The Death Den

Chen sat in a grand den lit by candles. The so-called Prince of the Oasis was wearing all black as he often did. His uniform consisted of a black cassock, trousers, boots and an imperial cloak draped over his shoulders. Chen's hair draped down to his shoulders and there were dark bags under his eyes. The marks were in stark contrast to his pale skin and were a sign of the torment he had been experiencing since Ethereum had awakened. He had converted the meeting chamber of the Sunagakure Council into his own private throne room. He had selected this room within the Wind Dome for one particular reason: violence was previously forbidden in it. The eldritch possessed shinobi thus took great pleasure in hosting executions there. He would sit upon the hastily constructed throne of stone and steel while he passed judgment on the old. Throats were cut, entrails were opened and skin flayed as he pried the hand of the elderly away from Iwa's newest acquisition. He had allowed his Owl and the Iwa Jounin to do most of the dirty work, but every now and again, he saw a prisoner that reminded him of his past. Some merchant, lord or retired councilman that kept his head too high while in chains or spoke to loudly when answering for his crimes. He'd pluck this bull from the rest and take him to the repurposed chamber. The wetwork that he performed on them had caused the building staff to refer to his makeshift throne room/torture chamber as the "Death Den."

As the days turned to weeks, splotches of blood were visible on the once pristine marble floor. The heads of the insolent were mounted on pikes behind his throne and their beheaded bodies lined the walls like three-dimensional plaster. There was one slumlord in particular whom he had heard stories about. Stories that stretched back as far as his time as a genin. He was just a boy then, but he knew about the criminal underlord who styled himself the Shadow Emir. A man that was of 70 years of age but with a reputation that made him untouchable. Chen heard certain things about this Emir that made him a target of particular interest. Someone that he himself would hunt down. The Shadow Emir had foolishly believed that if he stuck to the underworld and kept his crimes to local color that he would never be attacked by any of the rotating authorities that took possession of the village formerly known as Sunagakure. He was wrong. Masaru had taught Chen how to deal with criminal scum.

Once the brigand was captured, Chen took his sweet time bringing down years of justice. Chen cared nothing for the morality of the act. It was purely personal. He wasn't doing this because it was right, he was doing this because he wanted revenge on those whom he could no longer access. He thus took out all of his vengeance on the hapless old fool. He had a team of doctors on standby and they worked to keep the Shadow Emir alive. In the meanwhile, Chen got to work. The Shadow Emir was currently hoisted several meters in the air. The man and his ghutra were almost touching the ceiling he was so high up. Chen had inserted a sea of chakra receivers into the man's body. Each rod tip was set alight with a bright red flame thereby giving him the appearance of a human chandelier. He was held up by a single decrepit and rotting hand. The appendage was disconnected from any biological source but nevertheless very much animated. The tortured senior citizen was thus serving as a source of illumination, amusement and emotional catharsis for the former Diarch. The hand clasped roughly around the man's throat allotting him enough air to live, but denying it in sufficient quantities to cause pain.



As Chen strangled the man, he turned his thoughts to the message he received from one of his runners. A foreign trio had arrived at the gates and was now seeking an audience with him. Each of the names except one rang a bell. Raijin the Dark Lord was well known throughout the shinobi world. He was one of Honiko's top operatives and said to be a master of the skies. He was the exact kind of person that Chen could respect. Free. Powerful. And without care for the earthly restrictions of "morality." The second name was a bit of a mystery. Not in terms of indentificate, but motive. She was a member of the Princess Triumverate and therefore part ruler of the Blue Empire. She had been party to the talks at the Kage Summit and while she had previously not made a mark on the world the way Raijin had, she was a kindred spirit. Shin had mentioned how she had deliberately mocked and antagonized several world leaders, even going as far as to try and assault one of them. One would think that Kiri had enough sense to prevent such a bloodthirsty mad woman from coming to power, but perhaps some wills simply could not be denied. Chen smirked to himself as he wondered what drove the Ice Princess. He'd find out soon enough. The final entrant was a complete unknown. Some peasant of a doctor that was supposedly here to find out what happened to Ei Kanegawa. Based on Shin's summary, Chen assumed that the woman was killed by Nozomi and that only an idiot could think otherwise. He would have thrown her into the orange wastes if not for Raijin giving her safe passage. If she was a guest of the Dragon Lord, then Chen would allow her to join them. If she proved to be a nuisance, he could also add a second chandelier.

