Ikkaku - Agartha's first Qilinifcation (5/30)

[14:56] And thus, they will gather up what little courage they have currently. Sucking in a deep breath, before speaking what needs to be said.

"I kno dat Ardent is in a ruff spot, specially when ya minister just showed up at da Watchtower, an basically put me in charge of da defense of Tongy. Now imma na powerful at all, an she gave me stuff dat I never tought I would see in mi life... but I can na protect it. Nor my friends. I needa help.. even if by doing dis I am still defending the last bastion."

Sucking in a breath through her teeth, before spitting out what she is offering.

"I kno dat I would basically die doin it... but I am offerin myself ta da Qilin machine, ta be remade into a symbol an a betta fighta for Ardent... I kno dat Imma lose all dat makes mi well mi by doin it... but yea."
(Dominica Serro)
[15:00] Whatever it was that had just been whispered to Ikkaku make those sky blue eyes squint. They would not whisper in return, instead looking towards Dominica. For a moment there is silence from the Regent.. Before they would give a slight nod.

"Ardent is in a rather difficult spot. The evacuations have been started either way since; If we stand it would be better not to have too many innocents hurt by ravaging hordes of Demons, and if we fall, well, innocents do not have to be hurt. Having people at Tongy to defend it in the later case is a good idea."

There is a pause, sky blue eyes closing as they seemed to think.

"Becoming a Qilin requires pledging yourself to the Emperor. Are you prepared to do that? Are you prepared to fight for the light, to not waver into darkness, to not fall to uncertainty? Are you prepared to fight for Ardent and all the innocents who remain here?"
(Ikkaku Ukitake)
[15:08] She will quiver on the spot, nerves making every motion well. Hard to do. That is just not something they are prepared to face. Or at least they can try to. Gathering up what courage they have, and narrowing their eyes to look at the Regent, her steel hues determined at least.

"I dun kno aboot da Emperor too much. Da Grey has always been a part of mi life. But ya would na know about Da grey. So no matta. Imma pledge myself ta Ardent, ta make sure dat the people will be safe always. I may be a shite Qilin, I may na be da front fighter in da wars an just securing the flanks an retreat. Dere are thousands of peeps, an most of dem probs na gonna make it out. But yea... I pledge myself ta da emperor, to Ardent, an to da cause of right an light. I am ready ta well... Die for it. Shite I was doin it without bein paid for it aint dat da toof at least?

SNorting heavily before she starts to scratch heavily at one of her facial scars.

"Sides I may end up wit a lil tit an bum, instead of just bein flatter den a board. Na ta mention dat may be a betta looka den I am now. I kno I kno, a bit vain of mi for also wantin it for dat reason, but ya kno how hard it is when ya tryin ta be pretty an people callin ya a man. Dat is just a fookin side tangent.. Imma nervous an tryin ta look on da bright side of tings a bit. Ya got mi pledge... an I probs gotta give ya da materials an tings dat Junk gave ta mi back at least."
(Dominica Serro)
[15:17] The Regent stands up and starts to walk towards the interior of the fortress.

"One last thing; The Qilinification process will leave you sterile. Are you prepared for that?" The sky blue eyes turned, looking towards Dominica as they brought it up. "I am not certain what will happen when the machine is used. To my knowledge.. It never has been. So at least we can confirm what happens..

I do not think you'll die. Hopefully you will be reborn as something stronger and more prepared for the challenges ahead.

Once you answer the last question, we'll go inside. The machine has at least one charge."
(Ikkaku Ukitake)
[15:20] Looking down at her bottom parts, before letting out a huge snort.

"Da fook does it matta? Neva even had sex before, not for lack of tryin mind ya, but anybody I try ta git close ta cheated on mi before dat. So na like my babymaker was gonna be used at all. Fookin funny joke dere Regent."

Closing her eyes tight, before she turns towards the keep, nodding.

"Slrite den, I sorta... I made my goodbyes... If we doin it now, den we are doin it now den. As for ya? Imma go die an become a Qilin, one of da emperor blessed. Lets see if I just die doh. My fookin luck it will be da case."
(Dominica Serro)
[15:22] Ikkaku Ukitake says, "Nobody may watch. This is something special for the Emperor's chosen, or hopefully soon to be. <They begin to head inside unless stopped>"
[15:23] Ikkaku Ukitake says, "We'll find out in a moment."
[15:23] Dominica shudders, before they nod
(Dominica Serro)
[15:31] Into the Fortress, the Regent would lead Dominica, down several hallways that weren't really used. It was unlikely that they had been transversed any time during the Coalition, nor during the reign of Geese. In fact, the place was a little dusty.. But eventually a door is come to.

"This door holds the machine. Very little people know where it lays. It's safer that way. I was only informed due to the Emperor's blessing."

