Qasala." JaeJi made a face of disgust. "Come with me." JaeJi grabbed Xinno's hand and pulled him along. Soon after they were still in Sahkmet but in a place where no one was. There was a small cave. JaeJi directed Xinno in there. "This place is barren. Everyone left after JaeJi's death." JaeJi said. Everyone in the Lost Desert knew of the Queen's Daughter's 'death'. Only did 'the Queen' know the truth. Jae was the one who died. "Xinno, you've probably heard of Tyranc's doings. Will you help me? I could just banish him but sadly He has power over me. You obviously have your know around Sahkmet. I was wondering if you could gather the whole city in rebel against Tyranc. I ask this of you." JaeJi said.

Xinno stared blankly into his Queen's face. He wanted so badly to help her. He'd been freeing captives for a few years, ever since Tyranc first came into reign. A smile formed at the edges of his beak. He drew his hood to his head. 'Don't worry, my Queen. You can definitely count on me. But it will take a great deal of effort, and your help. I don't think that there is anyone in Sahkmet who would refuse to revolt.
He looked around a moment, at the deserted cave. He remembered that day. When the Queen's daughter had died. He looked at her solemnly. 'You probably hear this all the time, but.. My deepest condolences. Regarding your daughter...' He turned and stood in the light of the cave. 'So when and where would you like me to start, madam?'

Let's see, if some way I could persuade Tyranc to the front of the palace. And you gather all the people of Sahkmet to stand there. They could do whatever, shout insults and the like. And when Tyranc see's this and cannot control it..Xinno do you have a suggestion what could happen next?" JaeJi asked.

Xinno chuckled. 'My queen. Certainly, we can.. do much better than this. With a man like Tyrnac.. it'll take force. We must be subtle, though. And crafty.' Xinno thought for a moment. He was sort of surprised that his Queen's 'plan'. He tried to concentrate on a good strategy, but the he was bothered by the sheer... simplicity of her course of action. He glanced back at her, raising an eyebrow in confusion.
.'Ah well,' he thought. 'Perhaps she's just overwhelmed.' He stared out of the cave, wondering what they could do. He pondered on Tyranc's methods. He was cruel and ruthless, and just all-around full of himself. In fact, he probably thought more of his own well-being than he did of his entire kingdom. He'd probably rather rule over himself than... That's it!
Xinno spun around, beaming. 'My Queen,' he spoke excitedly. 'Meet me at the palace gates at nightfall. I've got a plan, but I need to gather some help.' He started to leave, and stopped in the entrance of the cave. 'I promise to return as quick as I can. And thank you.. for all that you have done for Sakhmet, and all that you are about to do.' With that, he vanished into the desert.

JaeJi got up and started to walk towards the palace. She stared at the gates. "I hope no one notices me here..." JaeJi said putting her hood on. JaeJi lay her head down. "If only mother told me more..." She mumbled as she fell asleep. Rondail came shortly after. "Jae?" He said staring at the brown lump on the ground. "Jae...Jae what are you doing here?" He asked. "Mmhh....Rondail!" She shot up. "Pr-I mean Queen Jae! What /are/ you doing here?" Rondail asked again. "Rondail you mustn't tell anyone. I have to stay here until...stay in the palace and tell Tyranc I am still in pursuit of Xinno. But Rondail. Do not believe what I am telling you to tell him." JaeJi said. JaeJi lay down again. Maybe she could just sleep until Xinno got here?

After making a trip to his Qasala and back, Xinno returned to Sakhmet. He was lavishly clad, in regal robes like that of the kings. He'd conjured up a caravel of apis, who all carried pounds and pounds of what appeared to be fine riches. He had many men walking with him, each playing a musical instrument as he walked. Xinno, himself, sat atop an ettaphant, the royal beast. They were disguised to attract, travelling across the Lost Desert to Sakhmet.

They entered the city in a great commotion. The men were all cheering, and shouting for citizens to 'MAKE WAY FOR THE PRINCE!' People were lining up and following as Xinno rode towards the palace, where Queen Jae was awaiting him.
Xinno had taken on the name 'Prince Joull', and heavily cloaked his face, since Tyranc had obviously heard of him(seeing as he'd sent the Queen after him). He'd painted his face, and decorated his eyes to appear as royalty. He'd even added acrylics to his beak.
The ettaphant rose both its trunks as the caravel reached the palace gates. The creature sounded an alarming trumpet. On the grund below, one of the men noticed.. a slumbering peasant. Being told of Xinno's plan, they knew that this was no street rat. A techo jumped in front of the ettaphant, trying to keep it from trampling the girl.