Used: Ethereum - Digital Providence: 1 Hand

The owl had done as instructed. In almost complete silence. Though he had to wait for them after picking up the precious god pills he had crafted here in suna to finish their business with the stranger. This investigator after a long dead individual. Tadara had no care to reflect on the dead. Other than to learn from their blunders perhaps. It was inefficient to mourn or worry too much. The dead were simply dead and the only reason to look into it was this artificial control construct called the 'justice system'. Which was really just a regulation put in place for the poor and worthless to leave them obedient and keeping the cogs of society moving. Otherwise people could simply grab power they had not earned and masses of useless people would grow from ambition rather than worth. The old being tormented was inefficient in his opinion. As he would enter his eyes would cast upwards behind his mask. His all black feathered cloak covering him almost entirely save for the black pants underneath and the dark black dress shoes with the modified soles for grip. A hood pulled over his head concealing all but his owl mask and gloves covering his hands. As if he were ready for a plague. Truthfully Tadara was most likely to start one. Perhaps a gas that targeted the elderlies weakened immune system but left others with a mild cold. A wonderful idea truly. That said the ornaments in the room seemed only to invite actual disease.

Despite not seeing the value of intimidation given the guests about to arrive Tadara would lead them into the room. His eyes shifting from behind his mask back to Chen. He had been busy with his games it seemed. Regardless the Owl would enter the room without a word. No wasted effort attempting to win favor from pretty words or flattery. He saw no need to speak as Chen had likely already been well informed of his guests. The owl would simply nod in acknowledging Chen. No bow as again flattery was a pointless waste of energy but he knew Chen was a pride soaked man. If he did not honor him in some form Chen would grow to despise him equally to those around him. At which point those exclusives he craved may evade him still. However at this point the owl would break off from the others. Moving to stand before chen and pulling out two long black boxes Chen would be familiar with from under his cloak. Two sets of god pills like he had gifted chen before. If he wished it he could flatter his guests and win them over with them...otherwise they would simply stockpile in his inventory. Tadara himself having two sets set aside for other purposes. Though one of them remained under his cloak. Having access to more chakra was always valuable. Increasing his own value at the same time. After all he was the only one capable of making them. However with that done he would step to Chens right and turn to face Chens guests. A meter to his right and half a meter behind him. This was what guides had suggested as proper court placement. Black eyes watching the new arrivals from behind his mask as always. Simply watching with black...empty eyes.

Sayuri had walked obediently behind The Owl through Sunagakure and into a nightmare. The whole village seemed awash with fear and misery and with every step she felt her heart grow lighter and more passionate. She had only heard rumours of the events that had transpired here, and it seemed that the rumours were false. Everything she had laid eyes on so far was far more beautiful than anyone had been able to accurately describe. It wasn’t exactly like her vision, but it was close enough that her mind, or perhaps Jareth, began tweaking her memories until they matched perfectly. As she walked Sayuri kept up a trail of ice and snow behind and around her. It wasn’t enough to fully transform the desert area and would likely melt away within the hour, but it was a clear indication of her latent power.

As they entered the Death Den, the Ice Queen stopped and marvelled at the sight, her pristine white gown resting in a pool of fabric at her feet as it blended with the marble of the floor and the ice and snow that began to creep up the skirt now that she had stopped. The domed room was a stunning tableau of macabre delights. She could see the bloodstains on the stone floor and her eyes trailed from the vestiges of torture to the line of pikes that held the heads of those who were found wanting. In the center of the room very near the ceiling was a chandelier, or what at first glance appeared to be a chandelier. In the silence of the throne room Sayuri made out a single drip noise and followed the sound with her eyes noting that the drip had been beneath the ‘chandelier’. As she lifted her head to further investigate her lips curved into a wicked smile as she recognized what she was looking at. A man, probably elderly though with all the decorations it was now difficult to tell for certain, hung suspended in the air. Plunged into his body were several black looking rods, the tips of which were alight with a bright red flame which cast an eerie glow on the tortured light source and the room as a whole.

