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Post by General Kunzite on Oct 4, 2014 13:04:48 GMT -5
His bemused, reserved smirk remained as Kunzite listened to his Prince "compliment" him on a job well done. Kunzite was truly impressed, though he considered it understood that his commentary on the matter would be limited. When Jadiete showed up again, Kunzite folded his arms over his chest to listen to his commentary. The man was quite shrewd, and although his brash remarks sometimes ruffled his feathers, there were times he considered his ability to speak his mind without tipping his hand an immense strength. It was the reason that, when he could, Kunzite always "entrusted" public relations material to him.
Kunzite returned Jadiete's deadpan with his own, "I am looking forward to it. I have reserved many punishments that my soldiers have deserved for this tournament. I hope you all, and they, have prepared themselves."
At the conclusion of the lighthearted theatrics, Kunzite nodded to Jadeite, slipping back into business as usual.
"Endymion-same," he concluded before he stepped aside with Jadiete, "I have every confidence you will deliver your Generals and your people a spectacular display. I will meet you in the final round."
After his prince departed, Kunzite turned to Jadiete, "What is on your mind, Jadiete?"
Tag: Jadiete
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Post by Usagi_Tsukino_Kagetsu on Oct 4, 2014 18:29:51 GMT -5
As the silver haired man approached, Jadiete bowed his head and lowered his gaze once more in respect. Beyond Kunzite's steely exterior was a proven warrior, but even more, a trusted counselor. He was the clear leader of the Generals, yet he seemed to encourage open communication of ideas—even if they would be statements he would not want to hear.
"Kunzite," Jadiete began as he gave a final wave to Endymion for luck before lowering his voice and putting all his attention on his brother.
"I'll be plain." He began. "This is the third time this week that Endymion has slipped his guards." He sucked in a short breath out of frustration before continuing. "We have to address it in some fashion. Because, if we don't give him some semblance of freedom or at least the idea of it, he's only going to try to go farther. And worse, he may lose respect in us, our opinions, and our complicated friendship." He said, bringing a hand to his chin.
"It's completely unpredictable, and I don't quite know how to address it." He frowned. "We tighten his leash...I think we'll lose him. And, I can't fault him for feeling like he can't live his life. But you and I both know that the Earth Kingdom is vast. Beyond the city walls is expansive land, full of people who love and hate the crown. And in some brash escape, Endymion could sacrifice so much of what his father has tried to build and the future that he could create to progress this Kingdom." He stressed.
His eyebrows furrowed, hating to stand in one place for too long. He dug the toe of his right black boot into the dusty dirt ground. "Hell, we take him hunting more, let him have a weekend at he auxiliary palace, crash one of those dog and pony balls at the Moon Kingdom... we just need to let him breathe." He advised. "Nephrite, Zoisite, and myself all agree that Endymion is hard to keep up with lately—and even you can't split yourself too thin from other duties with King. Unless you have any bright ideas that don't involve restraints, I suggest we do something or speak with Endymion honestly." He paused.
"Because you and I know, based on today's conversation, he'd slip away in a heart beat if given the chance." He urged in a hushed whisper.
[Tag Kunzite]
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Post by General Kunzite on Oct 5, 2014 10:39:53 GMT -5
A furrowing of the brow was the only indication that General Kunzite gave that he was unhappy with the scenario Jadiete gave. The idea had tugged at his mind for a while now, but Kunzite had never been able to label it so plainly. Why was that? Wasn't he Commander General? Wasn't he with Endymion more than the other generals? Perhaps it was because he never wanted to acknowledge it, maybe it was because he was letting his affection for his Prince cloud his perception. Maybe it was because Kunzite himself did not know how to handle it. After all, Kunzite dealt with his problems by discipline and, when necessary, oppression....the two tools that were ineffective in this very scenario.
He nodded, listening to Jadiete with intensity as he studied the blue sky. "How can a King rule without freedom?" he asked aloud, repeating something he had read in the course of his duties, "...I won't have us give him playtime like a child." he continued, but then fell into a silence, cradling his chin between his fingers and thumb as he thought. After a moment, his eyes lit up and he gave the thin smile that meant he felt he was in control of the situation again.