JaeJi opened her eyes slowly looking at huge beast. "Oh my." She said getting up. "Xinno?" JaeJi questioned. The racket obviously had Tyranc make his way to the front of the palace. "What is of all this!? And why are you Jae still out here?" Tyranc ordered. "T-t...I am..simply...l-looking at what this commotion is about too." JaeJi said. Tyranc stared up at the figure atop the ettaphant. "Who dare make his way to the palace!" He shouted. Rondail shortly came after Tyranc nearly bumping into him. The near miss almost made him faint. "Queen- Woah." He uttered staring at the many things that were going on including the ettaphant.. 'Xinno you better have this figured out. Because I have no idea what to say.' JaeJi thought.

The techo turned around and opened his arms. 'Good evening, my friends and my King! I would like you all to please welcome, tonight, the great and noble; Prince Joull!' The techo stepped aside and guided with his hands their eyes to 'Prince Joull' dismounting the ettaphant. Xinno stood proud and smiled down at Queen Jae. Another of his men came behind him and removed his cloak, revealing a glittering jewel-covered vest. 'Good day to you, my gracious and honorable King. I am Prince Joull of Qasala, and I come to you, sir, with a proposition.
Tyranc's eyes lit up with joy as he stared at the loads of loot packed onto the apis' backs. He knew that there must be something in store for himself. 'Why yes!! Yes, come in, my good fellow, please!' He turned around to Rondail. 'Our of the way you filthy peasant. Make way.' He threatened him with a hand. He glanced to Queen Jae. 'And you. Stay put, and I'll deal with you later.' He smiled back to the 'Prince'. 'Right this way then, come along, my boy!' he said, beckoning Xinno to follow.