Taking a few steps forward, Sayuri looked up at the hanging man with malice and glee in her eyes. The man moaned periodically, in obvious pain and suffering. “You are the prettiest lamp I’ve ever seen. You should be grateful and stop your whining, this type of art takes time and effort. To have so much spent on you is a blessing.” Standing nearly directly beneath the man, a second drop of blood fell and landed on her right cheek. She didn’t flinch or pull away, or even change her expression. Sayuri calmly lifted her right hand to swipe the drop from her cheek with her fingertips, then pulled her hand back so she could look at the red liquid. As though she had just been handed a sample at a chocolatier’s shop, she slowly and deliberately licked off the drop of blood while staring up at the man it had fallen from. A quiet growl came from her throat, a sound closer to a satisfied purr than anything threatening, and then she lowered her hand to her side once more.

Once she was satisfied with her investigation of the adhoc chandelier, her eyes which now appeared black due to the dilation of her pupils rose to take in the sight of their host. He was everything she had imagined and more, his dark clothing and dark hair perfectly offset the paleness of his skin. Everything about him screamed ‘power’ and Sayuri was intrigued. Crossing the room, she would come to a standstill a few meters from where Chen was seated. At some point in her distraction The Owl had crossed the room and now stood off and behind Lord Chen, taking up a formal guardlike stance. While not the most educated, Sayuri had been raised as nobility and recognized a formal setting when she saw one. Etiquette told her that some form of formal greeting was required, but she also bowed to no one, so instead she offered something that she hoped the artiste who sat upon the throne before her could appreciate. She locked eyes with him as she had once done with Shimiko, an honest look deep into her depraved and tortured soul. If Chen chose to look there he would perhaps see the desire for power and carnage, the fervent hunger that had been ignited by the taste of blood and the tales of cleansing. Her voice was soft, but carried easily through the domed room and held an edge of authority to it that came with a lifetime of never being denied.

“My Lord Chen. It is truly a pleasure to meet you. Tales of your endeavours have reached as far as the Land of Water, and while impressive, did not do you justice. Your artistry is better than I could have hoped for, and if I may make a personal request, I would very much like to see more.”

Using the title ‘Lord’ was not something that she afforded to many and never in a formal setting such as this one, the desire within the word could be heard to those listening for it.

---

Used - Let it Snow

Every molecule in Ananta Miura's body shivered with fear. Pulling against her skin they begged for her to move faster as she ran from that place to anywhere else. A feverish anxiety made her face flushed and her breath ragged. Fear sweat pooled and fell from her face. Bone beneath sinew and skin rattled as she tried to steady them. The doctor knew the signs: increased heart rate, dry mouth, pupil dilation. She knew that these were all appropriate responses to being in the presence off apex predators. Most importantly, she knew that her smartest move was to leave this godforsaken village. Why then, you may ask, was she walking into this Den of Death. Why didn't she feel all of those tell tale signs of fear. Yes her heart was racing, her mouth was dry, and her hands trembled. There was no fear within her heart though as she entered. No sweat pooled on her brow, and the rhythm of her breathing was so slow it was like she was having to remind herself. Then it clicked for her. She knew now why she'd turned around so quickly to join them in this place, and why she was so excited. She wasn't dumb, brave, valorous, bloodthirsty, or naive. It was simple. An overwhelming curiosity had sunk its roots deep in her heart, and it demanded to be fed.

Dr. Miura entered the scene with no real title or name that could be recognized on winds of fanfare, and honestly she preferred it that way. The was no amount of glory or fame she would not sacrifice to be unencumbered by people. Being able to move through the landscape freely and without barriers suited the good doctor just fine. Moving only by the will that beckoned from her heart the doctor found both freedom and satisfaction. It was the reason why she so willingly came here to begin with, and it was why she entered the village despite the consequences. Maybe she wouldn't find anything here that might further her knowledge or help her home her skills. She may not find the kazekage's collection of art, information on the mechanisms that allowed Nozomi to infiltrate this place, or learn about what happened while she was gone. That jutsu, those scales, and that snow It would be a betrayal of self if she didn't see more, learn more. The roots in her heart had begun shriveling away, staved and deprived of vital liquid. True to its name Oashigakure had provided Ananta with what she had been so deprived off in the  desert she'd been trapped in since she returned. She wondered now that she was submerged in this vital substance, how her heart had managed to survive for so long.

