Dance of Dissimulation

> "*Politics has a way of contorting and turning even the greatest of men into husks of their former selves, deceit, plotting and ones public image become the bread and water of those that partake in its game. I am no stranger to this set of rules, but never could I have imagined to what extent the board laid against me.*"
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> **- Tyvius III**
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**Year**
30 NAC

## Dance of Dissimulation

### Mistress Dread

Staring acutely at his lavish outfit and posture, Tyvius III wrinkles his forehead in thought about what exactly to change if anything prior to the ball. It was going to be a monumentous occasion with countless officials from all over the Empire in attendance, elegance and prestige was at the forefront of the Emperors concerns for his people required a strong monarch in such trying times. Zoscia was encroaching towards the balls location and yet resources were being put aside to entertain the masses and conceal the political dealings which were certainly going to occur behind closed doors. Tyvius at first was opposed to the idea of attending such an event in his nations most dire hour, however the border was holding and even he needed some form of respite from the gloom of death that the war had brought.

Hearing the door to his bedroom open, the jingles of ornamental bells gives away the location of one of his most devoted saints who shuffles her way up to revel in the God-Emperors splendid form. Laying a mechanical hand upon his azure cloak and feeling the meticulously handcrafted love which had been sown into its design, Saint Sisenna stares in awe at the tall God she had come to adore during her aged years. Draped in an well crafted azure robe, Sisenna has gold accents around her cuffs and a collection of bells draped around her wrists and waist which jingle with every sway and sigh. Dressed several less layers than his servant, Tyvius III wears a formal azure and gold military uniform with gilded medals hanging from the left side of his chest. Concealing his hands in white gloves and shoes upon his feet, he decided on a more modest attire in the event of an emergency which required an immediate call to action; Zoscia could strike at any time after all and he would be damned if Seltas defense wasn't under his supervision.

"Your father would have been proud of you my dear, the spitting image of a God stands before me and all I can do is quiver in anticipation for whatever words leave such beloved lips."

Sisenna moves in front of Tyvius' mirror and adjusts his medals while continuing in a calm yet pride filled voice.

"I remember the coronation, the smile you wore out of true happiness and not necessity. It will be my honor to see you when such a genuine grin returns, not one plastered for the sake of unity."

Raising an eyebrow at her melancholy nature, Tyvius places a hand of Sisennas and moves it away gently from his medals.

"There is no time to reminisce about the past, we must all prepare for the coming ball. Are you ready?"

Moving her hand back, Sisenna nods and motions to her attire.

"The Saints await you at the ship dear, I was the last to adorn my festive garb so as to escort you."

"You flatter me, but I am certain no tragedies will occur in my short time alone."

"Yet there is no need to be" she says, holding her breath after speaking so suddenly in reaction.

Giving a glare, he frowns before looking back at the mirror and adorning the Azure Crown in silence.

"My apologies G-god-Emperor."

"Sisenna, leave me for now."

Giving an eager yet silent nod, Saint Sisenna jingles her way to the exit and closes the door.

Waiting to hear her bells fade away, Tyvius III sighs and walks over to his window so as to observe the choir of Saints which awaited him below. Six in all, they stand in the courtyard of Seltas finest estate which was the God-Emperors temporary residence near the front lines. Tended to with discipline and diligence, the lush green gardens to the left and right of the main tan brick path highlight the sheer attention to detail which was afforded to the God-Emperor. Granted to him by the young Duchess Aminnya, it was a beautiful piece of property and showed the generosity and loyalty of its ruler. Such beauty and yet fate would see it pillaged by abominable xenos, outsiders which understood nothing of the centuries which had gone into the Empires properties and territories. Countless in numbers, his own nations military was somewhat to blame for the Black Hordes sweeping success in southern Cestia; a humiliating defeat which his ancestors certainly disapproved of. He had bled thousands of Coronans and yet still they came, he had stabilized the Empire if a bit too late and now he lived in the twilight years of his rule. Doubt polluted his mind and the same enthusiasm of his subordinates was certainly lost on his disillusioned mind.

Sitting in a chair, he looks at the Saints bicker in their petty squabbles and converse while awaiting his arrival. Glancing up in eager anticipation for his glorious splendor to once more be beholden to them, Tyvius couldn't help but smile at such a sight. Even in face of absolute destruction, he loved his Saints whether he cared to admit it or not; Sisenna would've certainly made a perfect bride in another lifetime, but such affections could not be attributed to his servants. He was the God of his people and abusing such authority to get any woman he wanted was revolting simply at the prospect, his Saints were satisfactory enough to fill his loneliness. Or at least he told himself that.

