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The Broken Wheel

Heaven....

Celestial City Yu-Shan.

Parting ways with Gennadi and Opal, Alexsei was left to walk its streets alone... the lights of Sol and Luna, never as close as they are in heaven shine, as turns on the Games of Divinity shift on the Jade Pleasure Dome, seen at the distance... as Alexsei makes his way through the city, walking into barges through the Quicksilver Cannals, all manner of spirits about him, treating him with due respect... and many more. A creature that might be a Dragon King flies overhead. Familiar-spirits scurry about their tasks. A Dragon-Blooded soldier and a Dragon-Blooded courtesan can be seen...

It is heaven, it is wonder.

A one-eyed crow comes to Alexsei, delivering a note. He is expected in the Violet Bier of Sorrows later this day.

The whispers finally catch up with him. They know where he was...
... and they are all curious.

Surrounded by curiosity, surrounded by whispers, surrounded by interest, surrounded by wonder...

it is heaven, and it is sometimes hard to know where to go first.

Alexsei Krauser: Where Sol and Luna dance, their music a game, the prize the succession of night and day...
Where Gods and Exalts watch the flow of Destiny - and write it, when need be...
Yu-Shan. Where Wonders and Monsters are born...
And which is which is sometimes difficult to discern...
Let it be a warning to those who would walk the Everchanging Skies without being wary.
Welcome to Heaven, dear self. It has been a long time indeed...

He shakes his head, watching over the skies - the prize of the Great Game - and adjusts the spectacles Excedingly Sublime Opal had gifted him with earlier, on their way to the Celestial city. The magically crafted lenses create a beautiful display for him, as the essence flows of the City of Wonders dance in front of his eyes, in every shade possible, beautiful lights waltzing around in aballet unseen to normal eyes, filling the air with a radiant, multi-hued glow.

How long has it been now? I seem to forget. But time passes so strangely when so close to the dome, I sometimes lose my bearings... Although, I have left some business unattended, and I do believe it is great time I take care of them.

Concern shine in his violet eyes, at meeting his sifu once again - and, in away, in the resulting encounter which would ultimately lead him to meet himself once more, for the first time in years.

He shakes his head of these talks for now, however. The note in his hand is clear - there are other things to be done before he is able to meet with Laisdach - a visit to the Division of Heavens was in order, and he would not let the Violet Bier wait too long.

Onward to Silence... his mind utters, as his first step shuffles the pavement...

Narrator: The most feared portion of the Perfect Lotus is the Violet Bier of Sorrows.

As Alexsei walks into its dimly lit halls, he feels the silence emanating from it. Solemn. All things come to an end... and only the Division of Endings knows how. Memories... somewhere, there was a Garden, which he had only found the way to once. A garden with a statue of Saturn, bare, blindfolded, with her blade over her own neck. A prayer strip flows about her bare body, with the inscription 'Forever Vigilant'. Her own vigil, to the moment of her own death. That was a rare sight. The Violet Bier was alive in a way, and some places just did not want to be found. Alexsei had no idea how many people had seen that, and no one has ever talked about it.

Its corridors are open to him now, however, as the form of Lonely Amethyst can be seen amidst the shadows, dressed on a crimson cheongsam, patterns of dragons flowing about it in organge, spetacles over her own eyes. "Hello, Alexsei. It has been a while." She speaks, almost a whisper. The proper tone within the Violet Bier. A tone that is respect, prayer, training, all in one.

Alexsei Krauser: Silent steps carry him forward, into the house of Endings.

Where the full implications of conclusion are not only accepted and understood, but harvested.

"A silent greeting to you, Lonely Amethyst - I cannot even begin to say how long it has been. I am glad to see you again, Sister of the Dirges." Should his face be visible in the concealing Shadows of the Bier, one could see a smile as he whispers the words to her. A whisper, barely above a breath, carried to his fellow Exalt only because of the silence of the House. The whisper of the Departed - the voice they use when they speak to him, on the surface of Creation.

Here, in the place where their voices weigh heavier than anywhere else in the known world, it is only fitting that it would be him who would whisper. In respect.

