One Golden Star [open]

[Kyohaku]

KYOHAKU

The night air was still and humid, clinging heavily to everything it touched. The moon was partially veiled by clouds in the heavens above, shedding only a little light upon the city of Kvatembr. A couple of golden stars glittered determinedly through the cloud cover above, competing eagerly with the silver orb. Kyohaku closed her bright topaz eyes and took a long, deep breath. It was almost time. She swept her strawberry blonde hair into a messy bun with an assortment of clips to keep it off her neck. Her clothing was thin and small, practical for summer in the Land of Flame. A silk skirt fell halfway down her thighs, colored in bright tones of blue and green. Her shirt was a bright blue tank-top embroidered with blues and yellows. She looked nothing like a musician in this garb, but that was exacted what she was. And a very successful one at that.

She opened her eyes suddenly and stood, grabbing her dark acoustic guitar. The crowd was loud already, cheering in anticipation. This was the largest concert she had ever given. It was only natural to be nervous. She looked in the mirror one last time, fixing her hair slightly and adjusting the delicate silver chains around her neck. Yes, it was time. She took the first step towards her stage, trembling on tall silver heels. She was nervous. Kyohaku closed her eyes and breathed deeply again, silencing the fear. “You’ll do fine,” she told herself encouraging and took the last steps to the wooden stage that had been erected in a plaza in the center of Kvatembr.

The young woman staggered backward a step as she saw the crowd that had gathered just to see her. There had to be at least one-hundred people there. “Damn…” she whispered and turned her golden eyes to the basket she used to collect tips. It was already full of gold coins and she hadn’t even begun. She was going to be rich after tonight! Kyohaku clutched her guitar in one hand while she motioned for silence with the other.

“Thank you, citizens of Kvatembr!” she shouted, her voice carrying across the now silent crowd. “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to perform for you tonight! I hope you enjoy the show!” She looked out across the mass of people, narrowing her glittering eyes. “Cherish Life. Cherish Liberty. And above all, Cherish a United Ysera!”

Cheering ensued, most of these people were familiar with her signature words that ended her introduction and signaled the beginning of her song. They had seen her in inns and pubs but never in such a place in such glory. “Hope you enjoy this song. It’s something new I’ve been working on.” Then, with no further ado, Kyohaku began strumming on her guitar.

I can see
When you stay low nothing happens
Does it feel right ?
Late at night
Things I thought I put behind me
Haunt my mind

I just know there's no escape now
Once it sets its eyes on you
But I won't run, have to stare it in the eye

Stand my ground, I won't give in
No more denying, I've got to face it
Won't close my eyes and hide the truth inside
If I don't make it, someone else will
Stand my ground

It's all around
Getting stronger, coming closer
Into my world
I can feel that it's time for me to face it
Can I take it?

Though this might just be the ending
Of the life I held so dear
But I won't run, there's no turning back from here

Stand my ground, I won't give in
No more denying, I've got to face it
Won't close my eyes and hide the truth inside
If I don't make it, someone else will
Stand my ground

All I know for sure is I'm trying
I will always stand my ground

Stand my ground, I won't give in
I wont give up
No more denying, I've got to face it
Won't close my eyes and hide the truth inside
If I don't make it, someone else will


Stand my ground, I won't give in
No more denying, I've got to face it
Won't close my eyes and hide the truth inside
If I don't make it, someone else will
Stand my ground


She held the last note long and powerful until the lyrics broke off into a guitar outro. The song ended softly and peacefully, fading away to nothing. Cheers erupted before she had even finished and they brought a grin to the girl’s face. This was by far the loudest ovation she had ever received. It was exhilarating and amazing, this feeling. She held her guitar up as she finished, waiting for the applause to finally die down. Her golden eyes turned skyward to behold a bright, twinkling star aside an imposing grey cloud. She smiled faintly, amazed by the clear, stark beauty of it.

Finally, the audience quieted and Kyohaku turned her gaze back to them. “That's all for tonight, you’ve been a great crowd!” She never sang more than one song, she found multiple to be way too tiring to her voice and fingers. The audience understoodd and pushed forward to add more gold to the basket. Grinning, the musician stepped down from the stage to sit on the edge, dangling her feet over the side. She knew fans liked to talk to her and get to know the girl behind the music.

[Amber]

Amber walked in, mingling with the crowd. This damn show better end quickly, she thought to herself. She was only attending it to pass some time. When the girl got on stage with a huge smile stretched across her face, Amber turned bitter. One of the things she hated the most was when someone else was happy. That stupid little goodie goodie Follower had earned a whole basket of coins, and the Lieutenant could tell that there was more to be added to the pile. Amber was scouting for more recruits. She had been ordered by the Empress to look for potential Lieutenants. But, Amber didn't want to take on an apprentice, she wasn't the type of person for the job. She sighed and thought of her own mentor, Leigh, oh how she longed to see her again. If only she could have seen her now. She had completed her training and taken own the hierarchy of a Lieutenant. The lights dimmed and the girl loudly, and delightfully thanked the crowd, and said recited her little innocent speech then started.

I can see
When you stay low nothing happens
Does it feel right ?
Late at night
Things I thought I put behind me
Haunt my mind

I just know there's no escape now
Once it sets its eyes on you
But I won't run, have to stare it in the eye

Stand my ground, I won't give in
No more denying, I've got to face it
Won't close my eyes and hide the truth inside
If I don't make it, someone else will
Stand my ground

It's all around
Getting stronger, coming closer
Into my world
I can feel that it's time for me to face it
Can I take it?