Slowly as she was let in the doctors eyes wandered around the room hands in the pockets of her ankle length lab coat as she approached. Monitoring herself she noted the bodies that decorated this place. She understood their purpose, but mostly found them tasteless. They lacked conviction and read more like trophies displayed on a bookshelf to her. The doctor's eyes wandered to the Prince of the Oasis, Chen, the Iwa-nin. He simply must have been fully free, but something felt wrong. This felt more like a cage than the snake thought reasonable for someone as renown as he. The small notes of fear that registered to her as she came to this place grew again, and she was thankful for the sealing tools in the pouches at her side and the small blade at her back between the lab coat and the dark, light clothes that she wore.

As she came to a stop, bare feet acclimated her quickly to this room's ambient temperature. If she was addressed or if eyes lingered on her she would curtsy and bow then, otherwise she would wait until it seemed appropriate. Frankly this room was a lot to take in, so a doctor could be excused in not recognizing that one of the many here still remained living cooing and gurgling to perform this simplest of his bodily  functions. as she stepped back she almost reached to the backpack she wore to pull out a scroll and begin painting. She knew better. The man who dangled like a chandelier tied it all together. Something about this was probably what bound the ninja who sat within this throne room, but that wasn't what held the doctor's interest. Something split her attention in half. She knew that man. Naganori knew that man from before He was an upstart 50 years ago who had been selling to the snake that purchased and trained the young orphans. Her snakelet. For a moment Naganori's attention waned from owl and dragon and prince and Queen, but as quickly as it went away it returned. A small smile spread across the doctor's face. He'd gotten old.

---

Used - Master of Forms [Butterfly]
Analysis on participants and the Shadow Emir 1 post.

(Feel free to skip me till we exit. I'm just in the back chillin )

The Dragon King walked through the kingdom that he ruled in the shadows. Now it had been taken over by the Iwa ninja. Though the cleansing of the elders of the village certainly felt like a side mission. Such destruction was certainly not needed for the massacre. It was all very interesting in the wake of the Society losing. There was always something amiss. But this seemed to be stemming from the new sheriff in town. The man leading them referred to him as Lord Chen. Raijin assumed this was the man using such power on the training grounds. The group comprised of the same people from the gates. It wasn't long before Tadara brought them to his den.

The place could be considered a nightmare. The perfect setting for the Jashin waddling through the place. Raijin was grinning ear to ear walking through the place. And there he was. Tadara walked quietly to the side of Chen. He had done his part and was now observing. It was the Princess who spoke first to him. She spoke highly of him and Raijin nodded along. "Don't mind me Lord Chen. Pleasure to meet you. I personally saw your work of art the other day. I had to say it was very impressive. So I brought this one along," he said pointing towards Ananta. "Perhaps you all can join my Death Eaters. Just a group of friends who wants to see their friends win. Of course I'll be in the city for a while so feel free to take your time. I'll be waiting...patiently. In the meantime, get this back from me when I see you again My lady." The Dragon King was all smiles. He felt that the bolstering of strength was needed if he wanted the Dragon Army to ever happen. He also walked over to Sayuri and retrieved the Kusanagi Blade from her.

——————
(Exit with Kusanagi Sword)

Chen snapped out of his gory daydream when the doors opened. The Owl had brought forth his guests. The same three that he had been expecting. Chen's eyes were immediately drawn to Sayuri. She was gorgeous, far prettier than he could have imagined. She left a trail of snow and ice wherever she walked. An oddity that Chen found intriguing.It must be her Yuki bloodline... Chen was well aware of his other visitors but for the moment he only had eyes for Sayuri. The Princess's aesthetic was not the kind he was used to. Despite her obviously cruel disposition, she did not wear black nor styled herself like an emo kunoichi. Yet by her words and expression, he could tell that she was entranced by his sense of justice. This was a curiosity as even the most dread dressed woman had not the stomach for his ruthlessness. He couldn't help but smirk when she complimented his chandelier and told the old fool to cease his whimpering.

