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In the distance, the people of Aqua and their King could see a slow forming of a storm. It seemed natural enough to the innocent eyes. However, the forecast did not call for any form of storm. The King could see that the storm forming was going to hit the Coastal Homes first.


After a moment, the rain down poured over the Coastal Homes. The feeling was eerie. Something was definitely up. Possibly, the storm could have been created by a very powerful Marked.. or from many.

(OOC: I think I made it clear he was provided a guest seat not the throne.)

Houjin was about to fall into a slumber until a voice spoke up. "If you would kindly please remove yourself from my seat, King Houjin, I'd be fairly glad." He asked, clothes dripping and sagging on him from his jump. "What brings you to my castle, of all places? Here I thought you disliked my people."

Hojin then proceeded to get himself up, which was no easy feat given his weight and a breathed a sigh of relief. "Ah my fellow king, that would've been true with most of my people and in the past but times have changed, I have grown a much different and enlightened perception of the kingdoms as of late, it's quite story I wish I could tell share."

He however, breathes a sigh, "However, as much as I want to romanticize you the properties of mutual peace, am afraid certain circumstances have prompt me to come here and they are of urgent business which requires a delicate procedure."

Noticing how soaked the king was, Houjin then kindly offered to gently dry the Aquan king with a soft radiant heat--no flames. "If it's not your liking, please tell me so."

He then proceeded onto his business, "By now, or later am certain you have a letter asking for the whereabouts of the Terrae Queen with accusations stating that an attack to a Terrae town village was done by Ignis soldiers. I can assure you I've given no such commands to attack a village nor do I have the queen in my custody but at this point it will be simply be my word against the adviser's. I would gladly help the Terrans in finding these culprits if indeed one my people had went rogue to do this nefarious act.but the Terrans can be stubborn. In particular, Cernunnos Kai Beifong may not even listen to reason so I fear in the worst case, there will be another war outbreak between the two kingdoms."

He then looked into the Syl's eyes with solemn aged and weary eyes, "and believe me, we of Ignis desire nothing more than peace. This is where I must ask for your help."

He then turned and rose his pointy finger up high, "Granted, Lux would've been more ideal but I am already here, I apologize beforehand for 'sneaking' into one of your temples but I had my reasons for secrecy, none that would harm you or your kingdom however.

Originally, I would've just wanted to ask access to one of your libraries about your ancient water healing magic techniques. I know it sounds unlikely a fire-wielder could ever hope to use them and unheard of, which why I rather come here in person than send a lowly messenger to emphasize my point and yes, I'm prepared for the possible consequences to go as far as being locked up in a dungeon..."

Houjin could see some of the guards still running amock, "...if it helps to keep your security from running scared," he then chuckled then shook his head, "more so, I would not also recommend my own people to tell my exact whereabouts or we may have another war on our hands."

"But there is also another thing I must ask from you..." and then out of the blue, Houjin's eyes went heavy. His head slowly lopped to the side of his shoulder and he soon, sounds of snoring could be heard.

Yes, the bold king of the fire kingdom, suddenly just dozed off, standing right in front of Syl. Such was the troubles with aged old people. They to be shrugged awake now and then, and hopefully did not forget in doing so.

Houjin was dreaming about sailing on a ship in the open seas in search of tea. While on his crow's nest he just realized something....the whole sea IS made up of tea! He jumped off the nest then plunged into sea and dubbed it "Nestea".

He slowly woke up later swinging his arms and legs on the floor.

"What?" He stumbled on his back then stroked his chin. Houjin tried to make another dive again hoping the floor would turn into water and splash like in his dream but instead he got pain. Good thing he fell on his belly first.

The silly old man quickly got up on his feet when he heard the rumble of a storm outside. This was too drastic and strange, a few moments ago it was a clear quiet weather before he came to the gates. He then turned to the Aquan king, "Winter is coming."

He shook his head, "Sorry, I mean, it's going to be a dark stormy night, wait that sounded like a bad horror story." He then cleared his throat a bit.

"My fellow king, a catastrophe is coming to your kingdom."

Leonare

Leonare

After hearing the words of D'Artagnan, Houjin was more concerned than ever about Ignis. He hoped Otto would made on time but it seems the task would be impossible given the time frame. He would need to return soon but he can not leave Aqua just yet event after the storm's passing. his purpose here is now more imperative than ever but...

"It is indeed a strange and awkward way for a Ventos like you to just butt in here during a storm, claiming otherwise what appears to be the doings easily capable only by your own people. You're either incredibly foolish or incredibly brave." Houjin said in a rather skeptical and auspicious tone. The fire king approached the young Dart however, and strongly patted on him by the shoulders with a gleaming smile.

"I like your style!" said one who did a familiar approach to the Aquan king but moments ago.

"My fellow highness," he then addressed back towards Syl after listening to Dart, "it appears my personal request will have to wait, more urgent matters are at hand and I personally find it simply more common sense to work together than worry about political matters for now, or this storm will consume us all."

It had been awhile since Houjin was thrown into the pit and frey of a crisis. However being war consummate, it felt more like being able to relive his childhood youth than a distressing urgency, fear and panic were the far from his mind, only this time he was doing something far more noble---he was defending a nation other than his own.

Houjin heard the clash of waves of what appeared to be at the gates. Guards motioned to investigate but something else was drawing Houjin to the scene, something...someone familiar. "Could it be?" he thought.

"Pardon us," Houjin said, he had also expected Dart to follow through since he did mentioned two scouts awhile ago.

And it was a good thing he did came. The guards were closing in but he could already overhear a lady's voice.



Ah yes, he chuckled to himself. He could not mistake the temperament of his own people and they would be the only ones complaining that much when doused wet. When he finally arrived to the scene with the guards, he raised his hand in a calm manner.

"Stand down, there's no need to worry." Though the guards assumed Houjin was reassuring them, he was actually referring more to the fire lady. With a kindred smile, he did not hesitate to raise her temperature of her inner flame to quickly dry her off. It should be obvious to her, there was only one such person who could even manipulate the flames of others like the wind to a candle light.

"I hope that better calms your nerves now young lady...though pardon if the drying makes your clothes shrink a bit." He chuckled. "You must be Dart's companions I hope."