User blog:ExdeathsBagel/Red Dragon Rising (WWYD by Spazerz)

WWYD by Spazerz: http://monstergirlencyclopedia.wikia.com/wiki/Thread:824442

I finish reading the message, and look to Queen Mistral of Lotus. Typical of her kind, the Automaton’s face is composed as ever, but I have learned to see into her eyes when I wish to know who she’s feeling. And in those eyes, I see the same composition. Anger boils up in me as I know what her course of action will be, as it always has been when she established her nation.

“Thomas, there is no need to be so tense.” She states calmly.

“How can you not be tense?! I know what you’re going to do, and this time I won’t stand around and let you’re people sit there and take it! While our former allies were moved by your compassion, even when they took up arms to stop Azula of the Red Dragon, they were swiftly assimilated! What makes you think you’ll do any better not fighting back now that they’re at your doorstep!”

I begin to breathe again, thanking God that it’s just me and her. Had my best warriors seen me lose my composure like that, I’m certain they would’ve left their post. No, they need someone strong and collected, especially when that person is leading them as the only force between freedom and dictatorship under the Red Dragon. I need to remain calm, like this Automaton in front me.

Mistral simply waits for me to collect myself and I sit down with a sigh, “I’m sorry. It’s unprofessional of me to let my emotions get in the way of this.”

“It’s fine.” Mistral says, “There is nothing wrong with being emotionally invested in something as long as you don’t let it control you. Without such emotion, we would be no different than machines.” She lets out a chuckle. “Was it not your emotional desire to check on my people and I’s safety with your fastest horse and half your army at your back?”

“Yes, it was. But that army has no use if you intend to try and peacefully negotiate your way with Azula. You aren’t the first to try.”

“I am not, but that does not deter me or my people. We are used to surviving under harsh conditions, for our very lands can be harsh. If we can survive the unforgiving mountain winters, and the countless armies that trampled before us, I am certain we will survive the Red Dragon.”

“You might, as an Automaton. But what of your human and mamono citizens that aren’t Automatons? While your kind are capable of living with little food or water, I doubt Azula will provide enough for the rest of your people.”

“Rest assured, we have plenty of stored food for emergencies. We will-”

“Azula’s just going to burn that down.” I say, beginning to feel frustrated. “Countless immigrants have come to my kingdom since she began her conquest, and even if she were to leave this nation intact, she will starve out your people until they do whatever she says.”

Mistral goes silent, the gears in her head undoubtedly spinning.

“Mistral, I know you’ve ordered all the Automaton’s here to disable their weapons, but maybe they’ll need to be activated again, just this once.”

“It was due to those weapons that my kind were shunned in the first place.” Mistral says.

“I know, but maybe in order to maintain peace, violence is a necessity at times.”

Mistral goes silent once more before speaking. “Thomas, thank you. Though I disagree with your idea, I appreciate you coming to my aid. However, I will still stand by my decision, and not fight back against Azula.”

<p class="MsoNormal">It takes all that I can to not collapse in my seat, “I respect your decision, Mistral. However, I have a request.”

<p class="MsoNormal">Mistral tilts her head.

<p class="MsoNormal">“I want to stay here with you when Azula arrives. I told my people and my army that we would not abandon you and intend to stay true to that. Besides, I doubt Azula is a Ryu of her word. Once she goes through you, she won’t hesitate to take over me and have this continent under her thumb.”

<p class="MsoNormal">Mistral smiles, “Thank you, Thomas. In the coming days, we will do our best to support you and your army. I only ask in return that you do not strike back against Azula’s army.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“You know I wouldn’t disobey an order from you.” I say with a chuckle. “And don’t worry, my men will understand. Our kingdoms have been in good standing for many years after all.” I say as I look out the window. What should’ve been beautiful mountainous plains was a sea of red; soldier’s cladded in the armor of the kingdom of the Red Dragon. Smoke from countless campfires rose in the distance.

<p class="MsoNormal">“And to think, I was going to marry you and make the union of our kingdoms official.” I say.

<p class="MsoNormal">“I don’t think that’s necessary.” Mistral says as she stands next to me, “As you say, our kingdoms have intermingled for years, we might as well be one kingdom.” She takes my hand, “We will make it through this.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Yeah, we will.” I say.

<p class="MsoNormal">We spent that night together, and the following morning I told my men not to fight Azula or her army under any circumstances. While some men were disappointed, many were quick to agree, knowing as well as I our best bet was to simply survive whatever Azula had ready for us. In the meantime, I had sent my fastest messenger back to my kingdom to inform the royal court of my decision, entrusting them to rule the kingdom in my temporary absence. When this was over, Mistral and I would officially make our kingdoms one.

<p class="MsoNormal">Azula approached the next morning, her entrance was as grand as ever. She rode a massive red dragon, surrounded by a small group of dragons, each landing and gracefully transforming back to their mamono forms and taking a bow to their Queen who approached us with both a look of distain and assured victory.

<p class="MsoNormal">“King Thomas, Queen Mistral. I assume you know the reason for my visit?” She asks.

<p class="MsoNormal">The insulting tone of her voice filled me with the urge to draw my sword, but in contrast, Mistral remained as calm as ever.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Indeed, we do. You wish to claim this kingdom for your own. Very well, I do not intend to put up a fight.” Mistral says.

<p class="MsoNormal">Azula looks to me, “And ''you? ''Do you intend to fight back?”

<p class="MsoNormal">Internally, I take a deep breath before speaking, “No. I know you won’t stand true to your word, and when you take this kingdom, you’ll go after mine without hesitation. I won’t play your game, and will surrender without a fight. I assume you have some shred of humanity in you to not destroy kingdoms that don’t fight back.”

<p class="MsoNormal">One of Azula’s eyes twitch, but she speaks as calmly as she can, “You certainly have a way of words, King Thomas. Rest assured, I will spare you and your kingdom for surrendering to me.”

<p class="MsoNormal">With that, we both sign our defeats in treaties. Azula’s angered expression quickly vanishes as we do, knowing that now she has the entire continent under her control. While she does spare us, she very little mercy. Assimilation quickly began, and soon our cultures began to fade, in their places being statues and arts depicting the superiority of Dragon mamonos over all other races. Still, Mistral and I did not raise a finger, instead we hid and preserved all that we could of our people and our history.

<p class="MsoNormal">There is a silver lining however, for Dragon mamonos have a rather chaotic form of political life, and perhaps Azula’s place as Queen might not be as absolute as we feared. We need only wait for our opportunity to strike back, and with Mistral by my side, I’m willing to wait however long it takes.