Tyranc led Xinno into the palace and directly to the throneroom. He sat promptly in his throne. Xinno had to restrain a grimace when he saw this. This man was not fit to be sitting in that throne, his greedy fingers resting on its arms. He kept his straight face, though, keeping up a friendly smile.
Tyranc called (rudely) out to two young servant girls who relunctly ran to him. The began to fan and feed their horrendous king and he did nothing but mutter insults to them. Finally comfortable, Tyranc spoke: 'Now then, lad, I welcome you to Sakhmet. You must be exhausted after travelling all this way. Do rest yourself. Here.' He shouted to one of the girls who offered a drink to Xinno with trembling hands and a look of deep fear on her face.
Xinno was riddled with mixed emotions of hatred and anger, and sadness. He wanted to rescue this poor girl, and punish the foolish king. Yet he concealed his rage and stayed calm. He, instead, politely refused the drink and smiled hope at the young girl.
.'Now then,' Tyranc began. 'What is it it, young Prince, that you have come all this way to me for?
Xinno smiled. 'My righteous King Tyranc, I have heard great tales of your might and power in your rule over the city of Sakhmet. Since you've taken the throne, there has been nothing but a great course of control over the people of the city. Your wisdom is quite famous in Qasala.' Tyranc was smiling and shaking his head. He loved recieving praise, the selish tyrant. 'You see, such an empire as yours deserves to expand and reach out. To grow. You're doing such a magnificent job here, you could certainly do with a few more loyal subjects. I'd like to offer you an extension to your kingdom, sir.'/
Tyranc gasped, and drew a face of surprisement. 'Why.. Prince Joull.. Certainly you don't mean to say that you are giving Qasala to me.'/
Xinno chuckled and shook his head. 'Heh, well, no, not exactly. You see, Qasala is in posession of a large plot of land, just northeast of here. There is a free colony there, which isn't exactly under our rule, or any rule for that matter. The land is out of the reach of Qasala's jurisdiction, but.. They are just close enough to Sakhmet, that you might exten your reign to these.. savages. They run amuck there, doing whatever they please. But they have a bountiful harvest season, being right on the river. From this you could reap a tremendous profit.'/
Tyranc was grinning with delight, twiddling his fingers. 'Now, if we were to sell you this land, you-' at this, Tyranc's face relaxed a bit. He was completely in love with the thought of gaining wealth.. but not too keen on the idea of spending. Xinno noticed this. 'Or rather, you know.. You're doing so well her with Sakhmet. Qasala has never needed or much used this land, we'd probably do much better off just.. giving it to you, sir.'/
Tyranc jumped out of his seat, barely able to contain himself. 'Why, my good boy, this is such a generous offer! I suppose I shall have to think about it for a moment. Hmmm.. mm. Yes! I accept. I will gladly take these peasants into my kingdom!' Xinno smirked. 'Excellent! I thank you kindly for this, good King! And to show Qasala's appreciation for you taking this.. abominaion of a town off of our hands, I would to present you, my King, with the gifts.' Xinno signaled his men to carry in the sacks of fortune to the king. Men upon men brought it all from the apis and piled it onto the floor in the throneroom. Xinno looked at Tyranc's face and thought that he was going to have a stroke as he fell back into his throne. He grinned. Now I've got him, he thought. As the men finished with the last of the gifts, Xinno bent to the king's ear. 'Sir, I just have one more request to ask of you.' Tyranc nodded, his eyes never leaving the great pile. 'Yes, sure, anything. What?' Xinno grinned happily. 'You see, the people may be a bit frightened if you just.. storm in and sieze them. I suggest a friendly approach. Go alone to their town, and tell them that you will be their new king. Let think that you are on their side, and then proceed to take them over. It's a much more strategic plan. It will insure that none of them will object, if you offer a friendly hand.' Tyranc looked at him, with a pleased look. 'Ahh, yes. I like the way that you think, my boy. Trick them! Then they will come to me! It would reduce the risk of a revolt.' Xinno agreed. 'Yes, my king. If you send troops to them while they are unaware, they may fight back, not knowing what's going on.' Tyranc stood, walked over to his new found wealth, and eyed it while he spoke. 'Then it is settled! I shall leave here tomorrow, on my own, to this town.'/
Xinno smiled maliciously. Perfect, he thought. 'Well, my king I supposed my business here is finished, and I shall be off.' Xinno turned to walk away, but surprisingly Tyranc stopped him. 'No, wait. Please, stay! It is late, and the journey to Qasala is a long one. Besides, I now have a favor to ask of you.' Xinno's heart raced. He hadn't planned this, and he wasn't sure what to say. Tyranc continued. 'I'll need someone here to watch over my kingdom while I am gone. I don't trust that.. insolent Queen of mine. Would you mind staying while I am away?' Xinno wasn't sure whether to be excited or repulsed. He smiled, though. 'Gladly! My good king, of course. I'll see to it that these peasants do not overthrow the city while you are gone.' Tyranc laughed. 'Ah yes, splendid. Well, it is getting late. I'll have one of these girls show you to your quarters.' Tyranc snapped at the young girl, the same who had offered Xinno a drink earlier, and bid that she take 'the Prince' to his room.
Xinno followed the girl, all the while thinking of how nice it will be when she doesn't have to work for Tyranc. When they'd gotten far enough from the king. Xinno put his hands on the girl's shoulders. She whimpered but he looked in her eyes. 'I'd like you to take me to the queen's room, so that I may wait for her there. And you. I'd like you to know that Tyranc will never again be able to harm you or anyone else.' The girl smiled at him, and happily took him to wait for Queen Jae.

JaeJi stared at Tyranc walking happily out of the Palace ignoring JaeJi. JaeJi started to step towards the palace looking to see if Tyranc would say anything. Nothing. JaeJi rushed into her room. "Xinno!" She said. "You did it! She eyed her locket at the edge of her dresser. It was glowing faintly. JaeJi picked up the locket and held it where to her chest.You may She heard in her head. "Xinno, I owe you many. And I do hope you stay here to rule has King. But, mother has spoken to me and told me that I should. Xinno. I'm not Queen Jae. I'm Princess JaeJi." She said. "Xinno you see, Mother came to me and she was dieing but Ameila my sister she was too evil and full of darkness so Mother chose me to rule instead. But, I was too young and Ameila was next in line to rule. Jae told me to disguise myself as her. To tell no one. Though, I have told many others so that I have guidance along the way..." JaeJi paused. You see, I'm simply only an 11 year old Draik that knows nothing of how to rule. That is why I chose Tyranc. I wanted to help Sahkmet not destroy it. And now I had to rely on someone else to help me again." JaeJi wiped a tear and looked at Xinno. "Mother does approve of you. I am not sure if yo-" Rondail chimed in. "JAEJI!!! WE DID-Oh..." He stopped and covered his mouth with his hand. "If you would want to continue to take on the role of this duty." She said frowning and about to burst into tears. JaeJi wanted to be able to do this on her own and not with help. To show everyone that she could succeed on her mothers wish. To never let Ameila grab hold of the Guardian position. To hopefully; Become Sahkmet's longest living Queen.

