Greyashe chapter 287 is entitled 'Strict rules and regulations. XI'.

Previous chapter 286: Strict rules and regulations. X

Next chapter 288: Strict rules and regulations. XII

Summaries page.

-Short summary-

Now that Azha is the kaiser mage and the elections are over, what lies next for the magicians and the world alike?

-Long summary-

Azha revels in the applause of the magicians who welcome her in as the new kaiser mage. Although Cayden smiles at her, it doesn't take farseer eyes to notice the suspicion in his eyes. Both metaphorically and literally Azha seems too small to be seen, as if she maneuvers around others so that they will not discover her true intentions so that no one knows the real her. The snow user hadn't really noticed it himself (so mission accomplished), but now with her induction as the kaiser mage he had to question why she'd be interested in the position when it doesn't seem as if she has any idea what it entails? He turns to Iselia and beckons for her to 'keep an eye' on Azha. Considering that Iselia had actually been raised up to become the next kaiser mage she'd probably have a better idea of what kind of conduct would be expected. Iselia asks him if he's suspicious of something, and Cayden begins to confirm this, but then simply states that 'he's got a feeling'. Damien and Harrow both express their excitement over one of their own becoming the kaiser mage, and Cayden jibly tells them she's probably not in a position to be called 'one of them' any more. Azha overhears this and chides her friend, claiming that she'll still attend class and consider them her allies. She'll find a way to balance her new position with her old life, since she doesn't want to be one who's defined by her work. Iselia agrees and per her secret conversation with Cayden offers her help in understanding and adapting to the kaiser mage's role. Azha's eyes sparkle and taking Iselia by the hands she shakes her vigorously and expresses how much she appreciates the kindness.

Hydon turns to Azha and states that she will need to undergo a formal 'coronation ceremony' later, in which the power of the kaiser mage will be officially handed down to her. Looking into Hydon's eyes she smiles and gives him permission to do it immediately, since he has 'other' work to do. She cryptically adds that he shouldn't allow himself to be consumed by the fires of revenge, because that is an inferno that will scald him and leave him too weak to defend himself from his enemies, and more importantly the enemies of the country, no the world. Hydon assures her that he will not allow himself to be eaten by vengeance, all while inwardly cursing her ability to see into his psyche. He then thanks the two kaiser mage select that are there for coming despite the unavailability of the other members. Libby and Reid in return offer their gratitude for being able to serve, and then pledge their allegiance to the new kaiser mage. Azha bows and remands herself to their care, very formally asking them to be there for her when she should need it, and she will try not to be a burden to them. The two select members glance at each other and at the girl bowing before them and both reassure her that she is no burden.

Suddenly from the stands, Alekto's voice rings out asking if it's okay for them to leave now? He has a previous engagement, and he's already late enough. Hydon glares at him for a few moments before nodding curtly; the door should open now that the election proceedings are over. He knows that Alekto doesn't really use magic and therefore isn't all that worried about the recall, but his need to leave is suspicious nonetheless. For now however, he would concentrate on divining a way to find Aschner and destroy him.

Alekto doesn't need to be told twice, and begins his power walk to the exit. Larter glances after him and with a small grin stands up himself. He glances over at Anna Rose who sits further down from him, and for a moment considers going over to her, but remembering her 'condition' that is her inability to have any more children, he realizes it would be a fruitless effort. His ideal to create the perfect being -a farseer who could use several types of magic is at least for now at a dead end. Such an undertaking would require a child that is at least half farseer, since there's no way to 'collect' their eyes. Statistics are against him since the farseers are a rare commodity in the first place, and he would of course need to find a woman. Now the only other farseeing woman he knows is also the kaiser mage, which is the equivalent of putting a huge 'do not touch' sign on her forehead. No worries, he would simply regroup and re plan. Perfection takes time after all, and he had been patient for this long.  Being at this election hadn't been a complete waste after all, since he had met something or someone much more interesting.  He glances down at Delaney, Kani and Aicha who had ventured down to the floor after the proceedings had finished. Beings that aren't affected by agape at all would prove to quell his curiosity until he could once again procure a female farseer.