As she approached, she looked into his eyes. He did not look away. Instead, he held her gaze without blinking. As she drew closer, he saw a more feminine reflection of all that he was. The violence, the carnage, the utter disregard for mercy and dignity. She did not bow like the Owl and this irked him, but he did not show it. She was a foreign dignitary and one whose reputation preceded her. She was every bit as unbalanced as he and if he wanted this to be fruitful then he'd have to permit her more runway that he would a common ambassador. He nodded as if to acknowledge receipt of her gift. He'd forgive her deference but what she had to say better be interesting.

Your soul has bought you some time Princess. Use it wisely.

"The pleasure is all mine Princess Sayuri." he spoke with confidence. He recognized the tone in her voice and it caused him to stir. He had been so focused on his work that he had neglected his other needs. If the Princess had come all this way for more than just talk then he'd be more than happy to oblige. "I'm glad that you admire my work but something tells me your colleagues don't share your vision. They'll be time to indulge your request later but for now I'd like to know where the rest of your Empire stands" Chen was very much a business before pleasure kind of man. His subordinate was watching and so he could not allow himself to fall for the charm of a woman so easily. Once he had garnered a clear idea on what to expect from Sayuri's country he could better ascertain what use he had for her.

Meanwhile, the Lord of the Skies was pleased with what he had seen. The Dark Lord was cheesing spectacularly. Chen found this to be unfitting and if it were a lesser man, he'd carve a more enduring smile into the simpleton's head. Of course, Raijin had more than earned the right to smile at what he chose. The dark skinned warrior's deeds were legend. If he found something amusing, then it was amusing. Chen knew enough about power to respect it when he saw it. He nodded in acknowledgement of Raijin who indicated he was here mostly to observe and recruit. Chen had only partially heard of the Death Eaters. He understood them to be a splinter of the Society and led by Raijin himself. He was interested in the proposition. He was not going to totally forsake his bounds to Iwa but he if he could keep a foot in one of the most preeminent criminal organizations in the world, then he saw no harm in joining.

"I'd be honored Raijin-sama....although we ought discuss the details in private before you leave."

The worm that Raijin had brought with him had rightfully chosen not to speak. The good doctor was the least important person present as far as Chen was concerned. This individual had no nation backing them nor the might of a thousand thousand dragons. He would ignore her for the time being and would only address her once the business with Sayuri and Raijin were concluded.

Sayuri nodded her head slightly towards Raijin as she handed over the Kusanagi blade. She enjoyed his company of course, but she could not truthfully say that she was sad to see him go. She had been greatly anticipating meeting Chen in person, and the fewer distractions the better as far as she was concerned.

“Intriguing. . .”

Jareth’s voice swirled around inside her mind, a shadowy caress against the frail remnants of her sanity as she kept her gaze firmly fixed on the dark haired man who commanded the room. She replied equally silently inside her own mind, a slight faraway look in her frost covered eyes that anything other than what was plainly observable was going on.

“Intriguing. . . how exactly? If I did not know better, my King, I would think-”

“Then don’t.”

Jareth’s reply cut off her thoughts and she blinked rapidly, as it felt as though she had just sustained a blow. And for just a moment it was as though the Ice Queen was waking up, she blinked again and looked around the room in curiosity, trying to assess the situation she had found herself in. It was just a moment, but for Jareth it was a moment too long and he quickly realized the error of his biting reply.

“My Queen, you are much better suited to the passion that embodies you. Far above the mere rigours of linear thought. You are an artist, driven by rage and hatred. I would never view you as so lowly as one who only thinks.”

It was enough to pull her back under the shadowy depths, flattery was an incredible weak spot of hers, and one that Jareth was used to engaging in to maintain control of the temperamental woman. An eerie smile lit up her face as she returned her full attention to Chen, her countenance changing back to the royal dignitary that had first entered the room. She knew that even with Raijin’s departure they were still not alone in this room, and so she kept her manner calm and regal, attending to Chen’s request first before clarifying what exactly she would like indulged.

