Void Rift (rp) - Intermission

"I don't think he caresnif someone tracks him. My king is strong." Alice says proudly.

 

"I guess I can't help but worry about him, as he does with me." Artemis says, giggling slightly.

 

"You track him?" Alice asks, confused.

 

"What? No. We just...look out for each other." Artemis says, looking over to me and smiling.

 

"That's nice." Alice says, satisfied with the answer, before pausing.
"Shit. I need to get closer to the podium. I'm up in like three minutes!"

 

"It's outside. Haven't you noticed?" Artemis asks.

It seems the majority of people are starting to head outside the throne room, into the palace gardens. A few high-ranking Shadows tend to Shadow Stephanie and I, making the pair of us look good.

 

"I've been too tired to take it all in! Uhh... do I look presentable?" She asks, ready to bolt at any time.

 

"You look fine." Artemis says calmly.

 

"Why do you need two?"
I ask, drawing mine.

 

"Thank Tenebrae... See you outside, I guess." She says, running outside.

"Two halves. My blade's... somewhat unique."

 

"Hm."
I take note.
"Well, you're the teacher."
I invite him to start.

 

"What I really grabbed was a non-elemental and the other half. See, I chose to trade convenience for complete practicality."
Kyle shifts around what seems to be awkwardly, but actually causes a warhammer, four throwing axes, several kunai, a broadsword, and what appears to be the other half of his retrieved blade to fall to the ground.
"The armor alone is more than most use, but, assuming the weapons don't get dented and stuck, I've got backups and enough metal to take a piercing ballista bolt.

That aside, you feel you know your weapon or should we start with the basics?"

 

"I'm here to learn something, so let's start with the basics. Can't hurt."
I say, confident.
"On a side note: holy shit."

 

"Alright." He says, picking up his broadsword. "Step one; this thing isn't an agile weapon. Step two; block before you strike."

 

Alice runs out onto a podium, a sea of people cheering both outside and inside the palace gates when they see her. Some wave flags and signs, pictures of Alice's face with hearts next to it drawn onto them. Shadow Stephanie and I soon exit the palace, and I walk up to the podium.

"My wonderful people of my kingdom, today is a very special day. A day to celebrate the amazing work done by the people at the palace in eradicating the many gangs and crime across the kingdom, and saving thousands of lives. While this was performed by many people, it would have not been possible without the wonderful Alice!" I say into the mic, causing the cheering of the crowds to become louder as I step back from the podium, nodding to Alice.

 

I nod, waiting for him to proceed.

 

She smiles as she walks up to the podium.
"I thank you, my king. But, beyond that, I thank all of you for coming here today for this celebration. Without you, I would have no reason to do my job; no citizens to serve. Without my colleagues, no way to link every case in a timely manner. Without the royal guard, no way to crack down on the opportunity." Alice says, smiling. "With these cases closed, we are all safer at the end of the day, and I would like to speak a little bit about my past to emphasize this point.

I used to live in the slums, being pushed around by the same gangs I helped our society purge. Forced to do things against my will, never making enough to get by... these are real problems, and I was cut off from the safety of the palace. I desperately wanted to get out, to raise my voice, but they oppressed me as long as they could. Thankfully... they made a mistake. I saw my opening to flee to the palace, I saw my chance to share what I knew, and I took it in desperation. Not only in fear for my life, but in fear for the atrocities I know they have and could have caused others.
Others without my chance, others without my luck. Others the gangs weakened until they only held on to a single thread of life!

Our great king accepted my request, gave me an opportunity to turn the tables, and I was more than happy to risk my life to save the others in danger, as I had been for so long. It is a way of life that is not living; that we do not deserve! However, with these gangs gone, and their atrocities with them, we can return our focus on bettering ourselves instead of cowering in fear from those who take from us instead of working for their success!"
Alice seems a bit out of breath.

"First off, never block with the edge of the blade or the flat of the blade. Know why?"

 

The entire crowd goes wild, applauding and cheering Alice.

"Thank you for that wonderful speech Alice. As a reward for your valiant efforts, I reward you with the medal of bravery, and 10 Mage coins." I say, stepping up to the mic when Alice steps down, before handing Alice a shiny gold medal with a shield emblem on it, and 10 crystal coins.

The crowd becomes ecstatic, voices complimenting and confessing love to Alice.

 

Alice links to you.
"Not quite done, but my throat is." She laughs.

Alice bows to you, accepting the medal and coins.

 

"I think we might've had a mob on our hands if you kept up." I say, laughing back.

"A large reward will be going out to the detective agency and royal army for their brilliant work during this case. This was not a one-being effort, it was something done as a group. Had it not been for Alice's guidance, however, we may have never solved this case." Shadow Stephanie says into the mic, smiling at the crowds.

A large applause follows Shadow Stephanie's speech, various detectives and army members bowing respectfully either side of the podium.