A small angelic wing would form upon Ikkaku's back, fluttering a few times before the Regent would lead inside. A small breath was taken before the machine itself would be gazed upon.

https://puu.sh/Aw0h9/9965735b2b.png

"Alright. I'm not exactly sure of the process. So I will ask this before you enter. I know you just said it outside, but please repeat."

The blue glow would slowly emanate from Ikkaku's body.

"Dominica,

Do you swear yourself to the Emperor, to being a light in the darkness, to protecting the people of Ardent, to protecting the innocent? Are you prepared to make sacrifices, the loss of your memories, changing who you are, so that you may better do the things you must do? Are you prepared to risk your life for Ardent, risk your life for Tongyishan, and to never run, never surrender?"
(Ikkaku Ukitake)
[15:39] It is imposing, the woman feels small, too small. She was never really tall, but it feels as if the machine itself it giant. Towering over them all. The weight of the machine, of what she is about to do is crashing down on her. She even takes a step backwards, as if to flee screaming from the place. Before, biting her lip and nodding. Sucking in a deep breath and stepping forward. Gathering her courage, holy magic emanating from her body, to help calm her, to give her the sense of being protected.

"I swear to da Emperor, I swear to protect da peeps of Ardent, ta da innocent. To da light against da waves of darkness. Imma prepared ta bi gone, ta neva fly or kno aboot da ships of mi homeland. To foget da grey, to forget mi family. I will not run, I am givin mi life ta Ardent, to Tongyishan... Imma... not run from dis, nor hopefully da next mi will na as well. Imma na ready to die... I do na want to. But... I gotta..."

Closing her eyes tightly as she swings her bag onto the ground, letting the heavy bag filled with ores ready to be taken.

"Mi wagon outside gotta lot of ores an shite for ya as well, it was givin ta mi by da minister... mayhap you will give it back, but den na gonna bi a smith or a runescribe no more... Wat do I gotta do den? I am... ready as I ever gonna bi... I gotta help."
(Dominica Serro)
[15:40] Dominica Serro says, "Oh."
[15:40] Dominica Serro says, "And I gotta few homes on da ridge ta Tongy..."
[15:40] Dominica Serro says, "If I get dem back I dunno"
[15:40] Dominica Serro says, "But den dat dun matta anyway doh."
[15:46] The glue glow surrounds Ikkaku as the Regent takes a breath in. There is a nod.

"You have sworn. And in my eyes, your guarding of the tower and assistance in the evacuation plans have already proven loyalty to the Emperor. I.. Don't know what sort of experience you will have, what you will remember or won't but.. I do know that this will be unique."

Ikkaku turns towards the machine. The door opens, as if gently pulled by invisible strings.

"I'll have Qi Lan look over the ores, or maybe yourself when you return. but that will be determined in a little bit. For now you must focus on your one remaining task..

Dominica; Enter the machine. I will remain to watch but no one else will see what happens. What happens in there is between you and the Emperor themselves."

A motion of Ikkaku's hand.

"Remember; Half the battle of the future is having the will to arrive."
(Ikkaku Ukitake)
[15:53] Arching their eyebrow, before snorting loudly. A belly laugh escapeing them as they approach the machine.

"Fookin atmos Regent, dat was da fookin corniest line I have eva heard. Imma goin out on dat? Fookin atmos. But hey, could bi worse ain't dat rite? I did dat shite cause it was da rite ting ta do. Spose doh dat dun matta doh much in da end. Ya good peeps... Slrite den..."

Sucking in a breath, closing their eyes, and one last prayer. Before she steps into the machine, and into the embrace of the wires that will reform her. Her mind focused like one of the burning embers of her forge, focused on the task of protecting her little slice of the world. That is what truly drives her. Maybe it is because she has lost so much and wants to keep her hands on what she does have, maybe it is because of her magics effects. Or maybe she is just stubborn as hell and will not give up no matter what.

But now, it will be between her and the Emperor, time for a reckoning and maybe a few stern words to the Angel for putting them partially in this mess.
(Dominica Serro)
[15:55] Ikkaku Ukitake says, "<The door closes behind Dominica> And now.. It turns on."
[15:55] {NARRATION} On activiation of the divine device, the smooth, marble-like surface would immediately come to life with advanced runes that changed with each passing second, animated in motion, circling both the outside and inside. They shone with an intense white light.

Thousands of small, worm-like wires jolt into the chosen subject from within the container, and what's initially a spike of pain turns to become numb, putting them into a deep sleep. Roughly thirty seconds passed.

The person within was reincarnated, in a way- all memories of their past life were sealed away into their soul, with an exception for Universal knowledge, such as the ability to speak. Their body would change drastically, as they became a new person, though they would certainly retain some characteristics of their past life.

Their clothes might no longer fit. They may be younger.

They are a Qilin now, with striking blue leylines and an inner benevolence that's been instilled unto them by the grace of the divine.