Indulging in his short respite in isolation, an unknown amount of time passes before he finally stands and heads for the exit. Having spent at most ten to twenty minutes in silence, the hour had come for jovial conversation and revelry he wouldn't soon forget.

### Dance of the Masque

Arriving to the ball was quite an affair for Tyvius III, his entrance was showered in boastful music and praise as all eyes found themselves drawn to his azure attire. Bowing and speeches followed soon after with the God-Emperor smiling throughout, the main pleasantries following the final words of the God-Duchess herself.

"Never would I have expected such a wondrous turnout, it gladdens me to see so many new and familiar faces within my halls on such a beautiful night. May your stay be adventurous and as exhilarating as mine will be upon the dance floor."

Raising a glass, a sizable portion of the crowd laughs with her before proceeding to different portions of the manor. Dancing and gregarious storytelling fills the main hall, Tyvius III sitting at the forefront of the main dining table with his servants huddled around him like children in wait of instructions. Having to wait before dinner arrived, he glances at his servants and gives a wave of his hand for them to depart.

"As you wish" says Archimedes in his golden robe, the posse wandering off into the sea of dancing bodies.

Watching them leave, Tyvius III rests the side of his head on a hand and watches the crowds from his elevated position. Almost blending into the decor himself, he was a comforting addition to the cool colors strewn about the pallid hall. Trying to spot any recreational duels or heated debates within the main hall or neighboring rooms, he spots a gathering in the library which draws his attention. Standing, the God-Emperor politely makes his way towards the doorway and enters to a flurry of back and forth bickering between Magistrate Doukali and a noble Tyvius had never met before. Both stood in stark contrast with Doukali wearing his crimson and gold military uniform with a plumed helmet sitting off to his side on the couch, the other man meanwhile looked more civilian with soft features and an air of self-importance. Falling silent at Tyviu' entrance, the God-Emperor is given two fictitious smiles in the otherwise empty library as he sits in a recliner.

"My lord, it is an honor to see you. How has the ball fared for you so far?"

Doukali stares at the other noble after saying this, a flicker of distaste in his eyes.

"It has only begun, but so far it seems promising. Your little commotion certainly is a good start for my night."

Tyvius gives a smile, the two combatants glancing back at one another before the noble speaks up "God-Emperor, this Military dog has the gall to suggest the Levment should be disbanded and integrated into the Legion! What sort of traitor suggests the removal of the peoples army let alone a major employer for Cestian citizens all over the Empire?"

"I'm more of a patriot than you, the Levment has led this entire war into the shitter and now we've got to clean up your goddamn mess. I won't lie, people WILL lose their jobs, but perhaps that is the price it takes to save the entire nation from foreign despoilers."

"Why I ne-"

The two bickering opponents are drowned out by Tyvius' own thoughts, him rocking in entertainment at the age old dispute of the Legion and Levment. Both hated one another and yet needed the other all the same, it was an entertaining half an hour to listen to. Watching the time as his two subordinates transitioned from brash arguing to calm reasoning, Tyvius stands after thirty minutes and says "My apologies gentlemen, but I will have to return at a later time. It was enjoyable to see you again Doukali and to make your acquaintance Sir Colwe."

Both nod, Tyvius leaving as their argument continues uninterrupted. Not much had changed since his short leave from the ballroom, it still being in full swing with beverages and appetizers now being passed about. Taking a violet colored drink for himself and some aquatic food to stave off his hunger, he slowly drinks the potent liquid which is most definitely alcoholic. Mingling with passerby's and admirers who approach him, the next hour is a blur of conversation with more food being placed out and people beginning to eat at the main table. Dancing with men and women alike formally, he enjoys himself in the moment with alcohol helping to fuel his boldness and melt away all hesitation. Feeling a hand gently fall upon his shoulder, the God-Emperor glances back to see Duchess Aminnya in her gorgeous azure dress looking up at him with a smile.

Returning to his more formal demeanor, Tyvius gives a smile back and allows her to bow.

"I see you're certainly enjoying your God-Emperor" she says in a humored voice.

"Granting everyone the chance to dance with me is quite the ordeal, who knew so many people liked waltzing with a God?"

Rolling her eyes, Aminnya extends her hand out which he takes, her guiding him towards the staircase.

"Well I might just have to steal their God away for a short moment, I wanted to catch you before the big dinner."

"Understandable, I just hope it doesn't involve my servants getting themselves into trouble."