"It is a pleasant surprise to chance upon you here - but then again, as our people have taught, 'there is no such thing as chance'." Another smile, shadowed by the shroud of darkness blanketing them, and he takes another silent step towards her as he hides his hands within the sleeves of his robes. "I trust you are well, Amethyst - I have not heard much from you since the last time we have been side by side."

Lonely Amethyst: "There is no such thing as chance, no. There is only us." She answers in kind, her whispering like a ghost. Violet eyes and violet hair, but every time she adjusted her glasses, her eyes seemed to take on a different hue. "It is good to see you, too... much better to see another Endings. And no... I have not been well. But I coped."

"Gennadi gave you the warning? He does not want us in the North, apparently."

Alexsei Krauser: He nods at the mention of Amethyst not having been well, not addressing the matter of what he knows any further - these things would have to wait, if Amethyst ever chose to bring them up.

"I have received the warning, quite personally, in fact. One of his agents appeared to me with hostile intent. It it no empty threat, that. His plan is in motion, and the best we can do is try to learn its inner workings so we can better counteract it." He pauses for a moment, as if considering the next part of his declaration, before turning again to the violet-haired woman. "This is one of the reasons why I journeyed back to these halls in the first place, Amethyst."

"The threat must be regarded very seriously. There is at least some hope in realizing we are not being completely inefectual - for to be deserving of such al ultimatum, something we are doing is vexing enough to him that he would bully us into staying away."

Lonely Amethyst: Laying against a wall, arms closed beneath her bosom, she listens... as spirits that are little more than pyre winds go through them. Alone in all of the Bureaus, they could speak freely without need for privacy. Wayang's agents did not kiss and tell. "Oh, as I imagined. One of them came for me as well. A starbreaker it called itself. It was a ghost... a Nemessary. It had some power... I have yet to discover wether it was internal or external, but it stopped my movement. Had I been alone, it would have vanquished me - it knew what I could do, and was prepared for each and every one of my movements."

"He does not want us there... but did not mind Gennadi. I wonder why."

Alexsei Krauser: He puts a hand to his mouth, himself putting his back to a wall as he reflects upon the inquiries Amethyst brings up. "It makes me wonder, also. There can be many reasons for that, in fact - and none of them are too pleasant."

"One of them could be connected to the events centuries ago. The events that earned him the enmity of the Bureau in the first place - and the role Gennadi's counterpart played in these events. The might even be a connection with Adjoran, if that is the case." He shakes his head, pushing his spectacles up the bridge of his nose as he continues to ponder aloud.

"Another thing to consider, is that he possibly believes that Gennadi's agenda will not threaten his, or that it will, in fact, benefit him. Adding to that is the fact Tahira seems intent on a certain course of action to take place with Cael Pattona - and Gennadi too, it seems. The players are in place, and the moves are influenced into a particular pattern. What we have to do, at this point, is to try to figure out that pattern - and identify the players."

He sighs deeply, glancing back at Lonely Amethyst once more before smiling sadly at the events now taking place. "I wish it was as easy as only our agents having knowledge he did not want in the North - but even if that is the case, I do not believe this will be as simple as that. And for some reason, I cannot help but think the birth of Necromancy in that particular location centuries ago is connected to the whole scheme."

Lonely Amethyst: "It probably is." She says, getting up from the wall, walking, beckoning for him to follow. Amethyst dust trails on her wake, gems ground to powder, beauty destroyed and lost. "Tahira is there as well... and she was a companion of his' once. You think they are working together? How many sides are we looking at here?"

"Ah, what Gennadi is intending to do... I wish I knew that. Damian seems to, but I cannot pry it out of those smug lips of his' with anything I would dare to give him." She sighs, as they walk into a garden... which by itself is more like a ordered forest than anything.

Alexsei Krauser: "I would suspect they work together, yes - though how far that loyalty goes, I do not know. I would not bet all my money on them working completely hand in hand - there is the possibility to consider that they are merely allying again, for reasons their own. We have to keep this possiblility in mind, or otherwise the game might become too complicated to analyze."