(75% rebirth into a Qilin. You can pick new magics etc if desired.)
[16:12] It.. Didn't actually seem to take all that much time.

The Regent of Ardent remains, watching the ordeal with silence as the thousands of wires moved into Dominica. There was a swallowing as the last few moments that she was herself passed. Thirty seconds of the jolting wires and then.. They seemed to be asleep.

Ikkaku remained nearby, taking a breath. And finally after a minute passes and after the wires retracted to their normal state, they would speak.

"Are you awake?"
(Ikkaku Ukitake)
[16:20] The wires dropping from the girls form, her hair unbound and maintaining the fluff that was contained before. The clothes ill fitted, still stained with her previous life's work. Her body smaller, almost more delicate. Her skin like porciline, maintaining the features of a westerner. The scars that had adorned her body are gone, leaving the skin pristine, almost fake looking, as if it is too perfect. Fresh and newborn, the touch of the divine. The age of her body reduced many years, a young teen by all apperances

Her face has the traces of Dominica, but as if an Artist exaggerated her pleasant features, made her younger, and enhanced her beauty. Fake an artificial in its own way, a idealized being that no regular mortal shall ever achieve. Almost off putting to see something like this in real life.

Steel eyes will slowly widen, as a gasp of breath as new lungs suck in their first breath, eyes almost stareing blankly into the air, before the first words echo forth,almost monotone, tinted with being unsure about things.

"I am awake."

But most importantly, she no longer has that infernal accent.
(Generic char name numbe)
[16:27] "In that case.. Good Afternoon."

The door to the machine would once again open, not by any physical force, but instead by the invisible ties of the Arcane. Sky blue eyes stared towards the woman within the box awkwardly, before giving a few nods.

"I am told that this process erases your memories, so I imagine you may have more then a few questions. We'll speak outside this room. Come with me if you would."

The Regent then takes a moment to think about this;

A figure with what seemed to be a skull for a face, a glowing blue benevolent light, and an Angelic wing just asked someone with no memories to come with them and that they went through a process. They swallowed.

"Also, no, you are not dead."
(Ikkaku Ukitake)
[16:33] To say the least that they are unsure of what is going on, is the least of it. The light of the machine, being free to walk unsteadily. Even if she retains the memories of walking, it is her first step, unsure as they step forward, then the next step more confident, and more as they continue forward. Gulping loudly, as they seem to want to scratch at something, reaching towards their face, before catching themselves, looking at her hand before shrugging and looking at man before them.

"I do not know? I am... there is nothing before the blue light and the benevolence of his grace. Who are you? And where is this place. I should know before I go with you. No, you are the first to greet me after I have awoken. The Emperor must trust you. Lead on."

Nodding as she pulls up her clothing, to try to keep it to fit, her feet slipping and sliding in her boots as she follows behind
(Generic char name numbe)
[16:41] A benevolent feeling radiates from the skull faced figure, not the same type as that of the Emperor but a will to do good all the same. A singular hand would be extended for the stranger to take, as if afraid they had forgotten how to walk, but as they seemed to gain confidence it falls to their side.

"My name is Ikkaku Ukitake, and I am the Elected of Ardent Cliff; That is where you currently stand. It is an island away from Sheng, the homeland and land of the Emperor. An expedition was sent here and things aren't exactly going well."

These words would be said as Ikkaku would lead out of the room and through the halls of the fortress, guiding towards a better room to speak; One with comfortable chairs and tea. The Regent would take a seat in one before exhaling.

"You are a Qilin. The machine that you woke up in creates them, servants of the Emperor. You have forsaken the memories of your old life, and many other things so that you could protect the innocent, and serve the Emperor. No name was discussed before you gave up your memories..

You mentioned being blessed.. Perhaps a name like.. Shukufuku? Or defender.. Difenda..

I'm not good with names."
(Ikkaku Ukitake)
[16:50] Nodding as they are settled into the chair. Looking around taking in the sights, eyes wide, as if this is the first time they have seen it, and in a way it is. It is almost overwhelming, to see the people scurrying around the keep, the splendor of the walls and decorations, They will suck in deep breaths, nerves getting to them as stimulation of these new sources assaults them. But focusing on the back of the regent, focusing on one thing seems to help.

As they settle into the chair. Nodding as they delicately hold the tea. Unsure how to proceed as a barried habit of learning reasserts itself, and they will delicately drink from the tea.

"His will is my will, I know that, it is my entire purpose in life to serve him and protect those under his gaze, the innocent shall be protected. A name? I am unaware of it. If you find yourself lacking in that task, would not greater wisdom be forward to ask for anothers help? I am unsure though, maybe being bad at something is good in its own way? Hmmm, much to ponder upon."
(Generic char name numbe)
[16:58] Once settled into the chair, a gloved hand moved to the Regent's face, moving the skull mask off and pushing the hood back. A pale, almost androgonous look is revealed, feminine lashes fluttering a few times as their hands smoothed out cyan hairs that were out of shape due to the helmet. After a moment of this, a hand takes a cup of tea, putting several sugar cubes into it and taking a sip.

