The Black Parade

[Margrave]

"My Lady..."

Sarah looked back at her most trusted friend, confidant, and advisor and smiled weakly before she turned back to the ocean's dark horizon. "I didn't think something like this could happen again Luis." After all, Luis had been at her side at the first nuclear explosion in Helsinki and he had protected her from the evils of the world at that time, so it would only make more sense that he would be here for her when the Australian dream seemed to be falling apart right in front of them.

The Hanseatic dream had been a roller-coaster since the beginning, since the first treaty signed at Vyborg between the Tionese and Sarah herself. From there they had been through revolutions, wars, peace, suffering, death, and now it would repeat. She turned to him and with tears leaking down her eyes she gently laid her head on his shoulder and let the water gently drip down his cloak. "How am I supposed to keep going on Luis? We've all been through so much. How am I not supposed to think I'm a failure, with so much death, with so much destruction."

She sighed and slowly pulled herself up from his shoulder and turned to him. "I never thanked you enough for what you've given to me." He looked puzzled. Sarah smiled and looked down at her body and closed her eyes. "The strength that you gave me to keep continuing on. There's no one else I can turn to that has transformed me into a leader. Someone that can take a beating and that can take the hatred of the world and turn it away from her people and I don't think I could have done it without the Marchar's help. It was because of your people that created the Commonwealth and it is because of your people that it is still alive for you today."

Sarah looked up with loving eyes and moved to embrace him and kissed him gently on the lips. "Don't ever leave. I can't promise you anything, but please don't leave."

Luis tasted the salt of her tears mingle with that kiss. His arms slowly encircled hers, and with the utmost gentleness pulled her closer. He kissed her back, slower, lips searching for meaning, reason, a purpose. It was all tossed aside for that moment; the violence, the vows, the pretenses of position. Nothing could hold him at that moment; to hold her close he would gladly take or abandon any oath. His own eyes hid un-shed tears, squeezed shut as they kissed. He had been her pillar of strength, her sworn sword, a shield gladdened by much use. His feelings, his desires, had always been honest ones; he had accepted gladly a life lived in her service.

Suprise shook him; those arms that held them with all her strength were possessive, her lips claimed his...and him. She pressed herself tightly against him; a sprawl of color surrounded by the swirling folds of his cloak. her hair got in her face as she looked into his eyes, breaking the kiss regretfully.

"Don't ever leave. I can't promise you anything, but please don't leave."

He kissed her this time, eyes wide open, lips pressed tightly against hers as his tears began to flow. Words were obstacles in the complicated language of human emotion; he strived to use as few as possible. So it was with great care that he chose his next words. He placed his hand over his heart. "Mine", he said, his hand cupped, placing it in hers. "Yours", as he took her hand in his. He placed their interlaced hands over her own beating heart. "Forever", as he held her close and kissed her.

Edited June 22, 2009 by Margrave

[Lavo]

OOC: Also, for those talking about the 4 million being too high a death toll, under the new tech rules the Hansa is at a third-world level. So yeah.

[Firestorm]

OOC: Also, for those talking about the 4 million being too high a death toll, under the new tech rules the Hansa is at a third-world level. So yeah.

OOC: A third world nation surrounded by first world nations that were in a position to respond within hours. . Likewise, the implication that a third world nation is completely clueless about dealing with a plague is a bit fallacious. Mexico seemed to do pretty well under some fairly trying circumstances with Swine Flu. So let's not downplay the abilities of our third world brethren.

[Sumeragi]

OOC: Betting 15 million that we'll have some wedding bells soon.

[LeVentNoir]

OOC: A third world nation surrounded by first world nations that were in a position to respond within hours. . Likewise, the implication that a third world nation is completely clueless about dealing with a plague is a bit fallacious. Mexico seemed to do pretty well under some fairly trying circumstances with Swine Flu. So let's not downplay the abilities of our third world brethren.

OOC: Considering that a: viruses have no cure, b: weaponised versions have no vaccination, c: its a deadly virus, not the flu, and d: its a third world nation, not a second. 4 million sounds right.

[Firestorm]

OOC: Only you LVN would agree to this madness. What did they pay you? They give you ops back in IRC? The death tolls are as absurd as the notion of Vektor having something he didn't even role play. IE.. bioweapons of any sort.

[Subtleknifewielder]

OOC: Guys, cut out the arguing. Right or wrong, it's been role-played, and accepted. Deal with it.

[Comrade]

Nikolai Romanov pulls the hood over his head as rain starts to fall. It is 10PM local time, as he walks into the office of Sarah Tintagyl, just recently decontaminated.

