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[The screen is covered intermittently in static, showing a man with white hair and a red coat. The video is harshly lit with a black background.]

You. Yes, you jerks hiding out in the castle right now.

[He makes an exaggerated pointing motion towards the screen.]

A few of the folks here have been waiting a good long time for a piece of you. You know how much it sucks to sit around waiting for an enemy that doesn't feel like showing it's ugly mug?

[He stands up and starts pacing around the flimsy chair and starts pacing around it, never straying out of the light. All the while, he keeps talking with an increasingly theatrical timbre.]

And then you finally decided to show yourselves! But apparently the people who actually want to kick your ass aren't worth your time. No, you wanted that good-for-nothing emperor, didn't you? That's why a bunch of cowards like you decided to charge into a building full of foreigners.

[He swings back onto the chair and crosses his legs in one fluid motion. Afterwards, his voice drops down to it's normal, casual tone of voice.]

Let me give you a bit of friendly advice. That guy's not the guy you want to worry about. Haven't you heard the news? I'll tell you what: why don't you come on over so I can kick your ass personally. There's a nice little bar…

[The video cuts out with a sharp buzzing and the screen goes dark. A moment later the screen comes back to life, showing a somewhat startled Valdis]

That’s…[Dante’s old threat against the cultists] What is going on?

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[Valdis appears happier than people might be used to seeing. She has a genuine smile gracing her features, and a sly look in her eyes.]

I am happy to announce that on August twenty first, we will be having a Midsummer Ball at the Courtyard of Public Opinion. Everyone is invited and it is sure to be a wonderful evening.

Formal attire is a must. I have the names of a few tailors that do excellent work if anyone is interested.

[Because who doesn't love pretty dresses and suits]

For security, I will have KPD officers working the event and all foreigner officers are required to attend in order to help keep an eye on things.

[And no, there is no getting out of it.]

Weather permitting, events will start around three in the afternoon. Anyone who would like to volunteer for setup is welcome to help. We will be setting up the night of the twentieth with finishing touches added the next day.

Thank you.

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[Valdis appears more relaxed and content than usual, her hair is braided and pulled over one shoulder.]

Though it was some time ago, I appreciated your defense of me against the unfounded charges anonymously posted to the network and am pleased to say that I have spoken with Arbitrator Eliyen and have been reinstated as the KPD's Chief of Police.

The past few months have not been ideal, but I would like to thank Pepper, Gene and Kaliel for handling the KPD in my absence. It isn't an easy job and it was made even more difficult due to the atrocities committed by the Cultists. The KPD has several of these cultists in custody, but they are nothing more than pawns in a greater plan. I promise that we will find the masterminds and they will pay for their crimes.

[Now for the new things]

To better serve Keeliai, I will be doubling the number of officers in the coming months. In addition, we acquired four Kirin a few months ago for a mounted force, but need a single person to devote some time to their care. If anyone is interested in that position, please let me know.

That is all.

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[Valdis looks tired, but more in an emotional way than anything else.]

Some of you may already know, but for those of you who don't. I am moving out of the Midnight Hotel. My friend, Wan, built a house in the Sky Sector, near the gardens, some time ago. That's where you will find me from now on. [A short laugh] I can't vouch for the cat though, he has a mind of his own.

[More solemn now]

The main reason for this is so I can be closer to the KPD and the Iron Circle, when it is completed. With that in mind, you may have noticed that I have not added anything to discussion regarding the Foreigner's Guild. This is because I have decided to join the Guild of Justice and Arbitration, [As was only fitting for the head of the KPD], and put the sponsorship of the KPD under its control.

It has come to my attention that the laws here are not always easy to uphold, [recent events had made that very, very clear]. But hopefully this guild system will be good for all of us.

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The Dreaming seems to have absconded with my sword...

[She sounds very unamused]

If anyone sees it or it has somehow wound up in your possession, let me know immediately.

[A rustling as if she means to end the message, but then...]

And don't touch it.

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[Valdis appears on the screen, the picture of calm, seemingly in complete control of herself despite the chaos going on outside.]

The KPD is declaring a state of emergency and I have dispatched officers to all sectors to help in any way they can.

[The force wasn't huge, but they would do the best they could]

In addition, those needing shelter can come to the Department Headquarters. It wasn't severely damaged in the storm and we will accommodate as many as we can.

[She already had a few people gathering blankets and other items that they might need.]

If anyone needs me, I'll be moving around the sectors helping move debris and running search and rescue, but I'll be in contact with my officers so you can call me through them or on a foreigner radio.

[Hound form was very useful in such circumstances.]

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You all managed to not destroy the city while I was away. Aside from that magical mishap at the end, that is, but it seems there was little lasting harm.

[Her voice is strong, but pleasant. Valdis is back and ready to take charge again.]

I'll admit that I've been a bit distracted as of late, but I am back and there is a problem I would like to address. The Cultists have had free reign to do as they please and we are lucky that they haven't struck as hard as I believe they are capable of.

