Expected Reunion [Night]

[Morrigan La Fey]

It was a windy day in the desert, not quite sandstorm level but it did bring up small rolling clouds which soon faded. It was about mid-day and the sun was beating down on all that dared to traverse the harsh region. The Haunted Wasteland was as barren as ever, save for the massive monolithic black tower that stood as the home of the Monster Emperor and the walls surrounding it. Two orcs stood guard as usual, just idling around at their posts since generally no one ever came out there anyway. They got the odd visitor every couple months or so, but it wasn't a frequent occurrence. One of the orcs let out a yawn before spotting some odd little dot on the horizon.

She hadn't been here in about a year. Last time, she was naive, believing the world to truly be a just place, doing what she could to protect people while she trained until she could take out the Gerudo King. It was all she could do for the world as an anonymous knight, a one-man crusade for the sake of all that is good. When she came here, it changed her, because the world was not just. The man who held power over all monsters, the man she knew since she was a child, did nothing in the face of blatant trouble. He claimed he could do nothing and left it at that, even when he could. He refused to risk anything to bring about change and just watched the world revolve from his tower.

A small cloaked figure was approaching the gates, the cloak a faded brown and tattered from age and use. The orcs looked at it at first, before taking up arms when it didn't stop far enough away.

"No vis i turs." one of them spoke in an extremely broken version of Hylian, as some sort of warning they were ordered to give. Perhaps it was something they learned to do after her last visit. One arm reached out from within the cloak, a blue-clad arm suddenly being protected in polished steel as a gauntlet formed over the previously uncovered hand, before tearing off the cloak from the neck. Beneath it was a woman, clad in a blue dress with armor covering her torso, hips, legs, and arms. The gauntlet-clad hand that previously tore off the cloak released the cloth to the wind, and in it formed a brilliant sword that shone brightly in the desert sun.

"I'm going in," she calmly said before running at one of the Orc Guards. It tried to crush her under it's club, but she dodged and then jumped onto the club itself. Her agility was too high for the Orc to be able to keep up, and so she ran up and smashed it in the back of the neck with her sword, which did not break the skin at all but the damage was enough to knock it out in one solid hit. Leaping from the falling Orc towards the other, it tried to swat her out of the sky mid-flight with its club, but she used her spare hand to vault off the club itself before delivering another powerful blow into the skull of the second Orc. It fell just as the first had, before she landed and her greaves and hip guards broke before being reformed. Her sword then vanished and she approached the gate, hooking both hands underneath the bottom as she put all her strength into lifting it, which was an extremely difficult task but she didn't intend to give up. She couldn't climb the walls, and she didn't have time to waste in the surrounding mountains.

After a couple minutes of continuous effort, she lifted the gate enough to let go for a moment and roll through before it shut again, which fell behind her with a slam and kicked up a small cloud of sand. As Morrigan righted herself, she found herself faced with two trolls, which were the doormen, and then a large number of other monsters whom were walking around inside now turning to face her. Her armor broke and reformed once more, her signature blade now back in hand, before taking it up in both hands and keeping her back to the gate so she couldn't be surrounded.

"ALEXANDER! DARE YOU HIDE BEHIND YOUR SUBJECTS AS YOU WATCH THE WORLD TEAR ITSELF ASUNDER?! STEP FORTH AND PROVE YOUR MIGHT AS THE MONSTER EMPEROR!" she shouted at the top of her lungs towards the tower, preparing herself for the long battle that most likely awaited her. There were many enemies, but she had many more blades she could create and wield.

[Current Concepts:
Gauntlets: Humanity - Strength
Greaves: Humanity - Speed
Breastplate: Humanity - Endurance
Hip Guards: Humanity - Mighty Wind
Sword: Peace

Effective Stats:
Speed x3
Strength x3
Feels No Pain from Injuries but Flinches
If killed, returns with most of her strength restored][/size]

[Nightmare Darklight]

"Yo--"

And then he realized no one was there. So for once, Nightmare was on the outside of his own gate while Morrigan stood inside. The Emperor's expression went deadpan. "... Goddammit Morrigan." He cursed. After that, he started towards the gate, muttering something about trying so hard to make that work. But wait, if he responded, then his people would know what his real name was. ... No, he couldn't risk something like that. He wondered if she realized this and was trying to trap him, or if she was simply trying to get his attention in the best manner possible? Well either way, she had it, but he had to be careful with how he responded.

Letting his body change into the form of a dragon, he took off from the ground, and flew up onto the top of the black gate. Apparently she wasn't having much for trouble when it came to those that would guard the gate. For what purpose was she slaughtering his own people? Even if she wanted his attention, he knew that there would be a fight. This was something that he just could not abide by. It was different when a tribe of humans were out being attacked by monsters he had no hold over. But these people, they were his subjects, they were those that pledged loyalty to him. Letting them be killed like this was not something he could abide by.