"What if," he began, looking again at the sky, "if Prince Endymion wins this tournament," he continued with a tone indicating that 'if' was not a concern for him, "we allow him to select his own prize of victory?" he looked at Jadiete for his feedback.
"If freedom is what he desires, then he will demand it. And if he has earned it, he will be confident in it and it will mean something to him. If he desires less supervision, time to gaze over the ocean in silence, or even attend parties on the Moon, we can deal with that. We can even encourage it. He is to be King. And the King of Earth rules by strength of will. We must allow him to learn the effect of the Force of his Will. I trust Endymion. If we present a freedom at the prize of victory, he will not use it foolishly."
Tag: Jadiete
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Post by Usagi_Tsukino_Kagetsu on Oct 6, 2014 21:26:48 GMT -5
Jadiete nodded. "Yes, I believe that could be a good course of direction. Especially if he feels he's earned it." Jadiete determined. "But, Kunzite -- he has to truly earn it." He stressed. "Neither you nor any other person he faces tonight should throw a battle." He said softly, as he knew people listened and even Endymion had particularly perceptive ears.
"Whether he knows or even believes he won fair and square, I'd like to know that he did." He added with a gentle, strong gaze at his fellow general. "Ultimately, we're agreed." He smiled, placing a strong hand on Kunzite's shoulder. "So, good luck... sort of." He grinned, patting the man's shoulder once before he turned away. "I'm off to my perch to make sure things remain in order. But, I'll be watching on. Don't embarrass anyone too much -- this is a public spar after all." He called before fading ingot he distance.
As the spar began, Jadiete maintained no emotional reaction or investment in any one contender. But, his eyes followed every movement, every slice and jab of the sword. He sighed, wishing his name had been plucked for the royal contender options -- perhaps next year would be his. He folded his arms, leaning against a sturdy support beam. "Endymion seems to be holding up his part of the bargain, we'll see if Kunzite can do the same." He mused.
His eyes scanned the arena, watching the citizens cheering and enjoying the atmosphere he had created. Jadiete was a boisterous fellow, but he didn't outwardly show much pride in things. This, however, was a moment he'd always cherish -- especially if it brings his Prince some peace instead of restlessness. It would make his job a whole lot easier.
[Tag Kunzite and Endymion]
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Post by General Kunzite on Oct 6, 2014 22:52:10 GMT -5
As he watched his fellow general head off to his duties, Kunzite watched him go with a strained expression. He should expect as much from the "Four Kings" of Endymion's honor guard; Jadiete had always been intuitive and had read Kunzite's plan to give honor to his Prince by holding back on his own abilities.
It was fine for Endymion, who was struggling through the weight of the destiny forced upon him, to throw everything into question and lash out as if carving a space to finally call his own. Yet, Kunzite had worked hard, going through the ranks, disciplining his mind and soul to be achieve this position. He wanted nothing else but to be the man who would make Endymion a King of legend. For all of his pride and all of his honor and everything he taught Endymion, the idea of winning this fight had always been secondary to allowing his Prince to give a glorious show of strength. It wasn't that he didn't think Endymion could win either - he had taught the Prince from his youth and knew his skill - but sometimes battle was determined by luck as much as skill, and Kunzite would never allow chance to put Endymion at his feet before his people. Kunzite gritted his teeth even at the thought of shaming his Prince so. And so, yes, Kunzite had every intention of throwing the fight. He was going to make his Prince work for it, to prove to himself and his people that he deserved it, but nothing would make Kunzite risk his Prince's glory. It wounded his pride, but pride was worthless if it betrayed Endymion. Kunzite believed that to his heart.
At the very least, Kunzite mused, he would have no trouble cutting loose with the various nobles and captains who were fortunate enough to participate. He looked forward to meeting Endymion in the ring. He just hoped that his Prince would excuse his arrogance if he, like Jadiete, ever intuited that the Prince's victory was not the reward of strength but the cost of honor.
With those heavy thoughts going through his mind, Kunzite swept his cape as he turned around, and strode to the arena for his entrance fight.
Tag: None (I will switch my posts over to the Battle tag from here out)
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