He crosses his hands behind his back as they walk into the garden, his thoughts still wandering about as he and Amethysts walk forward... "Gennadi and Damian will stay tight lipped as to the exact nature of what Gennadi strives to accomplish, that is for sure. All we can do at this time is play our game the same way, and observe the patterns it forms - even the smallest of stones can make ripples. We only have to stay vigilant." He then turns towards the lady besides him, then nods solemnly. "I know I hardly have to say that to you, Lonely Amethyst, but if there is a time to be thorough, this will be now - we have to stay 'forever vigilant'. We have to leave no stone unturned. This might be decisive, in the end."

Lonely Amethyst: She looks at him... and he can see, that she does not get the reference. Nevertheless, it seems to warm her. "Yes. Yes, we must.... it is a puzzle. And he doesn ot want us to figure it out. That alone should make us try twice as hard. Now, however... the Binds have been activated. If Tahira is together with him... and if they have plans for the Windwraith... would it not be safer to take him out of the equation? You are the closest to him."

"You could probably do so before he became a greater threat..."

They walk into the pristine garden, and only now can one see it is a Graveyard. All around them, they see tombs in small secluded groves withint he woods... and finally, to a garden closer to a nameless tomb, where they find Galan. Galan is there, pruning some flowers. Gardening in his spare time. The Violet-skinned man crouches, crow wings hanging low, three sets of eyes watching a bonsai as if it was the center of the world...

Galan, God of Punishment, Inquisitor-King.

Amethyst walks towards him, slower now, her steps calm, respectful.

Alexsei Krauser: "The binds can become a great threat, yes - but there is still much to figure out. It might seem like a good idea to remove Cael Pattonna from the equation early on, but in many ways, his presence there is one of the only leads we do have. If we were to consider removing him now, we would only reveal our hand to the enemy - and become blind to any machination they might have."

"Stones leaving ripples, like I have said. But we need the water to stay still or the pattern will become unclear. The picture will not complete itself if we remove one of the pieces too early. If anything, the awakening of the binds should be a call for planning and observation, not rashness."

He falls silent as they come into view of Galan, and politely inclines his head to the god, a respectful bow for the Inquisitor-King...

Lonely Amethyst: "You are the one there. It is your call."

"And your responsability, in that."

She bows politely as well, as Galan turns around... smiling at them. "Alexsei Krauser. Lonely Amethyst." He recites their name in a pleasant tone. "It is always a pleasure to meet such honored selves here, especially after so long. I hope Creation has been kind on you."

Alexsei Krauser: "That is has been, Lord Galan. With its lot of joys and sorrows, just like it should be." He inclines his head politely, and smiles upon the god. "It has been a very long while since I have last walked these halls - but then, it also seems like yesterday. Time stands still here, just like always." He takes a look around, a pleasant smile on his lips as he admires the god's handiwork.

"And the garden is as prostine as ever, my Lord - the homage to the Departed has been

Galan: Amethyst tinges her own words with politeness as she speaks, and the god nods to both in turn. "We all must do something not to go insane, Alexsei. Well, some of us. I believe some of us work better when insane, but this is a matter for another time. I thank you for noticing it... I put much of my soul in this garden. And I like to think it reciprocates."

His hand brushes the leaves of the bonsai in front of him... looking sad, for a moment. "Would that I could talk about this little tree... I have so much to speak of her. But unfortunately, we have more pressing matters on our hands..." He sighs, "What can you tell me of the War, Alexsei?"

Alexsei Krauser: He nods politely at the god's statements, knowing all too well the toll their duries can take on a single individual. Unless they relish it, of course, which was never something Alexsei could relate to. He bows deeply, then straightens once again, crossing his arms behind his back as he gives his report to the Inquisitor-King.

"It continues to wage on, my Lord. The armies of the Church of the Bishop of the Chalcedony Thurible have suffered a setback at the hands of the Whiteshield-Windian alliance, and the death of the General of the Army of Blood and Fire has undoubtedly stricken them a vicious blow. The forces of the Bishop are not defeated, however, and I do suspect that they have much more up their sleeve - the taking of the Spire has been a decisive victory for the allied forces, but much more remains to accomplish."

