A Queen with no Castle? (Iowa, PM to join)

[Marigold Darkson]

Above a suitable landing area, hovered the Lancelot. This mighty ship carried only a few passengers, as opposed to the original five or so who were supposed to be joining her. However, that was all fine, seeing as she only needed her two women by her side. Himeiji and Ysl'Dae, casually got up from their seats and turned towards their queen. No doubt, once they saw the giant, pearly white castle in the distance, the two knew their destination had been reached. Marigold, who sat in the command chair of the ship, smiled with her full, ruby-red lips towards the image. "A perfect, intimidating castle, for a perfect, intimidating queen like herself," she thought.

Once the ship had landed, the Queen stood up and picked up her coat. Just like usual, she wore her typical, white, long-sleeved button-up shirt, which was tucked into her black slacks. Her boots were laced up tightly and her coat was soon thrown on nicely over her upper half. The white fur lined along the hood and edges of the sleeves and hem. Her masked assassin, Himeiji, wore a blank mask with three holes for the eyes and mouth, sporting her all-black kimono, with her exo-suit beneath it. Ysl'Dae wore her traditional green armor, that covered her chest, legs, thighs, hands and arms. The armor pieces were emerald green in color and matched with the light-green robe that she wore beneath the pieces of armor.

"You girls ready?" Marigold asked with a smirk and the two acknowledged it, with a nod. Once they confirmed, the trio was off. Out of the ship and onto the landing area, the two surveyed the area. After what Celia told them back in Radiant Garden, most of the threat should have been cleared away for now. Of course, give that their opponents were Heartless, it unsure whether or not they'll encounter similar resistance. Either way, the three would remain on guard, as they traversed through the myriad of buildings that rose in varying sizes. The world was rather melancholic to a certain point, seeing as it was a completely abandoned city.

"Strange... Mistress, do you think live once thrived here before? Oddly enough, I can't help but feel like this place is rather barren, saved for the creatures that dwell here. According to Celia's notes, she and Lily only encountered the Succubus and her compatriots here. I wonder if anything more than just emptiness existed here at one point." The snake-kin stated, as she surveyed the area. Himeiji herself remained quiet and continued to watch their backs, katana at the ready.

"Well, I can only hope that there are 'subjects' other than the Heartless that congregate here... Would be a shame having to run an empty city, after all. Maybe we can have some of the people back home move over here? Have them experience a new universe all together?" A light finger tapped against her chin, as Marigold wondered what she could do with all the space given to her. A smirk crossed her lips when her eyes set upon the castle that grew closer, as they continued their journey through the city area towards it. "However, I can't say I'd opposed to having the fortress up ahead empty. That'd be a rather fortuitous happening after all. I mean, come on, how can I be a queen with no castle?" She asked her partners.

Ysl let out a small chuckle, noting to herself how weird it has been being cramped up in that ship. Sure, the ship was big, but it wasn't anything compared to the Darkson Manor. There, the snake-woman could be even more enigmatic and hidden from the rest of the people who dwelt. Hime, typical Hime, just silently looked at the two. Being a Nobody, she understood that it was a joke, but didn't have the incentive or need to laugh. Her mind registered it as being "funny," but she just couldn't make the gesture. She simply shrugged it off and continued on her way with them.

The trio were making good time at this point, leading Marigold to be quite glad that they came with a smaller party this time around.

[Iowa]

A gaudy, imposing ship flew above the castle; typical of classless invaders, and arrogant travelers. While he had not seen the vessel himself, word spread quickly. Three dusks appeared before him -- a robust, towering figure. Efficiently, they warned him of their suspicions. There was little need for exposition.

Despite his bounding confidence, his shirt trembled. Montana, his compass, was frequently wary of foreigners. What else could be expected from a hunted, pathetic creature? After all, he passively possessed Iowa's clothing, an admirable attempt at survival. Even then, he garnered little more than verbal, and sometimes physical, abuse from its host. However, the Heartless' empathy was a useful tool to utilize, and not one Iowa would easily forgo. Montana's obedience transcended his pride, and he had earned his keep.

Preparing for war, it seemed other Nobodies would hold the fort. Few would accompany him, for most knew they were casualties. Fortunately, the brave and powerful followed. As Montana opened a starless doorway outside the castle entrance, Iowa was accompanied by a samurai, dragoon, sniper, berserker, assassin, and twilight thorn. He was mildly surprised at his resounding support.

