Be Prepared

[Silence Sei]

“You….replaced me?” The voice came from a shocked Zerith Dracosius. Several minutes ago, Sei returned from a difficult mission to find the former Public Face Team General of the Ixian Knights lounged about in the mute’s chair, prepared to report the status of his last mission. Sei stood before the man, calmly nodded to the irate General.

“You had not given me a report on your progress in months Zerith. During the war, Jasmine took the children and fled the castle. I simply assumed you were off to join them wherever they went. It was not until later that I had heard she settled back in Moira with the kids, and you were nowhere to be found. After waiting as long as I did for you to return, what choice did I have but to replace you?” Sei sighed, the burden of being leader of the Ixian Knights weighing heavy upon his shoulders.

There was a long pause before either man spoke again. Sei knew that Zerith had an iron will on par with that of the Mystics. Convincing the halberdier that finding a new General for his former team was a good move would take more than a logical explanation and an apology. The mute’s latest mission had just involved a young man named Ozoric whom showed the true potential Sei sought in filling Zerith’s shoes. After proving himself against the dragon that resided within Sei’s Tomb, Sei officially decreed the Emperor’s Son the new General of Public Face.

He would not disappoint the young man after honoring him with such a hefty title.

“The two of you will just have to share command. Jensen and Seth share responsibility of the Wetworks team, you will just have to do the same with Ozoric. Share your knowledge with him, allow him to learn under you. I’m sure the two of you will find that you have a lot more in common than you’d think.”

Zerith attempted to open his mouth, but was stopped by a solitary hand from his leader. “This is non-negotiable, Zerith. Furthermore, your first priority is going to the medical ward for a check-up. Recent events have left Aislinn… unfit for duty, as it were. As a result, getting patched up takes a little more time than it used to. I will join you shortly. Dismissed.”

(Closed to Zerith, Lancer Newella if he wants in, and a possibility of anyone else should they PM it by me why they would fit in here first)

[Zerith]

"Unacceptable."

The single word was the only thing that went through the prince's mind at first. After everything he had done for Sei, even all the times he actually fought for the Mystic, this was his grand welcome from the mighty Sei Orlouge. Yes, to Zerith is was completely unacceptable to be replaced with absolutely no notice. Though he couldn't help by realize he wasn't surprised either.

"In truth, Sei, I am not surprised you made this decision. You've been pissing all over that damned prophecy for about as long as they Ixian Knights existed." The words came out sharper that any blade Sei possessed, and dripped with a venom that the halberdier never had before. Whatever happened on that mission, or back in Moriah had changed the prince Sei may have remembered. Yes, his wavy hair was just as perfect as it usually was, and his plate armor made him look as knightly as he always did. But there was definitely just something different.

"As I said, this is non-negotiable-"

"I KNOW WHAT YOU SAID, SEI!" Zerith snapped as he rose from his chair in front of the mystic's desk. "But I had my own responsibities to take care of, and I had hoped to share the reason for this good news with you, but apparently you are busy changing the Knights as I remember them!" he yelled before he turned and made his way for the door.

"And just what are you planning on doing, Zerith?"

"Oh by the scales of Draconus, I'm going to the damn Medical Ward like you said!" the former General answered as he picked up his halberd. "Which I expect you to be there for."

"You know you're in no place to issue me orders-"

"Sei...if you were in any way the leader or friend I believed you were at first. I would think that you would want to see for yourself how my check up goes. Or am I so unimportant to you now that my well-being no longer matters?"

Zerith would give Sei the space to answer the question for himself, and found himself cursing Sei's name for the first time after he shut the door behind him.

[Silence Sei]

Needless to say, by the time Zerith had arrived at the Ixian Castle Medical Ward, the Mystic was already there. Sei was sitting in a simple wooden chair, his eyes locked on Zerith the second he entered the door. The halberdier shifted his eyes around the room for a moment before looking back to the Ixian leader. Sei could still tell that the warrior was angry with him, but the concern in Zerith’s tone was more overpowering than his rage.

“You ever got rid of all of Aislinn’s stuff? What exactly happened?”

“Aislinn Orlouge is taking a leave of absence from us due because of psychological reasons. She attacked several of the Knights in a fit of hysteria a few weeks back, and it was agreed that the stress of her job was getting to her. She is more than welcome to come back whenever she is ready, and able to take up her old position.” Sei crossed his arms as a couple of doctors went over and ushered Zerith behind a curtain.

“That’s a luxury some of us don’t have.”

“Oh for Thayne’s sake Zerith. I have no problem with you reclaiming your old position! But I at least want you to talk with Ozoric first. Both Jensen and Seth are sharing the Wetworks Division, I don’t see why we can’t have old and new blood lead the Public Face.” Sei stood up as one of the doctors came from behind the curtain to report on Zerith’s condition…