"As for other events... I am certain you have been aware of the surfacing of the One Whose Name has Been Sentenced to Silence. His agents, the 'Starbreakers' as they call themselves, have made appearances with a clear message adressed to us: "Keep the Bier out of the North." as I was told myself. This has become a priority in my investigations, as we cannot have His influence orchestrate the war - the results centuries ago speak for themselves, and the damage to Creation would be very serious."

"His accomplice, Tahira, has also surfaced, and she seems to have plans for Bastian's second advent - the one called Cael Pattona. I am certain you have been made aware of the awakening of the Binds, my lord - it was made possible only because of Cael's contact with her. The possibility that she wants to push Cael towards the footsteps of Bastian is a very plausible one, and one we must pay heed to the warnings very closely."

"These events trace back from the time of his defection, my Lord. The great clash that occured centuries ago. Whether his plans are merely to rearrange the tragedy that happened then, or if both of the wars were only part of the same overarching plan, I do not yet know. I have come to seek cousel with Lord Laisdach, that I may be better prepared to face the troubles ahead, and be ready to act accordingly. Until then, I continue to investigate the matter and collect information in order to try to predict the pattern our enemies act upon, my Lord."

Lonely Amethyst: "He speaks the truth, my lord." Amethyst speaks with a solemn bow. "You can see my report. I was victim of a Starbreaker myself, and had I been alone, it would have been my ending. It was prepared to stop me from moving away, and stop each and every one of my abilities, as I imagine the one sent against Krauser was." She straightens herself.

Galan: Galan listens, scratching his chin. Alexsei feels the Gaze of the Inquisitor on him. It is harsh, almost like whips of flame on his body for a moment, but they are nessessary. He ensures the truth is there, as he understands it. And then... he ponders. "He is together with Tahira, then. This is worrying, Alexsei. Train, and I willtell Laisdach to be fast. We need to hurry. We cannot act without information... but if we take too long gathering it, it might be too late."

"The very situation on Whiteshield seems proof that he has set his plans on motion."

He turns to the bonsai, back to Alexsei, pruning little pieces of the tree, thinking... "Tell me, Alexsei. You have talked to him. How successful have they been in pushing the Windwraith into Bastian's footsteps?"

Alexsei Krauser: He ponders for a moment, feeling the strong gaze of the Inquisitor-God on him before pressing a hand to his chin. He takes another moment to consider the facts, finally speaking his answer in hushed tones, as it is appropriate.

"I have been observing the portends for quite some time, at this point. Even though Tahira has been succesful in awakening certain traits of Bastian - which may or may not be a direct result of the awakening of the binds themselves - Cael's ideologies and behavior remains mostly unchanged. There is, of course, a more daring attitude towards what I believe him to consider the 'game', but all in all, the Windwraith retains his free will - at least for the moment. His personality is prone to a certain carefulness - I do not want to use paranoia, because it is not quite as strong as that - that makes him a little bit more difficult to manipulate. In the end, this strength of will will serve him right, I believe, as long as Tahira does not manage to find the right pressure points with him. A possibility we have to be prepared for, alas."

"Their plan is already in motion, my Lord. But I do believe it is not too late to pull the rug from under their feet. I almost suspect, my lord, that there is a possibility that hemight be wanting us to feel Cael Pattona is an enemy, so we would take care of him ourselves. I do not yet know why, but this is definitely a possibility. Either he plans to turn him to his side - or he plans to make it appear that way, so that our fears will make us want to get rid of him. That would surely explain why Tahira is trying to put a wedge between Cael and us. Surely, if her intentions were betrayal, it would be much more efficient to keep our trust, the better to backstab us."

Galan: "I see... that is worrying, Alexsei. You never know when to trust a player of games. I do not trust Plentimon, and I am sure that one is on our side." He leaves the Bonsai, walking around, looking at a grove and tomb that lies far away.... "I will take each and every measure I can. You have priority, Alexsei - you can freely use my name to acquire what you wish. It is your responsibility, as well. Amethyst, I will take a look at your report when I can. And I expect a similar written report by you, Alexs..."

And then, the unthinkable happens.
Someone breaks in, stopping the Grand Inquisitor's words.