"Kendov do fin heim, why have you come here? There is no man or ainur by that name."

First though, he needed to deflect attention away from Alexander Sorel. He needed to get her asking about Nightmare Darklight. Until she could do this, he would simply start deflecting away attention. This was a delicate situation for him, and one that he could not afford to bungle. So for now, he would simply keep her attention, and do his best to steer things away from that point.

[/justify]

[Morrigan La Fey]

The flapping of massive wings behind the gate caught not only Morrigan's ears, but the ears of all those in the area. All turned to face the dragon which perched upon the wall, and many backed away with hostility vanishing. They all knew their Emperor's form, and it was obvious for right this second his wishes were to speak with this human. They were all still on edge about this intruder whom had defeated the guards and bypassed the gate, but they were restraining themselves for that moment until either the Emperor gave the word for them to attack or leave her be. It was indeed a precarious situation, not just for Nightmare.

"It seems that even the mighty dragons appear to me this day," Morrigan thought aloud as she, for just the moment, turned her back to the retreating monsters in order to face the winged beast. It was a large one, for sure, and it seemed to speak a mix of hylian and another language, but she wasn't sure about the latter one. Perhaps it was the tongue of dragons. It didn't matter though, as she would speak to this one in order to accomplish what she came here to do. She did not disarm herself, armor and sword remaining in place as her emerald eyes met with those of the dragon.

"I am here to speak with the Emperor of your kind, whatever name he may go by. I am Morrigan La Fey, Warden of the Human Race. It seems the others here either respect or fear you, dragon, so call off their hostilities. My business is with the Emperor and only him," she responded, much more calmly than her initial shouting. It was only appropriate to respond to civility with civility after all. She gave another backwards glance towards the growing mob behind her, to be sure none of them were trying to get a surprise shot on her, before looking back at the dragon and deciding that it was all or nothing at this point.

"I will meet him this day within the hour, of that you can be certain. If he would wish for me to meet him within his tower however, then I shall oblige him. I have set the time, and so I shall allow him to set the place," the knight added on to try and turn this more favorable. Part of her did want to meet him within his tower. It would limit the potential attackers down to those who could fit within it's confines and it would offer a bit more privacy for what needed to transpire. If the Emperor chose to meet her out there though, then she would not complain. Either way she would not change her mission.

[/size]

[Nightmare Darklight]

So she was here to see him? Then why use such a violent method of getting in when such a thing was competely unnecessary? However, it seemed that she was fooled into thinking that Alex was not a dragon, and was thus not here. Well whatever, if it got them off the subject of his name, then that was something that he could walk away from. Now to figure out why she had decided that such a brazen method was the best way to go about it. What with, you know, this being seen as a possible act of war, being completely outnumbered by the thousands, and what with there being some seriously nasty ones like Darknuts and Wizzrobes.

Or Wizzrobes teleporting Darknuts.

But the idea of taking her to the tower, to where the others couldn't get in a cheap shot. Yes, that could work. It was something that could make things a bit calmer, and at least allow him to ease his worries of Alexander getting out. However, he wondered why she was so determined to see him in the first place. Thought really, in the end he hated the idea of entertaining her at all. He really didn't like how her attitude was getting. Was she still sore about the fact he couldn't have really done anything about the tribe of humans? Some people just seemed to be completely unpleasable to the very end, he supposed.

"Tol los nurnao. You have brazenly stepped into this land and assaulted those who would defend their territory. Am I to assume I am taking you to the tower so that the joorre, mortals, may formally declare war on the Ainur once again?"

He hated the idea of even entertaining her. To Nightmare, he was certain that there was going to be something else behind it. Or maybe this was just Morrigan having some sort of vendetta against the monsters. Part of him hoped it was the latter. At least Zelda could disavow knowledge of her actions later on for this kind of crap. Right. Zelda. Maybe he could have a talk with her later on about this, there was something going on. All he cared about was figuring out whether Zelda had anything to do with this. He doubted she did, but he wanted to make sure. People wanted the head of the Emperor, so they'd no doubt clamor to Zelda to make it happen.

[/justify]

[Morrigan La Fey]

Naturally, it seemed the first assumption was that this was a political act and she was the first shot of war. Indeed, many would see her actions that way. However, Morrigan knew that this was far from it. This was her own crusade she lead, and so she didn't intend to drag others down with her. Those same others that refused to even really try to defend the world, who only saw their own selfish goals that were nothing but the smaller picture. She was no hypocrite though; she knew her own actions were selfish as well. The difference lied in the ends. They would just please themselves, while she fought for the good of everyone, when nobody else would. Not even the man she grew up alongside and went to the same academy as.

