Einsauer]

The emperor watched, quietly analyzing the demeanor begin to shift in Shaarib a bit, it seemed he wouldn't be eager to obey as expected but the monarch of Chongqing wasn't sure what to make of Shaarib's quiet acceptance of the insults. He allowed the quiet tension to thicken in the room like honey, the emperor was giving Shaarib a chance to rebut the mockery.

- "I was born into failure; my mom abandoned me nor was I able to save the people from Skypiea... A pirate with elastic powers did it... I am a failure... everybody here knows that. That is basically why they call me a prodigal son, You know ? " answered Shaarib.

Emperor Dai Yuanjun's back stiffened a bit and his eyes seemed to soften, this confession was certainly unexpected: the emperor may have expected too little of this young man's carefully enshrouded maturity. Still, this was only the start to Shaarib's self-appointed testament of character:

"They sent me here, because I talk too much, hoping I would fail so they could demote me. " continued Shaarib with fake laugh " But If you can confirm that me kneeling would resolve everything between the World Government and this country, I would gladly do it. " said Shaarib with serenity " We both would know that I don't mean it tho.." Shaarib paused." ... but they are something bigger than me."

"I won't lie, this island made me feel alive for the first time in a while. " said Shaarib with excitement in his voice " I nearly died in that temple or I think I died.... I don't know... " Pondered Shaarib while rubbing his chin

" The kid in the Temple even said that Seiryuu was a mighty sight.... I do hope to have the honor of meeting him before I leave. He might accomplish one of my wish, we never know" finished Shaarib

Shaarib's words fell over the gathered crowd, his voice reverberating through the large, nearly-empty room like an amphitheater. It seemed to the emperor that Shaarib carried much with him, it still seemed he lacked the humility of a true hero.
"As a leader, your actions should inspire resilience- not excuse recklessness. Bravery is not an excuse to forego temperance. Justice demands accountability, it is through accepting accountability that one finds redemption." His tone was cryptic.

He looked over the group, even those not dressed in the attire of marine soldiers. Some seemed detached from the situation which prompted the emperor to give a reminder. "Shaarib commands you; he answers for you and you for him." He ordained with a mighty tone.

"As is customary, I expect you all to kneel." A moment of consideration seemed to pass over him before he looked at the elder. "-If you, ahem, can."

@Emperor Cross

 

[Emperor Cross]

Shaarib took heed of the Emperor’s words. The situation had escalated for nothing. Both sides needed to present their truths. Zealous people like the General had shown a bad side of the country. Shaarib’s recklessness had done the same for the World Government.

It seemed that Shaarib’s words had made their impact too. The Emperor tried to reconcile both groups. Giving Shaarib’s soldiers an out. The emperor was trying to make him save some face. But Shaarib wasn’t going to let his men and his grandfather kneel without him. They were his brothers in arms and he couldn’t let them think they were any difference in treatment between them..

Like he had said previously, Shaarib did not see kneeling as bad if it permitted the government to still have an embassy. Now all he had to do was to accept the hand. The Vice-Admiral turned his back to the Emperor, as what seemed as a show of faith but kept his attention on the man's swords. Walked towards Genjo and took the bag at his side. The Skypiean walked back to the Emperor and bent the knee, the marines following suit. His hands extended towards the Emperor. With a big voice Shaarib said :

- « I, Shaarib Hassan present to his majesty Song Wuji’s writings. And Hereby take all the responsibility for the breach of Azure. City’s Rules. »

 

[Einsauer]

The Skypiean walked back to the Emperor and bent the knee, the marines following suit. His hands extended towards the Emperor. With a big voice Shaarib said :

- « I, Shaarib Hassan present to his majesty Song Wuji’s writings. And Hereby take all the responsibility for the breach of Azure. City’s Rules. »

The name Song Wuji seemed to give the emperor a slight level of discomfort, the general shifted his weight uncomfortably as well. The emperor placed his hand around the bag, careful not to damage the writings held within. He tied the bag to a brass loop hanging at his side. It seemed Shaarib's exploits in the forgotten temple were indeed fruitful. The emperor's imposing eyes drifted overtop Shaarib's head and scanned the men kneeling in solidarity.

Then Emperor Dai Yuanjun looked back to Shaarib Hassan, hand now gripping his blade in a more menacing fashion; leaving it sheathed.
He frowned at the young man kneeling before him. "Our customs are firm: I thank you for your compliance- But to assault and imprison my soldiers on soil granted to you..." He hesitated for a moment, but continued solemnly. "...It stretches beyond a simple transgression and functions as an act of war against Chongqing and its people."
It seemed that the customs of Chongqing were going to guide the emperor's hand in a disciplinary direction. The death penalty loomed before the Fallen Sky.