"I wish to see Tintagyl. Tell her it is old friend." He says in his best stereotypical russian accent.

[Sarah Tintagyl]

Nikolai Romanov pulls the hood over his head as rain starts to fall. It is 10PM local time, as he walks into the office of Sarah Tintagyl, just recently decontaminated.

"I wish to see Tintagyl. Tell her it is old friend." He says in his best stereotypical russian accent.

The Chamberlain bowed at the Tsar. "She's had a long month Your Excellency. But I think even you, she would be happy to see. Molakia and the Hansa have always had their differences...but..." He frowned and stepped around his desk and took Nikolai by the arms and began to pat him down. "I'm sorry, but after your last meeting with her in this kind of scenario, I can't take any chances." After finding that he was unarmed, the Chamberlain thanked him and stepped aside. "She's inside."

Nikolai would open the doors to find an office dimly lit by a few darkened lamps, with a small fire burning in the hearth. Sarah had a bottle of whiskey by her side and he would be able to tell that her eyes were still raw from the tears. When she heard his footsteps, she looked up and sighed. "I'm surprised to see you here Nikolai. I saw that you sent aid, so you have my eternal thanks, but I know that I have disappointed you again. I should have known that something like this would happen, anytime I believe in something, it always goes awry."

[freakwars]

OOC: Also, for those talking about the 4 million being too high a death toll, under the new tech rules the Hansa is at a third-world level. So yeah.

Third World Nation (0-299 tech)

Your technology level is very low, and are developing your own way in the world. You have cold war technology*, and any tech you recieve from other nations (weapons, aircraft, etc.) is not easily maintained without help. It's much like what buying tech from other nations is now IRL. Grandfather rule: those that have been here longer than 2 months are automatically put in the next category

OOC:Unless this was changed over PMs or IRC, the Hansa would be at Modern level of tech.

Edited June 22, 2009 by freakwars

[Uberstein]

Due to using medical supplies to help our own (OOC: He launched missiles at me too), we are unable to send aid. We apologize for this, but the prevention of an epidemic in our own country is a major issue at the moment.

[Tahsir]

OOC:Unless this was changed over PMs or IRC, the Hansa would be at Modern level of tech.

OOC: Sub-modern** Modern is the top.

[KaiserMelech Mikhail]

Message to The Hansa

Lady Sarah,

Marscurian Pakistan's resources are at your disposal. What ever you need to survive this tramatic experience, just ask and I will do everything in my power to make it happen.

[Sumeragi]

Davao

Finally they could leave this island. Although Mikyoku had been their home for over half a century, it could no longer be considered such after the absolute destruction during the Second Pacific War and the Philippine civil war. There was a new home for them in the ancestral homeland, a place where they would no longer be persecuted. It was possibly a dream come true.

However, there was a change of plans, as Park Geun Hye, Presidents of the Mikyokujins, gathered a rally for a certain announcement. Almost all of of the Mikyokujins had either gathered into the main plaza of were tuned in by radio and television. Over a hundred thousand packed the area for one of the greatest gatherings in history. At 6 PM, Park stepped out into the lights and the audience erupted. This evening was to be the political climax of the Mikyokujins.

"Today, we have gathered here to determine the fate of our children. What we decide will affect not only ourselves, but also a large portion of the world. For this is about where we shall take root, in this wide world."

"Recently, Yamato had been established by the Yamatojins, our close cousins. They have invited us to stay with them to rebuild what was originally ours, and we have considered it. They are family, and there is no real barrier between us to overcome. It would make a logical choice to go north. Nevertheless, there is something to think about.

We have to know how we are still here in this world, even after the genocidal war against the Kyokujitsujins. It is because of the kindness of our neighbors, who defended us against the harsh elements of this world. It is because of the belief of one particular person, who saw the good in every single human being, who would stand up to the wrongs of this world through her iron determination, even she herself was a frail individual. Yes, the Lady Protector of the Hanseatic Commonwealth, Sarah Tintagyl, is why we are here.

The Kyokujitsujins have always payed back its debts, and we shall follow the tradition. It is with a heavy heart that I ask you, my fellow people, that instead of going to Yamato, we should go to the Hanseatic Commonwealth, to help wipe out the black cloud that has fallen upon the most Serene nation of this world. I ask you to root ourselves in the land of peace, the land that gave birth to the most moral nation, the land that will become our third homeland.

We cannot sit around any longer while those who helped us are in pain! We cannot let the madness of the dark forces take a hold upon the purest land of all! Let us go to the Hanseatic Commonwealth!"