"While I am a Warden, this is no act of politics. The royal family, the human champion, none of them have anything to do with my actions. What I do is purely my own, and I will not falsify connections with any others to lessen my own blame. As for those I assaulted, they are not dead, but merely unconscious. You may check them if you wish; their bodies will show no wounds. No blood has been shed upon this day thus far by my blade. If things go well, then it shall remain that way," Morrigan explained, a few of those in the mob actually confused by her statement. However, on the other side of the gate, the sounds of movement could be heard as the Orcs she had knocked out not too long ago reawoke. It was the shock of the hits that put them out really, rather than raw damage. It was a short period, especially with all the noise that was happening. The two looked around confused on the other side of the gate for a moment before resuming their watch.

"And indeed, it seems the guards have reawoken from their short slumber. My innocence on the falsely charged deaths has been proven. Now, dragon, do you intend to bring me to where your Emperor sits? If we cooperate this can be handled peacefully," she continued, staring with an almost absurd amount of confidence and determination at the dragon before her. Some would think her stupid, but she just saw this as another step in her quest. She couldn't falter, especially not now. If she did, everything she worked for would have been for naught.

[/size]

[Nightmare Darklight]

Hm, so she was telling the truth. Those she had struck were not deceased at all. While that took away some of the problem, he still had the fact that she had invaded his lands. But, he figured that with her idea, that it was really the best thing that either of them had come up with for the current situation. So, while Nightmare wasn't all that crazy about letting her deeper into the Black Lands, he supposed that he didn't have much of a choice, and that if so, it would at least be on his terms. So, the dragon nodded his head but once, to show a sign of agreement. However, his pride as a dragon still shone to an extent.

"I must warn you; when you have seen the world as a Dovah, your envy for our kind will only increase."

And with that, Nightmare pushed himself off the gate and grabbed Morrigan with his claws. It wasn't that hard. Plus it was the fastest way to the tower, without having to go through all the monsters as well. Honestly, after what had happened, there was no doubt that they would want a piece of her, and he just didn't want to make things worse. Thankfully, his flight made the trip rather short, reaching the heights of the tower, going through a window large enough to hold even a dragon. The Emperor landed on the windowsill of the Throne Room, and let go of the Human Warden. Well, she got her wish, she was in the throne room.

After taking a few steps into the throne room, the dragon began to shift its form, shrinking down to the Emperor and the form that Morrigan was most familiar with. "Alright, Morrigan, what the hell did you make such a ridiculous invasion for?" He asked, walking away from her. His tone was clearly that of annoyance. He didn't like how she barged in, he didn't like the scene she caused. The Emperor placed himself down on his throne, slouching just a bit to try and get into a relaxing state of mind. Now that he had a moment to think, he sort of realized that Morrigan had been acting... rather differently than she usually did.

[/justify]

[Morrigan La Fey]

It seemed Morrigan got her wish. The dragon picked her up and carried her up the tower, flying in through a window at the top which lead into a very obvious throne room. However, Alexander wasn't there, and she soon learned why as the very dragon she had been speaking with shifted into him. Whether this was some sort of trick or not, she couldn't be sure, but his following words had a good sense of familiarity to them. This would explain a lot about why he was in the position he was in. Whether that was his true form, or he was simply using some sort of magic to become a dragon, that was something she did not know nor have as her primary concern.

"It could hardly be called an invasion, Alexander. I bring no forces, unless you somehow consider me a one woman army," she replied in a shallow form of humor. She had not disarmed herself at all despite the 'calm' circumstances, blade in hand and armor in place as she took some steps closer to the throne that he now sat on. Really, the reason why she was here was pretty obvious, but perhaps because it was her he didn't expect it. Childhood friends and all, but that meant nothing now. This was not the Alexander Sorel she knew.

"Thank you though, Alexander. On top of granting me the audience I requested, when we met one year ago, you taught me something. The world is not inherently just, and many of those in it do not wish to see justice done either. It is the conflict between those who wish for justice and those that do nothing which makes justice not an end, but a means, a journey that is forever traveled by humanity. Naturally, and I'm sure you've already come to this conclusion, but you and I are on opposite sides of that conflict," Morrigan continued calmly, her eyes fixed straight on him. It was pretty obvious where she would be going from here, but she intended to continue anyway to prevent any misunderstandings.