Aicha sums up her courage and calls out to Kani. She turns around and after regarding her for a moment asks what she needs. Aicha asks her if she was born unable to use magic or be affected by it, and Kani realizes that they both have the same 'affliction'. She confirms this and Aicha nearly tears up in gratitude; happy to find someone else like her. Meanwhile Kani had never really thought of herself as different, nor had she ever considered that anyone other than her would have the same attributes as her. Though deep down she is at least appreciative that one other person is similar to her, since the two ladies look so similar that they could be sisters. Delaney joins the two ladies, and is also surprised to see that the three of them have the same 'affliction', which leads him to wonder if this is more widespread than he would have thought. Putting that aside, he asks Kani what she intends on doing after leaving the hall, and she states simply that she will continue to journey with her friends. Delaney stares into her eyes thoughtfully, and asks if he could see her later before she decides to leave town. Kani blinks, and despite herself agrees. She informs him that she doesn't have too much time for pleasantries, so if he has nothing serious to discuss then he should just tell her now so she doesn't waste her time. Delaney smirks and 'guarantees' that he will make it worth her time, and then goes to join his siblings. Aicha asks if she knows him to which Kani shakes her head. Though there are a few questions she'd like to have answered, so she will entertain him. She has a feeling he knows more than he's letting on, which is evidenced by him and his siblings having the notice from the successor. How much of today's events had been influenced by them? 

Candle shudders behind her which reminds Kani that she's still hiding behind her. Reid has reappeared, and with him are Guy and Anna Rose. Upon seeing the swordsman again, Candle shirks further behind the young witch. Guy asks what Delaney wanted, and Kani responds 'nothing much'.

Meanwhile up in the stands, Claire stands up and announces she has to leave immediately. Dio regards her for a moment and laughs to himself. He says he wont stop her, but she should be honest with him; her asking him to attend these proceedings was only a front to her real intention....she wanted him to see how humans with magic think and how while they are sufficient on their own, that this won't last long with the sentients and the 'recall'. In short, she wants him to go back to the 'choir' and call in a favor or two, or three. True enough he is still welcomed among thje angels, and could probably request an audience with the current 'deus'. If she had stated it that way from the beginning, he probably wouldn't have come since he doesn't like talking to them because he enjoys his current life so much. Going back up there would mean having to put himself on the line with the angels which isn't as easy as it sounds. Though now with his knowledge about the recall and the humans he and she both are so fond of being in danger, if he were to turn her down now he'd be a hypocrite.

Claire gives him a toothy grin in response, to which Dio groans in mock annoyance and throws his hands in the air. Once again 'the most precious one' had gotten him good. He begrudgingly agrees to get in touch with the current deus and ask him to reconsider the current 'hands off' policy when it comes to human interaction. They'd probably want him to stay and advise and stuff, which he'd have to find a way to weasel out of the thought of which causing him no end of inner agony. Not to mention Aine who's litterally got him by the neck.....true enough the spring goddess is holding the former god's collar as he talks to Clare. She demands answers, and won't let go until she gets them. Aimend and Aine who had joined them nod in unison, and Dio sighs deeply. He's surrounded by women which is what most boys his current age dream of, although looking at this situation he's not sure why. Claire smiles weakly and once again says she has to go, and he should get in touch with her once he's going to see the current deus since she wants to be there too. Dio nods, and Claire asks the ladies not to hurt him too bad. Aine growls and replies that it depends on his answers to their questions. Dio once again says he will explain everything when the time is right, which does not amuse the spring goddess. She drags him back, and Claire takes her leave.

She makes her way down the stands carefully and tries weaving around the people talking around Azha without being seen. She's almost to the stairs and out of the room when a familiar voice calls out a very familiar name. Guy asks 'Burnqueen' where she's going. Claire stops and for a moment considers bolting out of the room, but she knows with Guy's longer legs and the fact that she's wearing a dress that she can barely move without tripping in that if he were to pursue he'd catch up to her embarrassingly quick, with an emphasis on the embarrassing part. She turns around and sees them all.....Kani, Guy, and Reid. Anna rose smiles and with a amused tone comments that she finally gets to meet the girl who had been her boy's reason for leaving home. Kani simply says 'hello', while Reid nods recalling their meeting in 'No heaven' a long time ago.  Claire realizes from their reactions that the group had known the whole time she had been sitting there, but only allowed her to think she had gotten away without being seen. Waves of nostalgia wash over her, and she is glued to the spot, unable to say anything. She has precious memories with each one of them, so much so that they keep her from moving, from thinking....all she can do is to remember.

Claire lowers her head and in a weak voice comments on how well the 'angel remanence' works. Although her resolve is weakened now despite all she has to do, the one person who would have broken her resolve completely isn't here. If he; if Van were here it would be over, she would be unable to go anywhere else even if it meant preventing the end without him. She thanks deus for this small favor, and wiping away tears of happiness holds her arms out and embraces the friends she has wanted to see again for so long.