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He hadn't had much time to think about what would become of him if he was chosen. A swift painful death was the most he could hope for really. But then he heard the steps following, a slight look of panic dawning on his face. No. Don't follow him in his folly, he didn't want to see that. He was doing this specifically to prevent that. He'd even said such. He was about to speak up, to quietly plead the man to say nothing, but didn't have the chance before he spoke.

The speech began with something he didn't recall. It had obviously happened before he arrived, at the 'war talk' perhaps. But as it continued he could only be humbled, saddened by his mistake. The tears he'd been holding back seemingly the entire day slipped down as realization hit. He himself did not want to see Kashi slain, but nor would the other. It was simple logic, perhaps it was cruel pure cruelty to try and save him in such a way without a second thought. Asking to die so you wouldn't have to see something you feared, truly it was thoughtless of him. But it was done and too late. And as well, the one he loved had spoken up and offered himself if they were both to die. Yes, perhaps that was for the best. Then neither would remain behind, nor would any other die for this.

He offered an attempt at a smile briefly as the other man drew close, not that it lasted long as their lips met again. Rather shamelessly too, seeing as they were two adults in tears before the emperor. However, in such a case it was to be expected to an extent. Hell, he didn't care. He was happy, even if these were to be the last moments of his life, he would be content. This was an end he could withstand.

Though it seemed only moments later their brief joy was halted by the kings final decision. He looked up expectantly, waiting to see a blade points at him. Though instead only a single word came, one that saved each of them. For now.

The king himself would go with them, to fight alongside as another of the golden lands. Perhaps that, was what he'd found and wished to protect. What he had seen in the people was reflected in the king for a moment as he bowed he head, somewhat grateful at the words. Although it meant war, he would do all he could to protect what he held dear. "I-" He briefly paused thinking a moment. Yes, he would say it. "-thank you, and shall do as commanded." He added, remaining in the posture for a few moments long before shifting to move back, holding to Kashi's arm as he did.

He wished to speak to him, in the brief time before battle that they had. While he did not desire death, he wanted to make it clear that THAT had been stupid, and he didn't want anything stupid happening in the fight.

Scarlett opened her mouth to argue with her King, to tell him that he couldn't just sacrifice himself for their safety, but then she realized that was why he was king. He would protect them and do what was best for their kingdom. She, no matter what her feelings about his safety, could not argue with him.

It wasn't her place.

"To battle then," she said very softly, nodding once in agreement. Then she turned, one hand against the emblem on her breast and the other curled around her weapon.

It was time to prove her worth.

[Exit]

Lan gave Shaheen a look. A very conquest look of 'its alright we are all sane here'. Lifen got a look of 'I'm sorry but we will be needing to take care of this. It's for his own good. Like when we sometimes have to take his fan away.' Kiwi's look? 'You look lovely in those robe by the way, they rather suit you. Just don'[t start waving the fan around like Mengyao does.'

Conquest and the art of speaking without speaking. A lovely skill if anyone could understand it.

"Agreed. It would only cause to inhibit our goal should these ones... take to the illusion." To the false reality. "He'll be joining them. As time presses on, the chaos will give cover." Simple, she crossed her arms.

"There were also those others with us. We should... avoid them if possible."

Kiwi's eyes brightened as he saw Shaheen enter the bathing area. "Ah there you are. Now we can get down to business." His smile was evident, his eagerness to do battle causing the fan to flicker at a quick tempo. At Lan's look however, he suddenly thought better of it and stilled his hands to his lap.

He listened intently as Lifen spoke, his eyes still on the procession outside. "Yes, at some point we must inevitably destroy this false Mengyao. ... But we will not make it far without the support of the kingdom, and the kingdom rests in the illusion's hands." His fingers clenched into fists, one hand squeezed tight about the handle of his fan. "As much as it irks me to ignore a good fight ... I agree, waiting for the right moment is likely our best option."

If his time spent under this illusion had taught Kiwi anything, it was that wit was just as important as brawn in a battle.

"Knock knock." A figure strode in, confidently, arrogantly, whistling lowly as he took the time to assess his surroundings.

"Wow, living large are we? You know what they say about those who overcompensate." He laughed a little at his joke, openly spreading both empty hands out, exaggerating his words in actions before stopping in front of the Gold King. A low bow, though the silver crown on his head was more than enough sign of who this figure was, despite his half-formed shape, parts of it distorted, peeling into nothingness while the other part seemed almost normal, decked in an outfit familiar to the White Kingdom with simple, albeit scraggly, blonde hair. "Your Majesty."

The corner of his eyes moved, as he watched the King, waiting for some reaction.

In retaliation, the Silver King gestured to both pillars around them as they deconstructed, splitting into several smaller spears. He grabbed one, poised to attack, lazily, eyes never leaving the Gold King. "I would like to ask you the same thing, though you never struck me as one for wordly fancies."

Without warning, the first spear plunged, just nicking Mengyao's robe as the second sliced mere pieces of his hair. There was already a third spear in the Silver King's hand. "Are you going to grant me my wish, Gold King, or should I say, the Voice?"

Mengyao held his ground, flinching only a little as the first pillar shivered and then cracked, splintering away and reforming, a long, golden spear in the hand of the Silver King. He could feel his heart beating loudly against his ribcage, his fingers gripping the hilt of his sword so tightly that his knuckles were white.

"You're right," he said. "I care nothing for fancies - much like yourself."

He spun the sword, but it was too late - the first spear caught a part of his clothing, the second severing several long strands of his hair. Dark locks fell haphazardly to the ground, and Mengyao ground his teeth together, stumbling backwards.

...what?

He stood frozen, the sword still held at the ready. The words of the Silver King were clear, but he could not understand them, confusion drawing his brows together.

"...and what," he said tightly. "would be that wish, exactly?"