Though this might just be the ending
Of the life I held so dear
But I won't run, there's no turning back from here

Stand my ground, I won't give in
No more denying, I've got to face it
Won't close my eyes and hide the truth inside
If I don't make it, someone else will
Stand my ground

All I know for sure is I'm trying
I will always stand my ground

Stand my ground, I won't give in
I wont give up
No more denying, I've got to face it
Won't close my eyes and hide the truth inside
If I don't make it, someone else will


Stand my ground, I won't give in
No more denying, I've got to face it
Won't close my eyes and hide the truth inside
If I don't make it, someone else will
Stand my ground

Amber snorted and let out a laugh. This show was so pitiful. The girl was too sweet looking and bubbly to be a Lieutenant. She decided that her work here was done and it was time to try somewhere else. On her way out, she had to pass by the young performer. She glanced at the basket and rolled her eyes, good thing she didn't give up any of her coins for this idiot. Amber began to think of other places she could search for a potential at. She was being pushed along with the crowd, and she was starting to get claustrophobic. Her palms started to sweat, and she knew she had to get out of there. She stepped up onto a chair in the front row and in a quick, fluent, move she gracefully sprang onto the stage. People stared at her but she only glared at them, they probably had no idea of who she was. After all, she had only recently been made a Lieutenant. Amber sat down beside the girl casually and said "Didn't know Followers could make this much money in one night."

[Kyohaku]

KYOHAKU

Kyohaku’s happiness was shot and killed immediately as she saw someone walking towards her, being pushed through the crowds. Oh shit, she cursed and stared at the approaching woman with dull topaz eyes, the light and warmth removed from them. This was just about the last person she needed here. Kyohaku wanted to run, she wanted to escape any way she could. But it was too late. Amber, the lieutenant of Flame, was beside her. Shit, Kyo reiterated to herself. The woman had not been lieutenant for long, but Kyohaku made sure to keep up with hierarchical changes. She knew nothing about the blonde-haired lieutenant beside her, only that she was a radical Flame supporter. If she wasn’t, she wouldn’t have been named a lieutenant.

“Didn't know Followers could make this much money in one night.”

She seemed almost friendly, nonchalant at least but Kyohaku wouldn’t let herself be fooled. She wouldn’t get off of the stage without suffering some speech about loyalty and her apparent lack of it. “Kvatembr’s a large city with a lot of people. A good amount are bound to show up, if only for something to do,” she replied softly and took the basket overflowing with gold coins. “I don’t expect the money, but it seems the citizens have little better to do with their coins anymore.” Her eyes were fixed on the basket, hoping Amber would simply leave her alone and return to her duties. But of course, the lieutenant didn’t leave so Kyohaku attempted a different approach.

“I’m Kyohaku. What’s your name?” it was a formality, nothing more. Obviously she knew the woman’s name but she needed something, anything to break the silence and stall the lieutenant. Briefly the performer wondered if she would tell her her real name.

[Amber]

As Amber studied the girl she could see fear in her eyes. She also showed some irritation to Amber's surprise.

“Kvatembr’s a large city with a lot of people. A good amount are bound to show up, if only for something to do,” She picked up the basket, probably showing it off and continued, “I don’t expect the money, but it seems the citizens have little better to do with their coins anymore.” Excuses, excuses, Amber thought to herself. She was about to get up and leave, seeing as the crowd was starting to thin out. But, of course, the girl just had to go on.

“I’m Kyohaku. What’s your name?” Amber rolled her eyes, so, her name was Kyohaku. It fit the girl, it sounded innocent and she looked innocent. They were perfect matches. If the Kyohaku didn't know her name then she might as well make the best out of her recruiting mission.

"The name's Midori. Just moved to town. I used to live in Nadseni, but wanted to move to an actual city." Amber spoke with no hesitation. She lied smoothly, and knew Kyohaku would never suspect a thing, unless of course she did know her real name. "So, I heard the Empress was looking for new recruits. I wonder what she wants with them." Amber said, trying to sound cool and casual. Maybe this young performer would know where some potentials could be found. But, of course, the Lieutenant would have to be sly about getting the information out of her so that she wouldn't blow her cover.

[Kyohaku]

KYOHAKU

Kyohaku was incredibly uncomfortable and wanted an escape route but could see none. The crowd was still just as thick as before, just as impassible. And besides, you couldn’t just stand and leave when talking to a lieutenant, now could you? The teenager fidgeted with the hem of her skirt and did not make eye contact with Amber. She and lieutenants never got along well.

“The name's Midori. Just moved to town. I used to live in Nadseni, but wanted to move to an actual city.”

Kyohaku glanced at her now. It was no surprise that the woman was lying about her identity. High-ranking officials tended to do that. “Midori? Nice name. I used to live near Nadseni as well before coming to Kvatembr,” she replied in a polite, formal voice. Her topaz eyes were slightly veiled as she repeated the name, unable to completely hide her knowledge.

“So, I heard the Empress was looking for new recruits. I wonder what she wants with them.”

Kyohaku blinked and looked surprised at this. New lieutenants? As if they needed more. “Who knows? The empress is mysterious; she’s not likely to disclose her plans to mere followers like us.” There was some irony hidden in Kyohaku’s words as she spoke, veiled and almost nearly hidden, but still there. It was almost just payback to be sitting her calling a lieutenant a “mere follower.” The girl smiled faintly and picked up her guitar from where she had set it on the stage next to her. “I’m not concerned with it. I’m not exactly fighting material.”

Then she looked at “Midori” with faked curiosity. “So what do you do in Kvatembr, Midori?”