The East PacificBoard

Ten thousand lights sparkle in the city of Kyoshu, a hushed silence reining supreme over the waiting city. Scarlet banners are attached by work crews to flagpoles along the imperial plaza, as spectators gather by the gates. Lights flicker on, Illuminating the ornate façade of the palace, casting the grand structure into brilliant relief. The vehicles of the imperial guard are strewn throughout the palace grounds, their black uniformed squadrons performing last minute checks of the grounds.

Zaku's line the palace entranceway, standing still, their red eyes glimmering dully like blood red moons. Already, the first guests are arriving, mostly members of the imperial family or local aristocrats. Their fashionable clothes glimmer with gems, as they make their way into the shining palace.

Inside lies the entrance hall, a massive room, with a glittering gold chandelier that sprays its warm light around the room. Two wide stairwells lead up the a balcony, where housestaff set up the finishing touches on the banners hung along the walls. Doors lead off to private rooms where the guests can mingle. This shall be the greeting place for the oncoming guests.

"Security sweep finished, no threats found." The radio squawks. Taicho Hazawa, head of the military police, puts down the radio with a wolfish smile. He had been placed in charge of coordinating the security for the event, and as usual, had set upon it with characteristic efficiency. At this point, the only thing that could break through security would be the guests themselves, or a coup by the security forces themselves.

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Lady Ishtar checks the guest list a final time. She stands in the center of the grand ballroom, a crystal glass of champaign held between her delicate gloved fingers. Everyone from the leader of Kampf Empire, to Ivy was coming, it was certainly the largest event she had hosted. She is done up in an elaborate gown, her hair arrayed with a diamond crown. Her hands are gloved with fine leather, and a glimmering set of jewelry sparkles at her throat.

"Madam, all preparations are ready. It's time to greet the guests." Oh of her housestaff, a young woman with a deadpan face and plain brown hair, states. Ishtar starts, turning to face her with a smile.

"Right, of course. do you think it will go well?"

"It's never gone badly before. I assure you, everything was planned to perfection." The headmistress bows, as lady Ishtar turns towards the huge black doors of the ballroom, and strides towards the entrance hall.