A lady covered in yellow light, with a long white and yellow dress, an intricate and sharp mask, riding a golden fox, yellow eyes shining, brown hair in the wind...

"... we need help! "

Alexsei Krauser: He nods at the mention of the written report - he had, after all prepared it before even going to Heaven, in the days following the capture of the Spire. He is almost ready to reply with a favorable answer, but his train of thought is suddenly interrupted by the coming of the lady in yellow light.

What now? A disturbance in the House of Silence?

He spuns about, eyes already on the newcomer as violet eyes flash towards her, his steps already carrying him towards her.

"What is the matter, my lady?"

Golden Fox: The woman stops atop the fox, and the fox, frantic, speaks. "Something is going on the Bureau of Heaven! Taru-Han is... lady Taru-Han is freaking out! Something happenned on Whiteshield... on Spire..."

"We got a Behemoth on the Wheel of Souls."
"Someone sent an Hekatonkire to Lethe."

"We need all soul-sheperds we can get. Taru Han has no idea what to do with a Hekatonkire!"

Alexsei Krauser: He pauses for a moment, trying to figure out what event could have led to this - and from the Spire, also. But there is no time now - questions and investigations would have to come later.

He gives a glance to Lonely Amethyst, a look that says everything without the need for words. He pushes the spectacles upwards, then nods to the brown haired woman, his expression resolute and determined.

"Take me there, milady. There isn't a moment to lose."

Lonely Amethyst: "Galan, I will have the report in your desk later!" Amethyst says, jumping on the back of the great golden fox, her hand stretched towards Alexsei to help him up... "Let us give them the oneness of the Wheel and the Loneliness of life."

Galan: The Grand Inquisitor is visibly... shaken... by the news.

That was unique. That was new. That was supposed to not be possible...

And for the first time, Alexsei sees Galan's face break into utter astonishment. "I... will be waiting for it..."

He does not wish them good luck, but his hands move, giving them a prayer and a blessing.

Alexsei Krauser: "The Balance must be restored." Is his only answer to Amethyst, before he turns back to Galan with a nod full of respect. "Expect my report by the morrow, my Lord. I will be in Yu-Shan for a wihle longer, if you need me again."

His expression takes on a girm countenance, and he turns towards their guide, eyes focused and steady. "Let us go."

Golden Fox: The Golden Fox beneath them seems to vanish... almost like a liquid cloud, jumping through the air, and as a haze in a dream, Heaven goes through them, as the Fox jumps seven leagues with every step, quicksilver running beneath them, adamant shining above. They seem to go through moments, between breaths, forever jumping towardsthat place... towards the Department of Abstract Matters.

Celestial Lions loom on the entrance to the great temple, in all of them. Tall as a mountain, large as a city, countaining so many little ones. Earthen temples appear on its balconies and pagodas... outside, the soul collectors fly towards the building... some, divine eyes with wings. Others, shining valkyries atop majestic flying horses. All sheperding souls towards the building... towards the Wheel. Lethe.

The Fox hits the ground running, past Jade gates that shimmer with the Pearls of the Unexistant Ocean, in all the burning colors of Elemental Flame. It goes through Halls of Gods, through the Aether Looms that create different lives and memories. Trimming, preparing.... Scarab Guardians in building-sized piles, forming the giant forms of Praying Mantises shining with burning suns as their eyes.

On the corner of his eye, Alexsei sees the Lotus of Infinite Life, something almost greater than the Loom... where all the Animal Avatars are represented in spirit jade busts, all species shining... a sight too great to be taken all at once, the essences of unencarnated Lunars orbiting around it like Moons, taking their power from it... dipping into the ethereal liquid of the Lotus' petals...

So many wonders go through in a blink, as the Fox runs through the corridors. In front of them, the Adamant Sphinx peers down, about to devour all there is. Power overwhelming, the Eater of Gods peers down... but Golden Fox, the Chosen of Mercury is the sister of Jade Silk, a Chosen of Secrets, and she calls upon her sister's knowledge... and Riddles are just Secrets, and tossing a thousand answers in the air, she goes past the Sphinx.