The ground shook as shouts of "YES" broke up towards heaven.

It was the start of a new chapter in the history of the Mikyokujins.

[Comrade]

Nikolai plops down a bottle of Vodka onto the desk.

"Not even me or my people could see the madness that was to come. I have nothing but...guilt...for what has happened." Nikolai says, lighting another cancer stick.

Sarah looks at him oddly.

"If it was not for Me, you would have never left Europe. Were you still in europe, Molakia would have come to your aid with force. But that is the past. What i can only promise you is this: Never again will something like this happen....and if it does, I hope whoever deity they follow has mercy, for Molakia will not."

Nikolai stands and looks at sarah.

"I will hunt down every man woman and child responsible for this crime. I will have them executed by the Brotherhood. I will do whatever it takes to keep you...and your country, safe."

[LeVentNoir]

OOC:Unless this was changed over PMs or IRC, the Hansa would be at Modern level of tech.

OOC: It was only for nations which were here when the rule was made, and that text should be removed.

[Sumeragi]

From Mindanao, hundreds of ships began heading for the Hanseatic mainland. On aboard were the Mikyokujins, who had now decided to do what others would dare do.

They would form a new column of the Temple of the Valkyrie of Peace.

[Subtleknifewielder]

OOC:Unless this was changed over PMs or IRC, the Hansa would be at Modern level of tech.

OOC: Sub-modern** Modern is the top.

OOC: OOC posts out, please, unless Sarah specifically says otherwise that she doesn't mind.

[Tahsir]

OOC: OOC posts out, please, unless Sarah specifically says otherwise that she doesn't mind.

OOC: I direct your attention to most of the first page, and second page.

[King Kevz]

*Message to Sarah Tintagyl*

"Sarah, I heard about the attack on your nation and I am sorry for your losses and whilst we arn't a group specialised at sending and providing aid the Praying Mantis PMC can provide additional security if you require it. I hope everyone goes well for you. From your loving friend Laura".

[Subtleknifewielder]

OOC: I direct your attention to most of the first page, and second page.

OOC: And I direct your attention to the fact that the vast majority of the posts were NOT Sarah's. In fact, I saw not one single purely OOC post from her.

[Sarah Tintagyl]

Luis tasted the salt of her tears mingle with that kiss. His arms slowly encircled hers, and with the utmost gentleness pulled her closer. He kissed her back, slower, lips searching for meaning, reason, a purpose. It was all tossed aside for that moment; the violence, the vows, the pretenses of position. Nothing could hold him at that moment; to hold her close he would gladly take or abandon any oath. His own eyes hid un-shed tears, squeezed shut as they kissed. He had been her pillar of strength, her sworn sword, a shield gladdened by much use. His feelings, his desires, had always been honest ones; he had accepted gladly a life lived in her service.

Suprise shook him; those arms that held them with all her strength were possessive, her lips claimed his...and him. She pressed herself tightly against him; a sprawl of color surrounded by the swirling folds of his cloak. her hair got in her face as she looked into his eyes, breaking the kiss regretfully.

"Don't ever leave. I can't promise you anything, but please don't leave."

He kissed her this time, eyes wide open, lips pressed tightly against hers as his tears began to flow. Words were obstacles in the complicated language of human emotion; he strived to use as few as possible. So it was with great care that he chose his next words. He placed his hand over his heart. "Mine", he said, his hand cupped, placing it in hers. "Yours", as he took her hand in his. He placed their interlaced hands over her own beating heart. "Forever", as he held her close and kissed her.

She kissed him deeply and then pulled away and looked into his eyes. The sapphire gems that sparkled in the moon light seemed to bounce onto the ocean below and she sighed. "Forever?" Sarah had heard those words before, she had heard them from various suitors, various leaders, and she had heard it from Larsa as well. But she understand where Luis' heart laid and where he had positioned himself. She knew that he would give the world to her if she asked for it. Loyalty, oaths, ideologies, none of those mattered anymore. None of those things mattered really anymore. Because there was a loyalty above and beyond the trials and tribulations of countries and states.

"Luis...please, answer me truthfully. Where is your heart right now?"

[Margrave]

She kissed him deeply and then pulled away and looked into his eyes. The sapphire gems that sparkled in the moon light seemed to bounce onto the ocean below and she sighed. "Forever?" Sarah had heard those words before, she had heard them from various suitors, various leaders, and she had heard it from Larsa as well. But she understand where Luis' heart laid and where he had positioned himself. She knew that he would give the world to her if she asked for it. Loyalty, oaths, ideologies, none of those mattered anymore. None of those things mattered really anymore. Because there was a loyalty above and beyond the trials and tribulations of countries and states.