"It's good you know that.. The process of creating a Qilin.. I've never known how much is lost or gained. I thought I might have to teach you to talk from square one. I am glad at least some things are retrained..

For the time being, I'll call you Shu, for a designation. I'll ask someone who is better at names later on for help. And.. I guess being bad at something is good. Reminds us that we are all human. Now..

Ardent is preparing for war against Gaiar Aetherius, a group of Archons, which are humanoid demons, demons, and their worshipers. The town is being evacuated and the Fourfold, which is the army of Ardent, is preparing to fight against it. Aside from the settlement of Ardent there is Tongyishan and Kogarashi. You will likely go to the former to protect it should Ardent fall.

.. This is a lot of information. Do you have any questions?"

(Ikkaku Ukitake)
[17:03] Nodding slowly as they settle their cup of tea on the table, trying to process all this new information, struggling to handle it all with the stimulus that the previous experiences has given her.

"I see. How am I supposed to defend the settlement? What resources do you have me to call upon, Who do I answer to besides yourself as the Emperor's reprsitive and the Emperor. Where is this settlement to be located? Does the populace give proper praise to the Emperor in this time of need. How many people will be evacuated?"

She sits their, almost ridged as they try to process this, struggling with basic instinct they may have, and what is clearly gone. They see partially the connections, but does not fully connect into what they are asked of.

"To protect the people of Ardent, and Tongyishan. Am I to aid in the defense of Ardent proper, or secure the retreat?"
(Shu)
[17:04] Shu says, "And I shall call myself Shu until such time as you change it."
[17:04] Shu says, "Or another does."
[17:12] The questions seem to make the Regent think.

"You'll have to be trained on how to fight. I'd offer but there is about half a year of time before the forces of Gaiar arrive. I am not certain that there will be time to finish your training in that time frame. As for who you answer to and resources.. You will be made a member of the council so you can exert the Emperor's will.

The members are as follows; Qi Lan, the Minister of research and development, Junko, the Minister of infrastructure, Midia Di Maria, the Minister of Education, and Sumire, the chancellor of the illuminated. Hinata is my assistant and can help you with anything that needs doing. The Fourfold Commander and Voice of Many are currently open positions due to the death of their holders.

Tongyishan is located to the northern mountains. Kogarashi is located to the north, of here, and west of Tongy."

A pause however at the mentioning of the Emperor.

"As for the Emperor.. He has departed for the time being to assist in the Divine War that is to come. He has bestowed his blessings upon those he believes can assist." A motion is made towards the blue glow surrounding Ikkaku.

"There were two others.. They died fighting against Archons. There are people such as myself who believe in the Emperor but faith was shaken after his speech. As for who needs to be evacuated; Anyone not fighting in the battle for Ardent.

And securing the retreat will be your priority, at least until you're combat ready."
(Ikkaku Ukitake)
[17:20] Nodding slowly, as she sucks in a breath, mulling over the thoughts. Her fingers resting on the cup as she absorbs the warmth through her digets.

"I see then. The Emperor will never leave us, he is always watching over us, I know this in my heart and my entire being. I was made to serve him and his will, if he has truly forsaken us then I would be gone."

Sipping on the tea, trying to process all of this, unsure even where to proceed from here, a lot is thrust on the teen right from the start, and it is up to her to know the emperor's will, although if she was on the mainland, several years of training to get her used to this new life would be upon her.

"If it is what your council will's then I shall serve. The emperor's benevolence shall be felt by all. If I shall join the council then I shall do so."

Normally the Qilin are separate from the power structures of their charges, but, it seems this is not normal times, nodding and listening as the wheels in her head church and churn.

"Training I shall need if I shall be enacting the emperor's will, I have no knowledge of my abilities, or even what I can do with them, if you can not, then a duly appointed other shall suffice."
(Shu)
[17:27] There is a nod and a smile from the Regent.

"I know. The Emperor still believes in his people and his blessings are still with us. When our darkest moment comes he will be there to assist. And despite what has happened, this is far from the darkest moment. If he had forsaken us truly, I do not think I would be here either.. I would be dead."

The cup of tea is finished, set upon the table as the Regent stretched a little.

"Wonderful. Speak to Junko about any housing arrangement that you'll need. Or anything else that you may. The Emperor's benevolence and will to guard mankind's kindness will indeed be felt.

As for training.. I would seek out any who are around for it but.. Do not go off with strangers. There are many spies of Gaiar within Ardent. I'll indicate a few people you can trust when we go outside."
(Ikkaku Ukitake)