As he exited the portal, the gang soon following, he held his hand up, halting their movement. They understood he would approach first, an allowance of contact. Nobodies were not unreasonable, and the ship had seemingly sent a party to scout ahead. Likely, should they assume the best of the aliens, they would clearly define their peaceful intent. Regardless of their objective, they were entitled to nothing, and would soon be made aware.

When they would arrive, they would first come across a tall, well-groomed individual, with healthy, dark skin, about thirty feet in front of the pack. He was seemingly flawless, like the world around him. It was almost unrealistic; his air of perfection often off-putting to somebodies in proximity. The amount of upkeep was unnatural, and purposeful. A god's status need be unattainable by mortals, and he was their constant reminder.

[Marigold Darkson]

There was mostly a silence that was shared between the three as they continued through the world. The trio were on-guard for the most part, keeping themselves aware of their surroundings. Though, even in their state, they knew they weren't able to taken on anything too powerful, should it came to blows. The queen was put off by that simple fact and furrowed her brows slightly. A annoyed "tch," came from her lips and she had hoped nothing as atrocious as a copy of her would walk out in front of them.

Unluckily for them, they were greeted by some form of welcome party. However, this one was unexpected and completely different from the description that Celia gave in her notes. No, these creatures were white, but had equally strange forms as the Heartless. There was a power that was vastly different, that probably gaped the two creatures. The most intriguing part to this peanut gallery, was the tall, well-groomed, handsome man, who showed himself to be the obvious leader of the group. Marigold didn't make it a secret that she scoped him out. Her eyes trailed up and down his figure, taking in each detail. The vampire queen licked her lips and showed her approval of the male in front of her, but her narrowed, golden-eyes said something quite different.

"My, my and who might you be, handsome? Quite the little welcoming band you have here..." The young woman's voice was light, yet it carried itself so that the man could hear her clearly. "And here we thought this place was long abandoned. Tell me, are you the owner of that gorgeous landmark off in the distance?" She asked, as she took in the images before her.

The stout man's appearance warranted a response from her partners, though, she herself were completely calm. Himeiji's sword seemed to raise in an upward angle just a bit, as she looked toward the Samurai Nobody. Her mask hid what emotions she couldn't show. Ysl'Dae's small, soft smile had disappeared and she simply remained stoic while in the face of many. Normally, the Warmaiden did the talking for the Queen, but the fact she was told to be silent through their telepathy was quite a shock. This showed that the seemingly flawless man was worth Marigold's time.

Something to note, was that they were both dressed to kill, but the question was if there was going to be any killing... In all honesty, Mari had hoped not. After all the downgrading they've been through, they were not at their peak to start any reckless actions.

[Iowa]

There were three. As he gave passing glances at each, the only noticeable shudder from Montana was when he saw Himeiji. This stranger was family. It was unfortunate that she had found herself amongst two wholes. They would not understand her needs. Aside this indication, Montana's calm allowed Iowa to deduce they were not threats. And should they actively pursue conflict, a decisive victory would be immediate.

Perfect.

And despite this, their highest rank seemed to assert authority, taking lead, similar to how he had amongst his own. His posture gave way to nothing, keeping his troops relaxed, yet prepared. The samurai noticed the opposing blade, and urged itself not to test her will. They had all learned the consequences of disobedience. And, soon, should they misbehave, so would the trio.

As Marigold spoke, she clearly did not grasp the weight of the situation. Or he had been deceived by outward appearances, which was always a possibility. Nonetheless, she displayed her hubris. In the land of the full, she was the type to employ language as a tool; manipulative, controlling, she was another diplomat. Disgusting.

"State your business. We do not barter, we demand." He succinctly replied. There was no time for spirited prose, or dancing with the devil's tongue. Should they want information, they would have to conduct business on his terms.

[Marigold Darkson]

"Oh. You're a serious little boy, aren't you?" Marigold asked with an amused giggle, that left her with a smirk thereafter. Everyone was so on-edge, it was hilarious. It was straight to business, which was fine, because she was the business type anyways and liked to get things done as quick as possible. "Cigarette?" The woman asked calmly, taking her time with what she wanted, though her thoughts were already sorted. She just screwed about as per usual.

Mari reached into her coat pocket and pulled out her pack of long stick cigarettes. After packing it for a moment, she took one out and placed gently into her lips. Ysl would come over rather casually and flicked her finger, which became lit with an emerald green flame. The flame lit the cigarette and the collected woman took a short drag from it, before letting out the smoke from her nose. Whether or not the dark-skinned male wanted one, was no of concern to her at that point. It was just a formality. The stick came out her mouth, the filter stained a bit with her lipstick, as she began to talk.