“My Lord Chen, it is with great regret that I must inform you that my Empire, such as it is, certainly does not agree with my vision. Or have any vision at all really. They are. . . short sighted. They try their best I suppose, however seek only to be reactionary and defensive. They do not wish to broaden their horizons and embrace what could be an all consuming and powerful future. I feel shackled by their simple natures and have come here to offer my assistance in exchange for the release from those shackles.” Then she daintily grasped the hem of her gown and held it to the side as she bent into a low curtsey. She could not recall ever having curtsied before, and the movement felt unnatural, but it was important to her that she display the lengths to which she was willing to go to obtain her desires.

Still using - Let It Snow
Handed the Sword of Kusanagi over to Raijin

While this was all interesting information he had no real purpose left in this meeting. He had delivered the guests and met each of the people present without revealing his own identity. However his work here had begun to draw notice he was certain. He would need to abandon some test subjects in the laboratory soon. However he would still monitor them from a device. The modifications should preserve them for a time without sustenance but leave them too weak to escape. He had to test out his creations before selling them after all. However for the time being as the conversation was drawn more towards and alliance Tadara would turn without a word and leave the room after Raijin. Not to tail the man but to go and establish his cover in Iwa. He was supposed to be on a retreat or vacation from his duties at the hospital. However by now it would be suspicious if he didn't return shortly. His eyes shifted to the woman remaining at the table behind his mask. She was dangerous. He would likely diagnose her with some sort of schizophrenia. Or perhaps an advanced case of split personality disorder. Maybe Bipolar as well with a god complex. Her head was a mess but she was one of the most capable people in this room. He would make note of her. Either way he left without so much as a farewell to go reestablish his cover having finished his duties with the systematic hunt of the elderly.

attempted exit
2 posts = 60 exp

Chen listened with the wise consideration befitting a King. He was after all more or less a King in this place. Back in Iwa, he had been a mere Diarch. One half of a rulership. He bore no such shackles or indignities in this Oasis. He couldn't imagine what it was like to be a mere third of the power structure and if Sayuri was as wanton as him, then she'd be just as frustrated as he was with his own political situation in Earth Country. Kirigakure was no ally, but Sayuri wasn't here on Kiri's behalf. Not really. She was here to be free of their influence. Ordinarily, Chen would be suspicious of her. She was a foreigner of whom he knew little representing a country that he did not care for. And yet, he felt drawn to her. The stories that were told at the Summit were confirmed by what he saw behind her eyes.

She'll stop at nothing to claim what is her's....

But what exactly was she claiming? What territory did she seek to annex and dominate? Where did her avarice end and contentment begin? When she curtsied before him, he stood and looked down at her with cold and unfeeling eyes. He knew then.

She wants exactly what I want. Everything

There was something beyond the pale directing them both. A malevolent force that had stoked their appetite and was compelling them to consume all that they could. It ensured they could never have enough and that they'd die wanting more. It was this force that had made Chen so withdrawn and hateful. It had taken away any hope of establishing a real connection with another person. He figured that his road would be a lonely one with only the occasional ally and fellow traveler to keep him company. He figured wrong. Submitting before him was a kindred soul. A woman whose bright aesthetic masked a capacity for cruelty that rivaled and possibly exceeded his own. She alone understood him. She knew what it was like to dream of marrow and maggots. She knew what it was like to be shackled to the morality of the lesser. Sayuri wanted the same freedom he had and he would give it to her.

Chen extended his hand and gently held the bottom of her chin. He rose her back to a standing position with the gesture and gazed in her eyes longingly. She was radiant in that moment. "Consider yourself freed." Chen would plant a gentle kiss on her forehead before taking her hand in his own. "Stay as long as you like. You're more than a guest here. You are now my consort." Chen didn't need to elaborate further. There was an unmistakable tension between them. A mutual desire that would need to be released sooner or later. As far as he was concerned, she belonged to him and he'd kill any number of Kiri-Nin to keep her. Together they could remake Suna in their own image. A true Oasis tailored to their vision. One that was unmoored by social convention and taboo. He looked up at his human chandelier with a grin. This was only the beginning.