"I cannot harbor any ill will towards Alexander Sorel, the boy I grew up with in Kakariko and continually followed during my time at the academy. However, you are not him. You are Alexander, the Monster Emperor, whom has not only done nothing to show that he cares for the state of Hyrule in his position, but has amassed a personal army within the safety of his own walls. The reason people continue to harbor such feelings towards monster-kind is because of your inactivity. If you were to act in the defense of the people, openly announce that you fought in the name of Hyrule and against those of your kind that try to cause chaos, then you could begin to mend that troubled history. Despite this, you sit here in your tower, hiding behind those loyal to you, and watch as Hyrule brings itself to ruin. I stated that justice is a means, an unreachable utopia, if you will. My reason for coming here though, my reason for being alive to this day, is to transcend that and bring an end to that eternal conflict," she paused for a moment, raising her blade to point it at Alexander.

"I will strike down all those who stand in the way of that, and you are one of them, Monster Emperor. Your inactivity is a threat to Hyrule, and the potential of using your personal army is something that cannot be ignored even if it is the slimmest of chances. That is why I am here today. Call it ridiculous if you want, but it shall not stop my blade."

[Current Concepts:
Gauntlets: Humanity - Strength
Greaves: Humanity - Speed
Breastplate: Humanity - Endurance
Hip Guards: Humanity - Mighty Wind
Sword: Peace

Effective Stats:
Speed x3
Strength x3
Feels No Pain from Injuries but Flinches
If killed, returns with most of her strength restored][/size]

[Nightmare Darklight]

To him, you didn't really needed an army to have an invasion. Being an official and then raiding the Black Lands to him, was an act of war, and would be treated as such. Honestly, the reason he hadn't fired back was because it was Morrigan. He rested his cheek against his balled up hand, wondering what the hell she wanted this time. Honestly, if she had anything like she did a year ago, then this was probably going to be an extremely unreasonable request. And as he began talking, he just sort of exhaled, knowing that this was going to put a bit of a damper on his day. But as Emperor, he vowed he would listen to any complaints, so he'd at least let her say her piece.

So, as Morrigan began her longwinded speech, Nightmare tried to keep up. He honestly, truly, did. But her ranting and raving about justice and active justice and inactive justice and who was on what side, well, Nightmare just couldn't keep up the pace. It would be subtle, and he himself might not have even realized it, but if Morrigan stared into his eyes, she would probably notice that slowly but surely, they were crossing. He was completely lost. He could hear her, but he couldn't really understand her. So he really tried to sum it up with what he could make out. "So you're the... inactive justice? I think?" He inquired, just trying to make sure that they were on the same page here. Yeah, she said he did nothing, but truth be told, some things he couldn't do openly. Wasn't that he wasn't helping, she just didn't know how he was.

And that was when she pointed her sword at him. Well, she really had changed. Here she was, pointing her sword at him, threatening his life. Nightmare placed his face in his hand at this, rubbing his temples with his middle finger and his thumb. "Oh come on, let's not do this. You know I'm going to beat you stupid." Which was true. He felt that if it came down to it, he could just use the power of his eye to give him an advantage that she just plain couldn't keep up with. Then again, that eye could probably just let him finish the fight before it really got anywhere. Right now, he'd just wait to see what she did, if she really tried to attack him.

[/justify]

[Morrigan La Fey]

His little question proved that what Morrigan was saying flew over Alexander's head, but that didn't really matter. The basic point was that she saw him as a threat and intended to get rid of that threat. His response to the actual threat was a pure show of arrogance, automatically going that 'she knew he would beat her' and trying to avoid the fight. She didn't intend to back down this time. She already had done so once, and that wasn't going to happen again. Her resolve was stronger than before; she couldn't back down now, especially not that she was already here.

"Then what's the issue Alexander? If you're so confident in your abilities, then take up arms and accept this challenge presented to the Monster Emperor. You spend your days idling here anyway, so what better things could you possibly have to do?" Morrigan replied, intentionally trying to rile him up to get him to get off his throne. It would be unbecoming of her to charge a man merely sitting down, and she did not intend to fight a man who would not even rise to meet her challenge anyway. However, she knew how to strike at him, if he truly was a beast as he had shown earlier.

"Or is that confidence just your draconian pride speaking to conceal weakness? Is it nothing but a facade to hide that Alexander Sorel became a coward after becoming the Monster Emperor? If your strength is true, then you have nothing to lose by fighting me. And if not, then when I strike you down, monster-kind will be turned into a more beneficial people for the world by their newly formed Emperor," she added on as she took up her blade in both hands, adjusting herself into her stance as she readied for either a charge on Alexander, or to protect herself against any sudden attacks. Her body was at an angle to him and her feet a fair distance apart, blade held before her with the point at an upward diagonal.

"I left a year ago confused, but that shall not happen today. Take up your blade, Alexander, for your title as Monster Emperor is riding on this duel."

[/size]