"Since you're so closed off to basic socializing skills, here's the deal. I want that castle that stands behind you and the city that runs at its base. Here, I will make it a little bit more lively. Throw in a club, put that miraculous hotel to good use, while the castle is used as a base for me and the rest of my family and close friends." Just like that, she laid out her plans and wants, not sparing any details, nor lying. "So what do you say, tall, dark and handsome?" She asked in a cold tone that hid the teasing aspect behind it. "Of course, I haven't forgotten your little 'demand' aspect in all of this, so I'm all ears. Speak away." The Queen said, waiting to see how they'll draw up these terms.

[Iowa]

Iowa had never been fond of the societal contract, dictating courteous behavior in order to maintain equilibrium. This homogeny was rooted in control of the oppressors. Her condescending nature showed her desire to perpetuate this culture, which was typical of the power hungry. Worst of all, she was careless. She opened herself up for capture, and had her associate reveal a proficiency with fire. It didn't mean much to them, but casual use of power was indicative of the neglectful. Not to mention, the needless reaffirmation of her dominance. Was this part of their ploy, or was this an example of their natural hierarchy? Either way, it displeased him.

"Our home is not your dollhouse." He denied, asking for more intrinsic worth. What was the benefit of their presence? Did she expect open arms and the ability to modify and manipulate the world in whatever perverted way she saw fit, in exchange for their demands, which she likely wouldn't keep? Just like a human to walk into a foreign land and claim authority.

"Only one of you has right to citizenship," He began, eyeing Himeiji, before returning his narrow glare to Marigold. "The rest are second class citizens. And, should we extend this courtesy, our city will not change." He reassured, denying the commercialization of their world. This wasn't a land of profit for the rich, but a haven of safety for the empty.  

"You will earn your shelter. And, then, maybe, should we find you deserving -- in the furthest of futures, when you've proven genuine loyalty -- you may be considered kin, and have equal privilege."He continued, using his diplomatic authority to mark his territory. He was well versed in politics, but despised its use. However, there was no rest for the wicked, and should he exterminate the flames of the stagnant, then every tool was an accessory to progress.

[Marigold Darkson]

"This man is like Himeiji. They deal with absolutes, rather than the typical style of banter for most. He also regards what He is by a grand amount. Granted, I have no idea what they are just yet, so it'll be interesting to live among these new creatures." Marigold thought to herself on the inside and easily drew the conclusion just from his small amount of banter. Her mind started racing as to why this man was the way he was. She and the rest of her family would be regarded as second-class citizens, while Hime would have equal rights extended to her right off the bat? Strange indeed... Her eyes gazed over to the masked assassin, who hadn't flinched, nor said a word at all.

The lady of duality switched glances between the tall man and her Queen. There was some natural tension that brewed between the two and it was apparent in the way how the man addressed the woman. When her gaze met with Marigold's, she saw the faintest of nods stem from Mari. That was her queue and so, she took several steps forward. Her masked was removed in the process and she revealed her all black eyes, pale face and emotionless, cold face that peered at the dark-skinned man and the rest of his small army. A small, courteous bow was given.

"We accept the terms given." Her response was given in a flat, monotone voice, but it seemed like her counted the most among the trio. She took several steps back and was now on equal length with Marigold. The samurai placed her mask back on and continued standing on-guard.

The Darkson Queen rose an eyebrow at both groups, before she placed the cigarette back in her mouth, smiled and took a small puff from it. After a relaxing exhale, she brought one arm under her chest, to rest her other elbow on top of the hand. Seemed like everything had been settled quite nicely. A cheerful smile broadened her more casual one, as she loved when things could be worked out quite easily. However, she knew there was more to this. While yes, this man did indeed have a lot of power, he simply stated that they could live there, but under different rights, with hardly any equality. She wondered if he had plans for them. While in this situation, she flipped both sides around and thought about the words said between he and her in the previous instance. Sure, she didn't know a damn thing about him, but the way how he spoke was enough to let her know that she had to be cautious of the man.

"Well then, now that's settled, will it be fine by you if we moved in immediately? Going to be quite the family, so it'd be very prudent of us to get everything settled here and now, rather than later." The woman stated and wondered if at all, the man even cared at this point. He seemed like the type who, once they got what they wanted they were done with the entire thing. Should that be the case, she'd have no problems with rushing everybody in there immediately and let them enjoy the new place, while it lasted. "By the way..." She started. "I never caught your name. We might have settled this little verbal agreement, but what's the point of it if we don't even know one another? Plus, it's rude for a man not to introduce himself to a woman he's so keen on." Her last statement was merely to mess with him. Should he be like Hime, it didn't matter to her, messing with those type of people still brought a joy to her life, even if they couldn't give the necessary reactions to her words.