"You wanted to see more of my Kingdom and you will....in time. But first you will repay me for my generosity." Chen would squeeze Sayuri's hand and pull her in the direction of the back exit. It would lead away from his makeshift throne room and down the hall to his private chambers. If she was willing, he'd consumate their impromptu union. Every King ought to have a Queen and once he releived his desire, he'd be free to show her the wondrous horrors of his new Sunagakure. Over the next few months and even years, the pair would rule the country together. They'd inflict whatever terror struck their fancy. Mass executions. Arbitrary mutilations. It would be tyranny and bloodshed the likes of which the Wind Country had not seen since the days of the Bloody Emir.

[Exit/Fade to Black]

In her typical arrogant fashion, Sayuri bowed low but did not lower her gaze. Her icy eyes remained firmly fixed on her target, like the steely gaze of a hunter that had found its prey and refused to lose it. She had come to Sunagakure with a singular purpose in mind, and even Jareth could feel that she was unlikely to leave without that purpose fulfilled. He’d come dangerously close to losing his hold on her mere moments ago, and with his own purpose nearly complete he’d be damned before he would let this one slip through his spectral fingers. He had waited too long and endured too much. As Chen’s hand slipped beneath Sayuri’s chin, Jareth considered his options. He could see in Chen the same brutality that he had so lovingly fostered within Sayuri, and he could also plainly see that he had carefully engineered this situation, whether he meant to or not.

Her fatal flaw, the one that he had been able to exploit to gain control over the naive girl, was that she truly believed she was incapable of doing anything alone. She could have conquered the whole world with not a soul by her side, if only she had been made to believe it. The list of those that had unknowingly or otherwise also exploited such was long and terrible. Even now as she rose to her feet and received a possessive kiss on her forehead she was once again tying herself to another power, willingly giving up her autonomy in the mistaken belief that it was her place. His options, such as they were, were but three. He could encourage this union and spin its creation as his own, he could forbid it and take her away from Suna to a place more suited to her power, or he could allow her to follow this path with little intervention from himself and simply bide his time.

With the possession affirmed, Jareth chose the latter. He had no interest in claiming this as his creation, and he would wait to pick up the pieces of her shattered heart once she was broken enough. He had trained her to need him, and she was far more malleable when in pain. He knew enough about those of Kishin that even this one that held her hand would hurt her eventually. Then Jareth would have complete control, which is all he’d ever wanted from her. With the grace of a god, he spoke softly into her mind and then faded into the background to watch and wait.

“Comme il vous plaira, ma Reine. . .”

“As it pleases you, my King.” Her voice was soft and breathy, longing clearly evident in the tone. She was unphased by the claim on her person as being Chen’s consort. On the contrary she was pleased by it, and gave Chen a grin that could only be the pure embodiment of innuendo. The title of ‘King’ was one that previously she had only given to Jareth, but with Jareth’s blessing she now bestowed it on someone she considered to be her earthly counterpart. She had admired his artistry and cruelty upon first entering this room and she could only imagine the despair that depths of their mutual depravity would lavish upon the Land of Wind.

Taking his hand and following out the back exit she would repay him enthusiastically for his generosity. He had after all given her freedom. A concept she knew little of, but had been lied to enough about it that she could no longer see the lie for what it was. Over the next months and years she stood by his side, raining down death and destruction upon anyone that dared to catch her attention. She had once been given a vision of her future in Sunagakure and she now brought the prophecy to bear. Wherever she could she filled the streets with rivers of blood, an homage to the King of Lies and his promises to her. And to Chen, the King of Blood and her inspiration. When she found herself wanting she would create an artful shroud over the surrounding area, a canvas covered in sanguine paint. There was only one who was safe from her wrath and insanity, only Chen held the coveted position of cherished; and there was nothing she would not do to please him.  

[Exit/Fade to Red]

Hours would pass as the good doctor sat still in this room pretending not to exist while those monoliths left. When it felt like everything had settled down she do some snooping around the premises, and then she would flee with haste.
[Exit fade to Yellow. I'm not gonna claim any exp. I'm just glad to have survived.]