The heavy doors clicked suddenly and began falling open, being pushed by the two guards outside. The sound of heels could be heard making their way into the large room, the snap of high-heels on tile echoed as Shaarib's voice had. A light gasp escaped from Commander Stein, surprised to see the change of heart before him: Matron Wēn of The Lower Azure City Bookhouse had arrived after all.

A familiar, sultry voice hit Shaarib's ears. "My Emperor." The matron began with a very bend of her knee and the dropping of her head. "I come here to speak on the deeds done by this man."
The emperor looked to the woman, curiosity piqued; he had only ever seen this elusive woman when she attended the annual festival. It was a rare sight for the paths of the emperor and the bookhouse's matron to cross.

"Shaarib Hassan first visited our bookhouse in search of Yuki, one of my girls...A dear friend to Queen Fran." She continued. "She was assigned alongside Bo the mink to accompany marines here in Chongqing whenever they left the embassy."

"-It was not because of the marines that Yuki was taken, it was because of the foul disease that has festered in the forests for centuries."

"Shaarib Hassan has purged a great evil from our land before more innocent spirits could be claimed." She now looked up to make eye-contact with the emperor of her country. "This man is a hero."

The general looked up at the woman with a look of distaste on his face, but remained silent as he chewed her words in his head. He had no respect for Shaarib, and this woman's status as a whore-queen wouldn't sway his opinion. His eyes shifted back to his emperor, as did most eyes in the room.

Emperor Dai Yuanjun fiercely pondered Li An's testimony before removing his hand from his blade and placing a hand on Shaarib's shoulder. Instead of deciding right then, first the emperor took the paper originally passed to him (the missive that Shaarib had been tasked with delivering) and unrolled it, his eyes scanned the paper:

@Emperor Cross

 

[Emperor Cross]

The name Song Wuji seemed to give the emperor a slight level of discomfort, the general shifted his weight uncomfortably as well. The emperor placed his hand around the bag, careful not to damage the writings held within. He tied the bag to a brass loop hanging at his side. It seemed Shaarib's exploits in the forgotten temple were indeed fruitful. The emperor's imposing eyes drifted overtop Shaarib's head and scanned the men kneeling in solidarity.

Then Emperor Dai Yuanjun looked back to Shaarib Hassan, hand now gripping his blade in a more menacing fashion; leaving it sheathed.
He frowned at the young man kneeling before him. "Our customs are firm: I thank you for your compliance- But to assault and imprison my soldiers on soil granted to you..." He hesitated for a moment, but continued solemnly. "...It stretches beyond a simple transgression and functions as an act of war against Chongqing and its people."

Shaarib took notice of the discomfort the higher-ups felt when SOng-Wuji's name was mentioned. The old priest was known for his actions. It meant that both the Emperor and the General knew about the threat; they knew the origin of the Jiangshi and preferred to wait. Put a curfew in place and sat on their asses while their countrymen were slaughtered. Instead of having Lu Zhaoxun and the mighty Seiryuu raid the temple, they preferred to judge Shaarib and his men.

The sadness disappeared from Shaarib's eyes as a blazing fire replaced it. Dai was wavering, he was going to put his duty over his sentiment. All of our hero's efforts were going to be in vain. The Emperor was going to try to cut his head. The reaction from the birdman would be swift and lethal. He was containing his fury. Shaarib hoped the Emperor, despite his words, would be merciful. Enough blood had been spilled today. He had said it to Queen Orca and still meant it.

A familiar, sultry voice hit Shaarib's ears. "My Emperor." The matron began with a very bend of her knee and the dropping of her head. "I come here to speak on the deeds done by this man."
The emperor looked to the woman, curiosity piqued; he had only ever seen this elusive woman when she attended the annual festival. It was a rare sight for the paths of the emperor and the bookhouse's matron to cross.

"Shaarib Hassan first visited our bookhouse in search of Yuki, one of my girls...A dear friend to Queen Fran." She continued. "She was assigned alongside Bo the mink to accompany marines here in Chongqing whenever they left the embassy."

"-It was not because of the marines that Yuki was taken, it was because of the foul disease that has festered in the forests for centuries."

"Shaarib Hassan has purged a great evil from our land before more innocent spirits could be claimed." She now looked up to make eye-contact with the emperor of her country. "This man is a hero."