Xinno stood, completely astonished. He had no idea what Queen Jae was telling him, or rather.. not Queen Jae? It was confusing information, and he took it on so quickly. He'd expected her to come in and ask what had gone on, so that he may heroically explain his feat. Instead, she hit him with this bombshell. He was speechless. Just speechless. So this was the princess, then? Then... who had died? He remembered. He remembered the entire city of Sakhmet veiled in black for weeks. Had anyone really died at all? If this was the princess.. where is the queen? Xinno stared at the locket in.. JaeJi's hand? He looked at the girl and saw the Queen, and now he wasn't sure what to call her. Even Rondail.. called her 'JaeJi'. That was the late princess' name. Having no clue how to react, the only thing that Xinno could manage to say was: 'Well.. I'm not really the Prince of Qasala.' He gave a hearty laugh and put his arm around.. JaeJi's.. shoulder. Not the Queen Jae, but her daughter, JaeJi. 'And don't you worry, I couldn't ever become th king. Besides, Tyranc will only be gone for a few days. Well.. haha, that's what he thinks, anyway. You see.. thre is n land, or town, or anything out there waiting for him. When he sets out tomorrow morning, it'll be straight into the barren desert. Knowing him, he'll be so stubborn to refuse to stop until he's reached his destination. If he isn't mad from the desert, he'll certainly be finished off by whatever lies in the sand. Probably a swarm of scarabugs, or wild anubis. Oh, and the bandits! They'll spot him straight off and leave him stranded. No way he'll ever come back from that and if he does, he'd be in no condition to rule Sakhmet. You could easily disown him as the king after that. Oh, and look here!' Xinno pulled one the 'jewels' off of his vest. He popped it into his mouth and it crunched in his beak. 'Just crystal candy. Fake. All of it. Most of the sacks out there are filled with nothing but sand, in fact. I've got some pretty decent friends back home. The Qasalan King, himself, was delighted to help me overthrow Tyranc, and restore true peace to Sakhmet. So he let me borrow some of his beasts to create a better illusion. And he gave me this-' Xinno reached into his pocket and drew out a small, golden crown. 'The king.. he told me to give this to you. He said that you.. or rather, your mother.. left in his palace as a young girl. He said that he never had a chance to return it to you, or rather.. your mother.' He offered her the glistening heirloom and smiled.

Xinno, you don't understand!" She said taking the crown and placing it on the shelve. "My mother is...Dead. She was the one who died. I pretended to be her making a trip to Quasala faked my death then became her. Your treating me like a child like any other person would when they find out!" JaeJi said. She started to cry more. "I need a King. The King I chose was wrong but even if you aren't royalty. You can still become King." JaeJi paused. "No one else is fit for the duty, but you." JaeJi said. JaeJi left the room. She started to head to the room she was accustomed to her princesses room. JaeJi picked up the book that was on the ground. Placing the heart locket on it opening it. She turned to the next few pages and cried more reading what they said. "My life. My choices...My actions decide the future." She read. "Not that it matters when all I do is cause destruction." She said tossing the book at the wall and collapsing on the ground in more tears. "It's not what I wanted!" JaeJi said. "I wanted to live a normal princess life..." she said softly. "You can leave Xinno. If you wish too." She said feeling his presence at the doorway.

Xinno paused. He felt terrible. The princess was just a young girl, she didn't know how to run an entire city. Xinno really hadn't expected this. He didn't want to leave the princess alone. She did need a new king. But why him? Was there no other person for the job? What about Rondail? Oh who was he kidding, that man could never rule Sakhmet. Xinno knew that he, himself, was capable.. but he didn't feel that it was his place. Tyranc would be gone in the morning.. Tyranc, that's right! He couldn't leave yet. He knew that Tyranc would want him there in the morning. Now there was a predicament. 'Queen, or Princess. Or whoev-.. JaeJi, I think.. I need to leave you tonight. I hope that you have good luck in finding a new king for Sakhmet. Farewell, and may we meet again.' Xinno left without another word.