[What with having Milyn's knowledge and skills as well as Daseng's, if he was as clever and intelligent as Milyn claimed.]

To counter this problem, I am creating a special task force within the Police Department that will focus solely on the Cultists and their plans.

[This is in no way just a personal vendetta, the cultists are a threat, but she has the power to do it, so she might as well.]

If anyone had any information that may prove useful to the task force, or wishes to join it, please let me know.

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[The screen lights up to show Valdis and Pepper. They appear to be in the Hotel and Pepper is grinning from ear to ear.]

Recent events have shown that Tu Yunxu is struggling as a leader; but, if I were to be blunt, the Snakes were never a force that operated in the interests of the kedan themselves anyway and there is a power vacuum forming in our city.

[Valdis' voice is calm, and while she isn't smiling, there is an amused glint in her eyes.]

For the past few months, I have been in contact with several of the gangs in the city. Some of them have agreed to an alliance of sorts, meaning that they wish to help fill this power vacuum with a legitimate Police Force that operates in the interests of the kedan and their laws.

[The laws part was a bit more difficult, but Valdis trusted that things would work out. She had spent quite a bit of time looking at the ones she could find.]

This Volunteer Police Force would be comprised of foreigners and kedan, working together for the good of the city that we live in. Though at first we will rely on donations and the goodwill of the public, I am hoping that the eventual government will be able to set up proper wages and equipment for their protectors.

[Valdis hadn't had to think long about this next part and Pepper had agreed wholeheartedly.]

I believe that it is important that no single foreigner be the head of this establishment. We cannot guarantee that we will always be here and stability is key for success. For now, myself, Pepper and Gene will be co-heads as we try to find a qualified leader from among the Kedan.

[Hopefully she and Pepper weren't wrong about Meisheng.]

That said, we are looking for volunteers to aid us in our endeavors.

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I have something to tell you all, and some of you might not believe me.

[Valdis' voice is hesitant, halting and uncertain]

There are very few of us left, it seems, who remember Malicant's reign or the atrocities committed by his followers. The death, the taint, the drugs and the suffering inflicted upon foreigner and Kedan alike is unknown to all of our newcomers. But this isn't just about that.

[A long pause, followed by an audible breath]

I have recently discovered that Milyn, the Cherrywood Healer, was involved with the Cultists. She reported directly to Daseng and created the drug known as Dust, as well as the base for Lucid.

[Another pause and then a low growl.]

She was our only ally among the Kedan when we first returned from the Dreaming, she aided us in defeating Malicant...but she also helped him wreak his havoc in the first place.

[Another growl]

I don't know about all of you, but I can't trust her anymore.

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Vergil is gone.

[Valdis' voice is steady, even if a bit sad.]

From the looks of his place, he's been gone for some time. I've gathered his things...

[He really hadn't had much]

Does anyone have use for a violin? I had it made for him, but I don't play...I'd like it to go to a good home.

[Everything else she would donate, except for Dante's sword, she was keeping that.]

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[Valdis is smiling, her braided hair hangs over one shoulder and you can clearly see that she is in the Hotel.]

I was thinking...

[She says, looking thoughtful, her eyes glazing slightly.]

We might not originally be from Keeliai, but we live here now and are doing our best to make it our home.

[She fingers the wolf pendant hanging around her neck absently.]

I don't think that we should call ourselves 'Foreigners' anymore, it gives the wrong impression and it continues to separate us from our neighbors.

[Her eyes focus again and she smiles at the camera.]

I think we should change our name to 'Planeswalkers,' because we've walked the three planes of Life, Dreaming and Death. It would give us a place, I think, and it gives off a more...settled feeling. Like we're a family or something.

[She sighs]

What do you guys think?

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[When the video feed begins, there are not one but two figures visible. Valdis should be familiar to almost everyone. The other is probably only familiar to those Foreigners who frequent the Midnight Hotel: ostensibly male, he's wearing a bright blue frock coat and a wide-brimmed, feathered hat that covers most of his face, except for rouged lips. They're seated close together in what looks to be one of the tea houses in Keeliai, with patrons and servers wandering in and out of view behind them.

When Rue speaks it's with a very poncy, nasal English accent.]

Now then, darlings, my dearest new friend Valdis and I have a bit of an announcement to share with you all. [The hat turns slightly, to indicate that he's looking over at her.] Would you care to do the honors, love?

[A brilliant smile lights up Valdis’ face.]

Of course, after all, it was my idea . [She laughs] My dear Rue and I have decided that we need to have a bit of fun. We are going to put on a Masquerade Ball and everyone is invited. [She glances at Rue, then back to the screen.] It will take place at the Courtyard of Public Opinion on the evening of the 30th. As it is a ball, formal wear is a must, and of course, being a masquerade, masks as well.

This is a chance for all of us to come together, Kedan and Foreigners, to celebrate our individualities as well as our similarities. After all, who doesn’t love a good party?