What a turnabout ! Li An decided to intervene in his favor ! Shaarib closed his eyes and kept his head down. He couldn't try to look at the woman. He had failed her and the women; deep down inside, he could have delivered Yuki personally, but he was too ashamed. She spoke on their behalf, a sultry voice accompanied with a commanding presence. She even called the Skypiean a hero. He did not know who called her or told her about their meeting but the Vice-Admiral would be in debt. Especially if the Emperor listen to the matron's words. Shaarib took a glance behind him and saw Stein and Genjo looking at each other. Them rascals had done it ! They were finally being useful !

The Emperor's taught for a bit and his hand left the weapon at his side. The man decided to read their missive completely ignoring SHaarib and his men.Who was that woman ? What did she represent in the city street for the Emperor to take heed of her words ? One thing was sure: He was going to invest in that brothel. It just had saved their whole operation.

According to Hajib, th World Government wanted Azure City's help to oust the Leviathan from the Sunken CIty. They wanted to build one of their main base here. Piracy was rising in East Blue, High-Ranking members from the revolution came from East Blue. Tequila Wolf had lost all of his prestige. With a base here, the government would have a strategic position over all the region. It would be able to act faster and better while benefiting from Azure CIty's reputation. No Pirates would come to attack it. In return, a mighty percentage of the bounties would be awarded to the Emperor's men and the World Government was even ready to let go of their ambition to integrate Chongqing into their organization.

 

[Einsauer]

...the World Government wanted Azure City's help to oust the Leviathan from the Sunken CIty. They wanted to build one of their main base here. Piracy was rising in East Blue, High-Ranking members from the revolution came from East Blue. Tequila Wolf had lost all of his prestige. With a base here, the government would have a strategic position over all the region. It would be able to act faster and better while benefiting from Azure CIty's reputation. No Pirates would come to attack it. In return, a mighty percentage of the bounties would be awarded to the Emperor's men and the World Government was even ready to let go of their ambition to integrate Chongqing into their organization.

The emperor of the Azure City read over the missive to himself twice before rerolling it, binding it once more and hanging it from a brass loop on his opposite site. The ornamental, metal snake coil around the emperor's arm and he looked to it for a moment. He gave a very slight nod, almost as if conferring with his living jewelry then he looked to the masses behind Shaarib Hassan.
"You are all free to return to the marine embassy to await a final word of judgement on this matter." He said to them. "Please rise and return directly there."
"You are to release my soldiers, they are to return to the palace gates at once, as are you." He added, directing the final bit to his own general.
He looked to Li An. "Madam, you are free to return to your home." He said. "The Azure City thanks you for your truth."

The emperor waited, Shaarib still kneeling as the room cleared out behind the Skypiean. Soon, the quiet rumbling of footsteps faded and the large doors shut once more. The ornate snake slithered in a coil around the emperor's arm excitedly.

"Shaarib, you may rise." He said, turning his back and beginning up the short flight of stairs and going towards his throne. He continued past the throne to a large mural on the wall with a large brass tubing system serving as part of the art, coiling all along the mural. The emperor lifted his arm to an open piece of tubing and his piece of jewelry slithered in expectantly!
The rumbling and rattling of metal on metal sounded off as the faux-serpent made its way around in the design on the wall. Moments passed with only the sound of rattling to fill the silence, until finally the emperor looked to Shaarib.
"You're judgement will be delivered by the one higher than I." He said as a final click sounded off and the mural let out a hiss as it opened into a gateway to a tunnel leading away on an upwards slope. "Follow me." He gently ordered as he began his own ascent.

A gong rang out in the distance...

@Emperor Cross

 

[Emperor Cross]

The emperor of the Azure City read over the missive to himself twice before rerolling it, binding it once more and hanging it from a brass loop on his opposite site. The ornamental, metal snake coil around the emperor's arm and he looked to it for a moment. He gave a very slight nod, almost as if conferring with his living jewelry then he looked to the masses behind Shaarib Hassan.
"You are all free to return to the marine embassy to await a final word of judgement on this matter." He said to them. "Please rise and return directly there."
"You are to release my soldiers, they are to return to the palace gates at once, as are you." He added, directing the final bit to his own general.
He looked to Li An. "Madam, you are free to return to your home." He said. "The Azure City thanks you for your truth."

Shaarib felt the tightness in his chest loosen, and a relieved sigh escaped his lips. His children were out of harm, no sanction would fall upon them. They could prepare for their departure, they should do it immediately. He trusted Hajib to take care of the hostages. He trusted him to execute everything the Emperor wanted. Now, all the Skypiean had to do was wait patiently for his sentence. The Emperor respected him enough to do things behind close doors.

