A New Battle:Chapter One

A New Battle
Chapter One

Jade Curtiss, Colonel of Malkuth, Necromancer, the Emperor's right hand man, one of the heroes of Auldrant (though that was a title that varied depending upon whom you spoke with) was defeated.  Jade stared at Grand Chokmah, gathering the strength to enter the capital of Malkuth.  A red stain was starting to spread across the teal of his uniform.  He had to hurry.  He staggered into the city blocking out the thoughts of the horrific events of the day.  Screams…fire…anguished faces…Jade shook his head.  Focus, he had to focus.  There was no point in dwelling on what happened.  There would be plenty of time for that later.  For now, he had one goal: reach Emperor Peony and inform him.  That was all that mattered right now.

The Emperor of Malkuth yawned and stretched in his throne.  "Is that it?  Am I…" Peony paused dramatically, "free?"  His advisor, Sesemann, chuckled, "Yes, Your Majesty."
Peony grinned, "Excellent.  Well, I'm going into the city, then and will enjoy the rest of the day.  I haven't gone to the tavern in ages."  
Sesemann looked slightly disapproving, "Really, Your Majesty, must you…" Peony held up a hand.
"Nope, stop.  No lectures.  Just go.  And, enjoy the rest of the day.  Have some fun, will you?"  
Sesemann sighed, "Very well, Your Majesty."  He bowed and left the throne room.  Peony leaned back and took the time to decide where and how he would spend his precious free time.

The guards saluted as Jade passed through the doors to the palace, but he paid them little heed.  He was wholly focused on keeping himself upright and moving at least until he could speak with Peony.  He staggered and leaned heavily against the hall wall, holding a hand to his side.  He could feel the damp suffusing his uniform, and he was shaking.  

"Sir?"  A maid was standing behind him.  Jade forced himself to stand straight, and turned to face her.  The short little maid looked up at him, her face full of concern.  "Sir, are you alright?"

Jade held himself stiffly.  "I'm quite well, thank you," he answered her as pleasantly as he could; he was not at all certain of how well he succeeded.  The maid looked a little puzzled.  "Are you sure.  You looked a little…" She met his eyes and looked away.  "Well, if you're sure…I'd best be getting back to work."  She hurried away.

Jade gave a small smile.  His red eyes were really quite useful on occasion.  He turned back toward the direction of the throne room praying he wouldn't meet anyone else on his way.  He gritted his teeth and continued forwards.  It was strange how far the throne room seemed to be now.

Peony prepared to get up.  He'd go to his rooms first and make sure the rappigs were settled and had food, and then he could leave.  Perhaps he should take one with him, he thought idly.  His cute little Jade could use a walk, and Luke was getting awfully lazy lately.  The throne room doors opened and Jade entered.

Peony grinned.  "Hey. Jade!  What are you doing back already?  Are you slacking off on me?"  Peony's grin faded as Jade approached.  His movements seemed unsteady and he was clutching a hand to his side.  Peony rose as Jade reached the throne.  "Jade, what…?"  A shudder ran through Jade, he swayed and fell.  Peony caught him and lowered him carefully to the ground.  Jade's hand fell away from his side, and Peony could see the blood spreading on his uniform.  "Jade!  What the hell happened?"
Jade took a shuddering breath.  "We…were attacked."  Jade's hands clenched convulsively, "Replicas…a large force…With just the recruits…we weren't ready.  We were…slaughtered."  Jade coughed, and continued.  "They seemed much like many of the ones created by Van.  No individuality…programmed to kill…" Jade's eyes closed.  Peony could feel him trembling.  Jade struggled to speak again.  "Th-they were st-strong.  Powerful we…weapons…"

Peony frowned at his best friend, trying to suppress the panic he could feel rising.  "Listen, just shut up.  I've gotta get you to a doctor.  You can tell me what happened after you've healed."

Jade looked up at Peony.  His eyes, normally so alert and amused, were hazy with fatigue and pain.  "Such concern," he murmured.  "I'm touched…"  Jade's eyes fell shut again.

"Jade?  Jade?"  Jade did not respond.  He seemed to have passed out.  Peony slipped his arms under him, and lifted him as gently as he could.

"Get you to a room," Peony muttered, "and get a healer."  He carried the stricken colonel to a bedroom, and laid him on the bed.  Jade was incredibly pale and was starting to shiver.

Peony looked out into the hall and waylaid a passing maid.  "Get a doctor," he said tensely.  The maid looked at him questioningly, "Your Majesty?"

"Now."  Peony said fiercely.  The maid hurried away.  Peony turned back to Jade.
"Dammit.  What the hell is going on?"