And then they come to the room of Lady Taru-Han, filled with floating souls... a double helix of souls and their sheperds, valkyries singing to the souls, the Jackals urging them on with their barks, the shapes of great wheels about her... and of the three great spirals, one is a staircase of inversed light, through which lies the Wheel of Souls...

Lady Taru-Han is there. The humanoid butterfly, covered from head to toe in a chitinous carapace, with the face of a butterfly and two pairs of butterfly wings, one with the colors of Spirit, one with the colors of Earthly Life. She is beautiful beyond belief, spirit fire burning around her in a score of different malstroms, blurring her form, clad in the spirits of souls who received the honor of being one with her forever.

And she is absolutely terrified.

"The Sheperds. The Chosen. Is that them, Fox?"

Alexsei Krauser: The wonders passing in front of his eyes, the dance of marvels that fill the various departments of Yu-Shan, would have been much more pleasant and delightful if the circumstances were different. But as it stands, Alexsei cannot even let himself get distracted by the numerous marvels that span the core of Heaven's Department of Abstract Matters...

The Balance of the Wheel of Souls is in danger. This is the core of his belief, his training.

And so he wills himself to be ready for the cirsis at hand, letting the glorious lights of Yu-Shan light their paths as the Crafty Fox leads them on the way. Travels is the home of the followers of the Golden Barque, and thus the details of logistics can be left up to them...

Upon arrival to the wondrous Wheel of Souls, he bows deeply in respect for the monument to life's neverending cycle, as well as its mistress, the magnificient lady Taru-Han. He stays in a respectful bow for a moment, letting the obviously terrified lady speak before redressing his head only slightly, his eyes not meeting her.

"I am agent Alexsei Krauser, and this is agent lonely Amethyst, Most Honored Lady. The Violet Bier of Sorrows has heard your plea."

Lonely Amethyst: Amethyst steps out of the Fox, dusting the yellow dust off of her... and taking on the sights around her for a moment. Amidst the Double Helix, she sees things... glimpses to smaller sanctums, space within space, where she sees judges of light deciding the fate of souls... and going into one of those spaces, flying past her and Alexsei is a crow of purple flame, a note from a Sidereal, asking for a Soul to be considered for higher powers... and for a moment, Amethyst herself wondered why she had come. She had been a sheperd, long ago... but that was before the Blue. That was before her heart had been chilled... now she is a killer, not unlike Sad Ivory and Reaper of Sorrows. But she still had her skills, albeit rusty ones...

"It is an honor, Lady of Souls."

Taru Han: Around Taru-Han, Monarch Butterflies take souls of the departed for a last kiss to their loved ones. Pillars of prayer strips organize information on all souls and their judgements. The goddess herself looks at Alexsei with relief. "I know. You have sent many to me before, Black Wing."

Jackals laugh as they herd Southern Souls, and their eyes seem to shine like Alexsei’s.

Somewhere far behind her, Jade Silk looks down, smiling at her twin sister. Golden Fox lets go, her mount becoming a fox woman, kneeling to Taru Han. "Come, then. I have no idea how to handle this.... it rages within the Wheel, and I fear it might cause irreparable damage if we do not deal with it... and discover how to send its soul on."

And with it, she strode towards the stairway of light, taking steps that showed moments in the life of every human soul...

Alexsei Krauser: He inclines his head deeply, His hair almost brushing the ground as he listens to the goddess' voice. "Your words are too kind for a servant of the Wheel, Most Honored Lady. Now please... Indicate the way - we will take care of the anomaly within the Wheel's structure."

He turns towards Lonely Amethyst, and nods towards her in a comforting manner. "You have worked with the flow of souls before, yes? Just follow my lead, I will help you get your bearings." He smiles slightly, then his expression turns more focused as he peers upon the entryway. "We will have to subdue it first - then find what made it what it a Hekatonkire. And when we do... We shall return what we find to its more natural state."

He cannot help a small smile then, as he leads the way towards the inner workings of the Wheel.
"And be home just in time for lunch."

Let his calming thoughts reassure his ally and the Goddess...

Once inside, Alexsei Krauser would fight a war of his own.

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