[Iowa]

"Your quarters will be soon prepared. Until then, we will discuss your roles in our world." He stated, raising his fist, calling forward a Dusk. Synchronized, it knew of its orders and went to prepare their living situations. Until then, they would meet on civil ground. About face, and he walked towards the castle, knowing they'd follow. As they another, different dusk appeared before him, it began guiding him. It was leading them to a prepared room, with a circular, grey scale table awaited.

Taking his seat, he expected them to take the three opposing chairs before him, leaving the two on either side of him empty. When they did, he would begin, "I am Iowa," he introduced, having delayed his answer to Marigold. He would return the favor in question, "I require your identities, capabilities, and full report on the rest of your family." Business was still being conducted, and he needed to know who these women were, and who they intended to bring into this world. Iowa was not particularly lenient, and they would learn of his discipline.

"Spare no details." He reaffirmed, as not only was it relevant as the tools they were, but in order to properly accommodate them. While there were lesser, they were not nothing. And only the existence of traitors and idle powers were completely disregarded.

[Marigold Darkson]

Marigold put out her cigarette and blew out the last of her smoke, when it came around the time for them to start moving on. They followed behind the stout and stoic man, quiet the entire time. The three were sharing telepathic messages between one another and her two companions voiced their concerns. They were weary about their stay here, simply because it was obvious the man was going to use them to further his own goals. Of course, that was a necessary trade off for having such a fine living area, such as the towering castle.

Eventually, they arrived in a prepared room with chairs and a table for the four of them. The dark-skinned man took his seat on the opposite end of the furniture, while the queen and her partners took theirs. Mari sat in the middle and got comfortable while she was at it. The woman crossed a leg over the other and sat perfectly still, looking the man in the eyes. Her smile had disappeared and she retained that business-like attitude. A flip from her previous emotions.

"You may call me, Marigold." She said softly, her tone soft and cold. From that point, he immediately addressed that he wanted to dossiers of the people she'd be bringing over. A simple task no less, but it would be quite the explanation she would have to give. Plus, she was allowed to go as far into details as she wanted to, but she figured for the sake of getting things done, she'd give only the most relevant bits of information concerning them.

"Marigold Darkson, is my name, a vampire at that. I have served as the queen of the planet I currently rule over and have an affinity for blood-usage. I can manipulate ice and wind as well. Aside from combat, I understand the trades of business and diplomacy quite well." She stated easily. That was all she really had to give on herself.

"To my left, is Himeiji Homura, a young woman from an Eastern country that I took into the ranks of my army. She's proficient in manipulating time and the aspect of nothingness, while also knowing her way around a blade. The woman is an assassin, I should add, but is normally one I send for more combat oriented purposes. As you can probably already tell, she doesn't do talking all too much."

"On my right, is Ysl'Dae Emeraldis. She's one of the main commanders to my army and deals in proficient use over fire, plant and earth. Her leadership skills are exceptional when on the battlefield and she is rather sturdy. Her patience is also rather high, having to deal with a lot of people over her years. Lastly, she is a snakekin, a reptilian like race of humanoid snakes."

"As for those not with us, I'll start with my younger brother. Gwain Darkson, is his name and he is our chief engineer and another commander for the army. He uses magnetism, lightning and metal as his main proficiency. Just like me, he too, is a vampire."

"My younger sister, Celia Darkson, is a very unique girl. She is a vampire like me and her range of prowess stems into the magical realm. She is proficient at illusion manipulation, along with fire and water. Her quirk, is that she uses a laboratory to experiment on creatures, people and other forms of life she can get her hands on and extract essences, tissue and other odd attachments from them. The teenage girl makes all forms of potions or other unique, magical objects to aid the family. Celia doesn't discriminate in who she operates on, so I'll be sure to tell her to stay away from your people."

"The youngest and final member of my blood related family, is Lily Darkson, who is the twin to Celia. She is an engineer who works alongside Gwain and is skilled with the usage of weaponry, time, plant and wind. She doesn't speak to anyone other than family members or close friends, which she doesn't have too many of. The girl will stay away from you, if you stay away from her." After explaining the main people of the moment, the vampire woman took a pause and swallowed to wet her throat.

"Next on the list, is a family friend. Her name is Tsumiko and she can be considered a sister of mine. The young woman notable skills are her good looks and her gorgeous singing voice. Though, she tends to avoid combat and conflict as much as she can, I couldn't tell you her proficiency or forms of magic she uses. She has a kind heart and wouldn't dare hurt a fly. She is also rather sociable, given that she does attempt to make everyone's lives easier one way or the other."