Standing in front of the palace, Xinno thought over the events of the night. He paced along slowly, his mind racing. He reached the palace gates, where his caravel was still stationed. Not caring to open the doors, he spread his great wings and bouded over them. He descending down upon the back of the ettaphant. 'Thassa good boy.' He rubbed behind the gentle giant's ears. He gave a sigh. 'Ohh man. What have I gotten myself into? I was fine just helping people to freedom.. and now I've freed everyone! .. But why do I not feel as god about it as I should?' He continued to rub the ettaphant. 'Because you haven't completely saved the city.' A voice came from behind. It was Geris, the vendor from the market. 'You aren't really going to leave that poor girl with the entire city of Sakhmet, are you? Come on, my boy! Stop trying to be the loner that you think you are. If Tyranc is going to be gone, anyway, then you've nothing better to do with your time!' Xinno smiled. 'You old bugger, how do you even know about all of this? Haha!' Xinno chuckled and dropped down from the ettaphant. Geris joined in the laugh. 'Well, haha. I have my ways of hearing news. No doubt, that gossiping Techo you had with you has already told the entire city of what went on inside those palace walls. Bottom line is, Queen Jae is on her own, and you're a perfect candidate. You could always leave if ever someone else comes along.' Xinno's smile stretched across his face. For a moment he'd forgotten who JaeJi was supposed to be. The Queen Jae, on her own. 'Thank you, my friend. For your words of encouragement.' Xinno shook the Grarrl's hand and raced back towards the palace. 'Good luck! KING.
Xinno didn't want to face JaeJi just yet. He hurried quickly passed all of the servants and guards, and straight to the room that he had been given. He decided that he'd see JaeJi in the morning, and sleep for now...

JaeJi woke up. "JaeJ-" Rondail was trying to wake JaeJi up. She was on the floor. "Rondail, where am I?" She said looking around very sleepily. "In the princesses room!" He announced helping her get up. "You fell asleep here I guess..." Rondail said. JaeJi was still sleepily walking around. "You didn't sleep enough did you?" Rondail asked. "I don't know?" JaeJi answered looking through her clothes. "Queen Jae, your in the Princesses clothes you need to put on /Queen/ clothes?" Rondail said dazed by JaeJi being so tired. "Oh, yah, that's right...." She snorted walking to her other room. JaeJi shooed Rondail out so she could change.
JaeJi came out a few minutes later wearing her white glove on one hand and her usual crown upon her head. "Rondail...Could you get the chefs to prepare the meal?" She asked fixing up her hair too look like her usual hair. JaeJi yawned and rubbed her eyes to signal she was finally fully awake. She remembered about last nights events and sighed. "Guess I'm on my own with this." JaeJi whistled for Fleute to come over. "Hey there Fleute." She cooed. "Hopefully I can do this on my own." JaeJi said.

Xinno was awoken early, by Tyranc, himself. 'Prince Joull,' he said to him. 'I have a couple of questions about the ride. Could you point out on a map where exactly I am going, and what is do these people call their establishment?' Xinno was awake enough for sudden question asking, but he answered as well as he could, with his foggy head. He actually had thought of a name for the town. He glanced around the room for something to word associate. 'Erm, -yawn- , King Tyranc. Our records name their town as .. Abeni.' Xinno's eyes rested on a golden Anubis statue, so the name that struck his brain was Abeni. 'And,' he continued, crawling out of the bed and strolling over to the -blocked- 'Those two sand dunes, my King. Northeast about two hundred kilometers, you'll go straight through there and if you keep going, you should reach the town within three days. It may take a bit longer, travelling by yourself. But I strongly advise that you go alone. They'd more trusting that way. I've been there, myself. As soon as they saw the trail of men they all ran to their homes in fear of a robbery. They even tried to attack us. You'd fair much better on your own.' Tyranc smiled and nodded. 'Yes, Joull, my boy. I'll hitch my fastest apis and be there before the week is out. I hope you'll be there to see me off in a few hours.'/
.'Oh, certainly, My King,' Xinno grinned, and Tyranc left the room. Xinno then realised that he was still in what he had worn to bed, which exposed his torse and wings. Though his face was still painted, his body was not. He hoped that Tyranc had not become aware of this or taken any suspicion. Xinno quickly dressed himself and left his room to see if he could find himself a good breakfast.