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Annexus sat back in the chair one hand on his mouth thoughtfully. He had heard rumors of this from the castle keep, so he was not completely surprised. He wondered which one of the Eternal Eyes had done it. So Asuka had been in love with Mamoru? He looked up to study Mamoru's expression, and wondered if this incident might not work to his advantage later.

"Hmmm.... that is unfortunate. But it cannot be helped, now." His voice was unusually calm for him having just recieved bad news. It was a little unsettling, actually.

"Now, to business. There is a great deal that needs to be done." he was still looking down when he spoke.

"First....Zeek, you as your father before you, have been a faithful warrior in my army for quite some time." He looked up and stared at Zeek intently, his expression purposely blank. "But today, you willfully disobeyed my orders. I also suspect that you are indirectly responsible for Asuka's death. What have you to say for yourself?"

Zack said nothing he just nodded and then walked away.First he walked to his room but then he sneaked to the room where his fathers and the others were and hide next to the rooms door.HE tried to listen what they were tlaking.

Annexus stared back at Zeek for a moment. He should have him killed... he thought to himself. But he had other plans... and Zeek still had his uses. He was loyal to Zack at least, and that would be enough for what he needed him to do.

"I should have you executed... there have been those who did less than you and have recieved such. I am well aware that what you did was to protect my son and truthfully I am grateful at least for that. However..."

Annexus stood up and leaned forward on his desk.

"...I cannot allow you to go unpunished. You are hereby stripped of you rank and title; whatever ambitions you may have had of advancement in the army ends today. You will have new duties...."

Annexus crossed the room and walked over to the door and stared at it a moment. Then he turned and spoke again.

"Your new job is to be Zack's personal guard. Do not let him out of your sight and see that he does NOT leave the castle. At least not over the next few days. Things may be a bit.... dangerous until this matter with the peace talks is settled."
((Oh, you thought Annexus was gonna order Zeek executed didn't you? Hehe No, no... *sneaky sneaky*))

Zeek looked at Annexus "Yes sir" he said and stood patiently waiting for more talking or to be dismissed.

Though Qin thought the punishment was a little undeserving, all she could do was stand there and wait. Now, she was the most anxious about the impact the war was having on them all, especially on the King.
I doubt the Eternal Eyes are willing to settle this peacefully anymore. I look forward to battling and killing them, but King Annexus gave them so much time...three days is a lot right now... That time is more for him to prepare than it is for them, no doubt...what's he planning?

Qin looked at the King with the focus of a soldier, but could not hide the hint of sadness in her eyes when she said, "No, sir. I'm afraid that so far my search has come up empty."

((Urk.. the pressure... sweatdrop Annexus is plotting a little something, though you guys will probably figure it out... Oh... and has Zeek left the room?))


"Hmmm..." Annexus nodded "I expected as much. For now, though, you will remain here. Especially over the next three days your presence will be required."

He looked down at the papers on his desk a moment as if in deep thought. Not looking up he spoke again.

"You will be my eyes in the sky. Keep a careful patrol over the castle and the surrounding area... and an especially sharp eye to the southeast. Report anything you see that is unusual... But do NOT engage without my permission. I may have other orders for you later... but that will be all for now." He said the last bit with a slight wave of his hand to show that she was to leave.

"Yes, sir." She strode out the door, and as she walked down the corridor she looked out the small windows placed high along the walls. It was getting dark out, but no matter. It was actually around the time she should be most watchful.
Once out on a balcony, she stood on the edge and took a small leap, quickly reverting to her dragon body. Qin decided to take a few turns around the castle (she took note that Zack was obeying orders and in his room) before going southeast.
Heh, the sky will keep me covered at night, but this'll be a little harder during the day. Maybe I should consider some disguises for when morning comes.

[[Don't ask me what happens to her clothes when she transforms... just assume she is fully clothed when she gets back into human form sweatdrop lol, Don't let the pressure get to ya! Don't worry, be happ-- better yet, be evil twisted ]]