[center][h2]Agrabah Palace[/h2][/center][hr] They both were stalking the machines and those that followed them like a a predator stalks their pray. Their quiet movements ten yards behind them were not detected. Each turn that the machines and those in the hoods made, the two were quickly behind them. They dared not to make a sound other than their respective breathing as any noise other than what came from the machines would be detected instantly. All the while they stalked those machines, Cerden and Flora were careful not to alert any of the Empire’s forces. They were in their territory now. So, combined with Nomis’ machines and the Empire’s forces all spread about the palace, Cerden and Flora had to be extra careful. Continuing to follow them, the machine seemed to be heading towards a staircase going down. Cerden and Flora intended to follow them. Their movements shadowing the machines and those following them. Just as they were going to step on the first step, a noise came from behind them. [b] “IN THE NAME OF THE EMPEROR, STOP AND PUT YOUR HANDS IN THE AIR!”[/b] Shouted an Empire Soldier from behind them. Cerden and Flora stopped and they exchanged a look towards each other. They simply nodded as they would turn around slowly to face the Soldier. What they saw wasn’t just a singular Empire Soldier. There were several of them. By headcount, Cerden had them at least in the 20s range. Added to that, Cerden and Flora both were confident that the machines would soon appear behind them as they would want to make sure what the noise was especially if it’s a hostile force such as Cerden and Flora. [color=a0410d][b]“Looks like they caught us.”[/b][/color] Cerden said, arms raised up. [color=92278f][b]“Seems like it.”[/b][/color] Flora said, cracking a grin. The soldiers all proceeded to surround Flora and Cerden in a three meter circle, pointing their weapons at the two of them. [b]“On the ground. Now.”[/b] One of them — presumingly the leader — said. His voice was deep and commanding, it bled with an authoritative overtone that not only commanded respect, it demanded it as well. His frame was tall and built. Even under the Empire Armor, one could clearly see that he had bulging muscles that created the illusion that he was a force to be reckoned with. Through his helmet, striking crimson orbs could be seen and a shoulder-length mane of black. Cerden and Flora both got on their knees, both hands out in front of them. They exchanged one look and both smiled at each other. A second later, a combination of glass and vines suddenly had arisen from the ground, impaling all of the soldiers aside from the commander of those soldiers. Each sharp end of glass and vine impaled them from the pelvic area and all the way up to their skull. This created a pool of blood to coat the ground. [b]“What have you done!?”[/b] The commander yelled, pulling out his [url=https://dungeonmusings.files.wordpress.com/2015/01/vivexvalignant.jpg]Greatsword[/url] from off his back. [color=92278f][b]“I do believe we defended ourselves.”[/b][/color] FLora feigned an innocent tone,[color=92278f][b] “You big, bad men attacked us, had weapons pointed at our heads. We only did what any right-minded person would do.” [/b][/color]Flora said. Cerden nodded his head. [b]“I’LL HAVE YOUR HEADS!”[/b] He yelled as he came a-chargin’. [color=a0410d][b]“It seems he doesn’t believe you.” [/b][/color] [color=92278f][b]“I believe you’re right.”[/b][/color] As he came charging at them, holding his great sword above his head, Flora and Cerden took to defensive countermeasures. While Cerden had formed a gauntlet on each hand of glass as well as forcing one, 12 inch blade of glass on each hand, Flora had done the same thing, but with green and razor-sharp vines. The blade of the commander came down and Cerden crossed his arms from the wrist in an X formation. The black great sword met with the left wristblade(the one on the bottom part of the X), while the right wristblade was on top. In an impressive feat of physical strength, Cerden twisted his body clockwise and he used the momentum to not only stop the attack, but he also snapped the great sword in half. This, in turn, caused the commander to lose his footing somewhat. [b]“W-w-what are you?”[/b] He stood there scared, looking at Cerden as he started to back away. [color=a0410d][b]“I’m not the one you should be afraid of.”[/b][/color] [b]“Huh?”[/b] Cerden pointed above him. The Soldier Commander looked above him and Flora had positioned herself on the ceiling. Eyes of the commander widened and an attempt of a scream was made, but that wasn’t before Flora had jolted her body down, pointing one of her vine blade arms down and impaled the commander in the head, killing him instantly. Just seconds before Flora landed, her vines ceased and when her feet touched the wet, bloody ground, the Commander’s body fell behind her, his eyes widened as they looked towards the stairs. [color=92278f][b]“Sheesh, that guy seems really afraid of both of us.”[/b][/color] Cerden said as he laughed slightly. Flora shrugged as she would proceed to go down the stairs, but she stopped, her eyes widening at what she saw. [color=a0410d][b]“What is it?”[/b][/color] Cerden asked as he saw it for himself. [color=a0410d][b]“Shit.”[/b][/color] The birugs and all of those following them were facing them. And little did they know, the images of the two of them being in front of the Birugs were being sent to Nomis.