"After her, there's Three, my business associate, who is more focused in the business and diplomacy aspects of his job, while also managing a network of spies and having skills in recon himself. He can manipulate space, fire and wind. Three is a people person and is able to talk to all types."

"Next is an interesting woman... Her name is Zienna, a succubus who has become quite attached to my younger sister, Celia. She has three traveling companions, who go by the names of Wolfram, Isis and Nero. I don't know much about her partners, but from what I've heard, they're a group that keep mostly to themselves. Anything more on them, you'd need to ask Celia when she gets here."

"Last, but certainly not least... There is another one of my warriors. His name is Beast, or rather, that is what he prefers to be called. Loyal only to my family, he is a physically strong werewolf, who has control over earth, fire and wind. Definitely not a people person and prefers to be more upfront and blunt more than anything. Much like Lily, he stays away from you, if you stay away from him." After explaining Beast, Marigold had signed once more. She was done with all those who she knew for certain, were either going to be visiting often or living with them. When the woman was done, she had turned her attention to see how Hime and Ysl'Dae were holding up. They remained the same as they came in, on-guard and quiet, letting their queen do the talking.

Done checking up on them, she turned her attention towards Iowa and flashed him a brief smile. Just how she planned, the vampire only explained the details that were necessary. Between she and him, Mari figured that details that weren't spared would only draw out the business transaction unnecessarily. The Queen only assumed that the man liked this straight to the point, simply because she did. However, what she did know for a fact, was that there was nothing more to say about her family, friends and allies, that required revelation. All irrelevant things were tossed out and the important bits were shoved onto the table. Iowa could take it or leave it, as he saw fit.

[Iowa]

Iowa took a mental note of the information, making sure to mark down the important details later. Their family was larger than expected, and while that would prove a nuisance, it would offer him opportunity.

"You will first retrieve information on all of the current world leaders. You will survey their people, politics, and how their rules have affected the economy. While getting their history, if you notice any peculiar changes in their behavior, whether it be the leader or the people, you will make an additional, separate note and immediately have it sent to us. You will be discreet, and peaceful. We don't need people suspicious of our activity. Granted, should you come across any life threatening encounters, act natural."

"Upon completion of this task, you will be given full, supervised access to our laboratories, where you may conduct any and all experiments. We will not share this information with the worlds, but you are required to share it amongst our scientists."

He finished, letting her take consider the tasks before her. It was never too late to back out -- except it was. He didn't need people knowing of his intent. And should they choose to leave now, they would have to forcefully expunged from existence. It wasn't as if he lacked the resources.

"If you have any questions or concerns, we are here to answer."

[Marigold Darkson]

The Queen had taken in every detail of the assignment and reward for completing said assignment. The deal was rather lucrative and fishy, but she was determined to find out more about it. Maybe she didn't, however, for the information that she was already give, which were the details of the mission, appeared very similar to what she did back on her home planet. When you had eyes, ears and mouths in the countries of another, you tend to find any chinks in the armors of the political leaders and armies associated with them. Tactical espionage was what she as assigned to do and she knew the perfect member to send out. After careful consideration, Marigold's gaze hardened and a single nod came from her.

"We agree to your conditions, Iowa. After we are all situated, I shall have one of my members sent out. Now then, is there anything else you wish to say, before I leave to make a few calls?" She asked and folded her hands over her lap. The woman had continued to maintain her proper, business-like attitude. Her mind had a lot of things going on with itself, however, she kept her focus on the here and now. A soft smile graced her lips. She considered this a rather shaky alliance, but it was a necessary one... For now.

[Iowa]

As she nodded, Iowa stood and turned, preparing to leave. His eyes narrowed, out their sight but he stated, "I am protecting my family. I assume you are protecting yours. Should you comply with our rules, you will soon find yourselves equal."

He understood the need for hope. The guarantee that they were not forever enduring slaves. And he was not here to assert his power or dominance. The protection of the world was the highest priority, but he also needed to ensure they were safe from more immediate, global threats. It was a risk he normally did not take, but if they knew the location to this world, it means others did. And, hopefully, by housing the entirety of the family, he would prevent its widespread location.

In the meantime, he'd have to observe them. "A Dusk will be here shortly." He finished, before walking away. When the Dusk arrived, it would lead them, silently, to where they would be living. It would thematically follow the rest of the castle, and city. There were no barracks for the poor, or enslaved.

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