[Rue, meanwhile, has become visibly distracted by one of the men wandering off to the side in the tea house, just barely visible on the screen. There’s a very definite smirk on those rouged lips now.]

I know I do.

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The Justicar believes believes that we are beneath her, that we are inferior. She believes that we will submit to her will and will make no move against her or her people. She is, in part, correct. As a whole we should not do anything that openly opposes her.

[Her voice is cold, even and completely devoid of emotion.]

However, I will not stand by while these invaders dishonor their dead. These executions on our soil are bad enough without this blatant disregard for the sanctity of the soul. Something must be done. I am certain that some of you will agree with me, just as I am certain that some of you will try to dissuade me.

[A deep breath]

I plan to give these people a proper burial, because no matter what they did while they were alive, they still deserve that.

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I have a few things to discuss.

Firstly, with all the preparation for a potential war with the Chihuleans, our focus seems to have drifted away from the enemy on our home soil. The Cultists...We haven't seen anything of them for some time, but we know they are here somewhere. We need to eliminate the local threat so that they can't catch us off guard later. We can't fight a battle on two fronts.

Secondly, we know that Tu Vishan still lives, but we need to decipher what the visions meant and must research how to heal the turtle. The visions mean something, I think we should ask some of the Kedan elders about the symbols and things that we saw in the visions.

This brings me to my third point. We can't run around on our own hoping to get things done. We need to organize ourselves and work together. Look at what our cooperation did with Zatanna's magic...We did that by working together. So I suggest two teams, one to take on the cultists and one to research the visions in hopes that we can heal the turtle.

[Private to Skulduggery]

I know who poisoned Anton. Meet me at the Hotel and I'll take you to him.

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I'm sorry...I didn't mean for this to happen. I didn't even know it could.

[She sounds exhausted.]

And I know that several of you are hurting as a result of what happened when I tried to possess Tu Vishan...

[The fact that the other foreigners had seen the vision was distressing, she didn't like being used for anything, even if it was by a benevolent being. It was still just too reminiscent of Malicant.]

But the turtle is alive.

[Her voice is quieter now.]

And that vision...I believe it came from him.

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Wan is gone.

[The screen will be completely black, as if she is trying to hide what a wreck she currently is. Her voice is broken, thick with emotion that she is trying, and failing, to hide.]

I don't know what cruel game this place is playing, but I'm done following along. Wan was concerned about the turtle...We all know that it is sinking and I know that many think that he is dead.

[Her voice levels out, perhaps even taking on a hint of anger.]

Some of you may remember how Wan and I possessed the great turtle in our attempt to force Malicant out. We failed in that endeavor, but we did gain the information we needed to defeat him. I believe that Tu Vishan is the one who gave us that information.

[Now the anger in her voice is evident.]

The cultists tried to stop us then and they are involved in whatever is going on now. With Wan gone, I aim to find out for certain if Tu Vishan still lives or not.

[A dark and soft chorus of voices echo her next words]

To the cursed followers of Malicant, your pathetic god is dead. Without him, you all are nothing. Try to stop me and I will send you into Oblivion.

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[Her emotions linger somewhere between worried and pissed off and this is clearly visible on her face. as the camera focuses on her. She takes a deep breath, trying to keep the red from bleeding into her eyes, but if one looks closely, they will be able to see that her normal emerald green eyes are slightly more brown in color as they are stuck somewhere between the two colors.]

It seems that not all of Malicant's influence is gone from Tu Vishan. [she takes a deep breath] I spoke with someone who claimed to be one of his worshipers. Now I know that claiming to be one and actually being one are two different things, but I spoke with this person after they attempted to steal a soul gem.

[She presses her fingers to her forehead and closes her eyes, as if trying to warn off a headache]

For those of you who remember the cultists, you know how dangerous they were. [she lowers her hand and opens her eyes, which have returned to their emerald state] This person claimed that 'her people' made a deal with 'someone in this very city'. She also warned that they 'haven't forgotten Malicant' and that we foreigners would 'pay for killing him.' Either the cultists are connected with the muggings, or someone wants us to believe that they are. Either way, someone is using Malicant's name to gather power.

[another breath]

This, paired with other recent events, leads me to believe that it is not the Chihuelans that are responsible for the muggings. Something else is going on here.

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[Since Valdis had arrived, there had been a buzz in the air and whispers on the streets of this strange city. But the buzz and whispers had nothing to do with her, unfortunately, and more to do with the man who had been present at her odd arrival to this place. Despite still being slightly weakened from said arrival, she needed all the information she could get about everyone here, the foreigners and those in power, and she wanted it sooner rather than later.]

Hello? [she smiles, it is a small smile, but a warm one] I am looking for someone to help me understand the current situation here. I was told a bit upon my arrival, but it seems that something big is happening. [She shakes her head] Everything is a bit overwhelming, but I want to help in any way I can.

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