She shakes her head and chuckles, the two ascending the marble staircase and leaving the party behind. Walking off to the eastern wing of the second floor, Aminnya leads him off into a lounge room. Closing the door behind them, the commotion outside is deafened as the sound of a crackling fireplace takes over along with the clacking of Aminnyas heels. Having black carpet with azure walls, it had a darker theme compared to the main hall and lacked the extravagant decor the Duchess flaunted liberally on most occasions. With a fireplace and couch off to the right and a portrait of Aminnya above the crackling flames, she motions him over to the couch while walking off to her personal bar. Tyvius sits and glances over at her, him observing the drinks she begins to conjure up with a mix of alcohol and juices.

"You can't understand how relieved it is to see you, I grew worried following our last war meeting. It's good to see you destressing for once."

Raising an eyebrow, Tyvius faces her somewhat and says "It comes with my position, the entire weight of the nation lies upon my shoulders and downtime is finite if even possible. What has caused you to be so concerned about my own wellbeing though?"

Aminnya frowns, her finishing the drinks and filling a teapot with the same liquid.

"You're coldness is not needed hear Tyvius, I only wish the best for you."

"So does the entire realm, but this seems a bit more personal compared the wayward compliments and concerns I normally receive."

"That's because it is, the Hallow War has allowed me to finally meet the man behind the crown itself and work alongside him through his tribulations. Never before had I met or heard of an Emperor as loving and honor bound as you, the personal sacrifices, sleepless nights, you're diligence is commendable if not also your weakness. Which is why I worry for no one else seems to, even a God can only take so much before he breaks."

Looking at her with fierce eyes, Tyvius frowns somewhat and hesitantly nods.

"I certainly question my own divinity at times for what God could allow such a disaster to befall his people. I've done everything right to reform and save my nation with what little resources I have and yet still we find ourselves floundering in face of barbaric conquerors. My life is one deserving of death for surely my ignorance has led us down this path."

Closing the teapot, Aminnya comes over and sets the drinks and pot on a nightstand before grasping his hand and sitting to his left.

"You cannot decipher the mind of aliens Tyvius, they are like the seasons; an unwavering force which never remains consistent. What you have done in your short time as ruler has greatly surpassed your fathers own reign for in his neglect you found diligence. Centuries passed without change and yet in a few short years, even in the slaves sing your name in praise."

Placing a hand on his cheek, she rubs it in a motherly fashion before handing him his drink. He moves her hand away gently and takes the drink.

"It's all for naught though, the Empire has failed in its defense."

"Yet as long as you breath, the sun will continue to rise and our fair nation shall thrive. Even in defeat we can find victory, don't throw away your divine authority simply because a shadow looms overhead; these are the times of heroes Tyvius, legends which shall change the course of history for eternity."

She raises her glass, Tyvius silently clinking hers in thought.

"You are wise beyond your years Duchess Aminnya, perhaps more so than me."

"Just call me Aminnya, there is no need to keep formalities within these walls."

She smiles at him, the two drinking down the fruity liquid before she begins to fill another glass for the two of them.

Tyvius looks over at her, him looking upon her elegant dress and sharp eyes.

"Agreed, you are deserving of more than just formalities after all."

"So you say?"

Tyvius smiles, him taking his glass.

"My thoughts have burdened me for years and without a conduit to release them through. So far you've proven yourself adept with words and maybe perhaps a pen as well."

Aminnya raises an eyebrow.

"I wish for us to exchange letters in the near future, it may prove to be just the remedy I am in need of."

"You desire me to be your confidant then?"

"Indeed, however such a position requires trust and I am sure you know the repercussions of betraying it."

"Everyone in the realm is aware Tyvius, but I nonetheless feel capable of such a feat. I want the best for you after all and if through comradery and debate is the way than so be it."

Raising his drink, the God-Emperor says "Then it's agreed, to our partnership, may it last an eternity."

"Yes, to us."

They clink their drinks once more, Tyvius beginning to down his small glass before quickly spurting up a thickened liquid. Feeling a burning sensation in his throat, a sick sizzling noise gives way to the realization that his flesh was burning away from the inside. Eyes wide in shock, he looks at a frowning Aminnya who quickly steps away and drops her glass to get out of his arms reach.

"I'm sorry your majesty, but it had to be done. It's the only way to save Cestia."

She speaks in a distraught voice, Tyvius' pain becoming unbearable as he attempts a scream to no avail. Shuttering, he stands and feels his body weakening as he pushes off of the fireplaces stone chimney and falls to the ground in convulsions. Watching in horror, Aminnya watches her God sputter and kick in silent agony before falling silent after several minutes of struggle. Shaking somewhat with adrenaline, she walks over to the bar and sits down on the stool, lighting an extended cigarette as she calls a number.