As Li An, got up, their eyes met and she winked at him. The foxy matron knew what Shaarib was thinking and he could bet she would ask for something in return as soon as they will be far from the castle.

"Shaarib, you may rise." He said, turning his back and beginning up the short flight of stairs and going towards his throne. He continued past the throne to a large mural on the wall with a large brass tubing system serving as part of the art, coiling all along the mural. The emperor lifted his arm to an open piece of tubing and his piece of jewelry slithered in expectantly!
The rumbling and rattling of metal on metal sounded off as the faux-serpent made its way around in the design on the wall. Moments passed with only the sound of rattling to fill the silence, until finally the emperor looked to Shaarib.
"You're judgement will be delivered by the one higher than I." He said as a final click sounded off and the mural let out a hiss as it opened into a gateway to a tunnel leading away on an upwards slope. "Follow me." He gently ordered as he began his own ascent.

Shaarib rose to his feet, perplexed; he followed the noble without uttering a word. They went behind the throne and went on some stairs. Where they were going wasn't known nor said. The air around was thick, his Excellency had decided to show him something even the General wasn't privy to. They arrived in front of a complex mechanism. Something ancient but still advanced than what the world used. The snake jewelry of the Emperor emitted a light and acted as a key. The ground shook and the doors opened wide revealing a staircase.

Shaarib nodded and kept following the Emperor, questioning himself all through the way. The Castle was way up in the sky already so where where they going to ? Heaven ? Who could a better authority than the powerful and mighty Emperor ? Was it the Queen ? Was it a tribunal constituted of previous emperors ? Was it Seiryuu ?

 

[Einsauer]

Lantern-light flickered to life as the two men began ascending what seemed, in the stretching darkness, to be a limitless climb. Every time it seemed too dark to carry on, the torches would magically spring to life with tiny explosions of light. The sound of clattering jewelry moved with the emperor, higher and higher through the dark passage.
Emperor Dai Yuanjun was quiet for minutes, the dread of a gallows march setting in until finally the powerful man leading the way spoke to Shaarib without looking back to him; he simply spoke expecting ears to find his words:
"Tradition does not hold us back-" He said, seemingly answering unspoken concerns Shaarib had felt. "-tradition is what guides us forward."

"While you may not understand them, most outsiders do not-" He said after another moment of quiet. "-our customs stand for a reason."
"What may seem like restraint or laziness is merely the patience of the divine..."

The sound of the duo's footfall once again took control as the two marched on for minutes more. The two had to have been ascending for minutes on end before the emperor finally explained further:
"We are taking a path very few besides the emperor has access to or even knowledge of." He said.
"A passage to the true lord of our land-"

"-Seiryū, our aegis, our protector...And our most perfect of judges." He said stopping for a moment and glancing at Shaarib, the torches lighting just as he turned (thus blanketing his face in shadow). "He wants to meet you personally."

"To catch the attention of Seiryū like that, you must be worthy of judgement for one reason or another." The emperor remarked before turning back and continuing up the stone stairs. He chuckled a bit at this situation, only one other time in known history was a non-emperor called upon to climb to the top of this peak. He knew he had seen something extraordinary in this rebellious outsider.

@Emperor Cross

 

[Emperor Cross]

Shaarib’s chest puffed out a little as the Emepror’s words washed over him. Despite the seriousness of the situation, a grin stretched across his face, wider than he realized. He felt a warmth feelings in his stomach. People from Azure City rarely praised others. Shaarib always been confident. He wasn’t someone who craved or ran after that sentiment, but from time to time, it was still appreciable. Here he was, walking on the paths of Emperor. Here he was being chosen among the chosen. While SHaarib had understood the idea’s behind the traditions and there lack of move. He couldn’t accept it, SHaarib himself was a firm believer of the Goddess but his faith stood on one point and one point only : « Everything she did was good. » So all the bad and the great that would be upon his path, is the best thing that could ever happen to him at that point.


Now that they were alone and climbing, it looked like the Emperor was a man just like Shaarib. He had more responsibilities on his shoulders than the SKypiean would ever have. He probably did the best he could with what he had. Maybe Seiryuu kept them from interfering because the divinity saw Shaarib’s arrival in the near future. Shaarib understood the Emperor, he listened and did not find the need to answer or talk. It was superfluous, they could understand each others without words. A simple nod and a hum were all SHaarib let out. He knew that Azure City and its religions were all about teleology. Finality mattered more. And now, he prepared himself for the questioning; he prepared himself to meet the mighty Seiryu. In some minutes, he will have to defend himself in front of a creature that could erase him from existence.