"Luis...please, answer me truthfully. Where is your heart right now?"

He kissed her quietly on the forehead. "You worry too much."

"

He pulled back from her, his own gray eyes veiled, searching, looking into hers for some hidden catch or cranny. "Sometimes, labels and names can save us...and sometimes they can hurt. We don't have to put a name to this, Sarah, least of all right now. It's okay to grow and to wait and to spend time and consider. Together, we've rushed through many things, battering people down with the strength of our ideas. But I tire; not easily, but I do. And so do you, Sarah. I see it in your eyes when you speak before the Diet, hidden behind the mask of the politician. You've given out everything you have had to give...and while the reward for that is still forthcoming, it's a fact you are tired. Brisbane is growing again, and the Commonwealth is great among the nations. Stop sacrificing yourself on the altar of pleasing others...even if its me. I won't be responsible for the cracks in your heart, and I'll do whatever I can to repair them. That is where I am right now."

[Sarah Tintagyl]

He kissed her quietly on the forehead. "You worry too much."

"

He pulled back from her, his own gray eyes veiled, searching, looking into hers for some hidden catch or cranny. "Sometimes, labels and names can save us...and sometimes they can hurt. We don't have to put a name to this, Sarah, least of all right now. It's okay to grow and to wait and to spend time and consider. Together, we've rushed through many things, battering people down with the strength of our ideas. But I tire; not easily, but I do. And so do you, Sarah. I see it in your eyes when you speak before the Diet, hidden behind the mask of the politician. You've given out everything you have had to give...and while the reward for that is still forthcoming, it's a fact you are tired. Brisbane is growing again, and the Commonwealth is great among the nations. Stop sacrificing yourself on the altar of pleasing others...even if its me. I won't be responsible for the cracks in your heart, and I'll do whatever I can to repair them. That is where I am right now."

She smiled as he kissed her gently. "Yeah, but I've always been stressed. Since as long as I can remember. Something that I should probably work on more huh?"

"Tired." She sighed. "I think its something that I've wished for for a long time Luis. Its why I love leaving the country, why I love going on vacation, why I love traveling. Truthfully, I never wanted this life. I've grown to love it, the people around me, the idea of the position. But I still want more to life and I know there's more to life than this. Than the pomp and the circumstance. Its why I spend so much time with Evan. Its because he treats me, like a human. Not as a leader or as a goddess or as someone important. I'm just a girl in his eyes and sometimes, just being a girl is ten times better than being this artificial woman that the world has transformed me into."

"Its funny, when I was young my friends always wished they could be princesses. But I think I would tell them to dream of something else because the live of the Princess isn't really all that its cracked up to be. Sometimes its just nice to be human." She said turning back to dark horizon looking out to the Pacific. The white stars above them twinkling in the black void of space.

[Lavo]

It was a relatively day in Brisbane. The skies were clear and the sun was out. Ever since the German biological and chemical attacks, the streets were mostly barren, people kept to themselves and relief efforts. Normally, the day would pass, tears would be shed, and some people would be reunited. But today... Today would be different. Indeed, it would be a day that was remembered fondly, where old favors and friends would come back to them.

Soon the skies would be abuzz with noise and countless aircraft. It seemed like a scene out of an old WWII movie, when the Allies were going to carpet bomb a city. The majority of the aircraft even had engines with propellers, with a few jets being in the group. When it seemed Brisbane was about to be turned to rubble, and the skies turned black by the cargo of the planes, bombs didn't fall out. Crates, boxes, and packages did. It was a massive aid fall. It wasn't the only strange case, the beaches were no better.

Seeming like a reenactment of D-Day, hundreds of ships poured in towards the shores of Brisbane. The only difference was instead of marines and soldiers pouring out, people baring supplies, a few heavy trucks, medical equipment, and a few doctors and other medical staff did. It was an awe-inspiring sight, as if thousands were there for the people of Hansa when they were needed most.

A short while after all this invaluable help arrived, the head of the group, none other then Mr. Fahd, well known for being a past viceroy of Neo Japan, sent a message to whomever was running the recovery effort. "Sorry we're late, we were working on getting all this stuff together for you all. You guys helped us out in our time of need, and we said that we wouldn't forget it. Well, they say actions speak more then words, and here are the actions that we claimed we would do that while ago. All in all, there's a few billion worth of aid with us, in addition to experienced personnel and manpower who have gone through similar, but far harsher, experiences. If there's anyone in the world today who can understand the pain many here face, it's them."