"He's dead, I'll give an announcement in a few minutes, just let me calm my nerves."

Going silent, she furrows her brow before saying "No you wait for my announcement unless you want t- o-oh my god."

Dropping the phone, she shakes as she watches the Emperors corpse rise with its robotic arms and Tyvius' glazed over eyes flicker with painful life. His exposed neck begins rapidly repairing, robotic weaving replacing the flesh which had been burned away as he crawls towards her like a spider. Screaming in horror, Aminnya attempts to escape as the room deafens their struggle.

### Divine Action

To think he could trust anyone. Chaos erupted outside of the lounge and gunfire rang out from within the halls, two sides had become interlocked while a choir of screams overtook any sensible thought. Walking out, Tyvius adjusts his undone collar and proceeds to the staircase quickly while concealing his arms. He may look like death itself, but that didn't mean he was going to hide while his people were slaughtered like helpless sheep. Making it to the top of the staircase, the God-Emperor sees his foe clearly now; Legionnaires in small yet stout numbers were sweeping the manor and the main hall had become a bloodbath between armed guests and the elite soldiers. Doukali stands alongside Sir Colwe in opposition to the advancing soldiers, them and several other military officials having formed a quick line of defense with tables and furniture.

Noticed immediately by Legionaries at the entrance, Tyvius' disheveled form goes to the forefront of their concerns as they open fire on his position. Ducking down for cover, the attention granted to his arrival catches the glances of multiple guests who call out his name; Doukali and the defenders fighting more aggressively after seeing the barrage dealt against their God-Emperor.

"Up the stairs, go" shouts Doukali, the masses quickly fleeing after the entrance Legionnaires hunker down under suppressive fire. Standing, Tyvius watches in helplessness as the fighting below continues, him looking at the scared masses and motioning them to follow his lead.

"Follow me, I'll get us to safety."

Running down the western hall on the second floor, he had no idea where exactly he was going nor the danger that awaited him. His outward confidence convinced the guests otherwise which followed his lead, the God-Emperor leading them down a long marble hallway with speed. Opening doors to the left and right, he finds most are too small to conceal such a large group or grant it a quick passage out of the manor. Making it to the end of the hall, a second set of stairs leads up to the third floor which he quickly guides the group up. Spacious and filled with more furniture compared to the second floor, Tyvius scans the rooms while gunfire still rings out from below.

"Everyone! I want you to hide in these rooms and stay hidden until help arrives, barricade the stairwells and let no one see you until I return."

Silencing a flurry of questions, he helps the guests barricade the eastern stairwell and bars himself out on the western side. Staying on the second floor, he looks at the concerned eyes which observe his degraded form and turns away to try and assist the ball defenders. Foolish as it may be, he wouldn't let Doukali and the rest fight without seeing their Emperor one last time; a final stand that wouldn't soon be forgotten. So many rulers and politicians fled while their men fought in their stead, he wouldn't be one of them; the Legionnaires were to see him die in a symphony of glorious carnage and not a pitiful whimper hiding in the dark. Returning to the firefight, the odds had drastically shifted in the Legionaries favor with most of the defenders now dead and Doukalis men forced back to the stairwell barricade. Shoring up to the defenses, Tyvius takes the spot of a recently injured man and arms himself with the mans pistol.

"God-Emperor, this isn't your fight, let us hold them off!"

Glancing at Doukali, Tyvius shakes his head.

"It's always been mine alone, we're just facing it together now."

Utilizing his robotic arms to fire for him, a valiant defense is undertaken with droves of Legion forces meeting their end at the barrel of Tyvius' unflinching trigger finger. Cornered and with nowhere to run, the defenders fought for every life taken and while certainly outmatched in firepower, the God-Emperors presence and own skill helped keep them from breaking. Fighting for what felt like an eternity, the hall soon found itself cleared of Legion troops who began conducting a tactical retreat. Victory was not without its sacrifices though, Tyvius himself had been wounded with multiple shots and his comrades writhed on the floor in agony from their own wounds. Training his pistol on the entrance, he begins to staunch the bleeding with his remaining arms as he rips cloth and preforms rudimentary field medicine.

Blood drips from his own wounds, his body beginning to once more heal itself as his adrenaline sinks along with any and all energy left in his body. Doing what he can, Tyvius soon after lays down on the staircase and stares up at the bullet ridden ceiling and back wall of the staircase. His eyes flutter at such a disastrous sight, the last sound he hears being Doukali consoling a dying man.

What an end for his Empire.