Medals, The Empress, and The First Monster

[Naoko, Empress of Japan]

It was another long day for Naoko, who was now resting in her chambers. Unlike most Emperors before her, Naoko was taking an active role in visiting towns and cities in the wake of some of the more recent monster-related disasters. Looking at her dresser, she saw the mysterious belt that she had received from the Kougami Foundation. She had it for almost a year now, but she never once had to use it.

Not like she could anyway. She wasn't exactly given instructions on how to use the belt, so all it did was sit there when she didn't try it on just to look cool with it. Sighing, she rolled around on her bed, beginning to doubt what she could do as Empress...

Isuzu, meanwhile, was getting dinner ready for Her Majesty, but for some reason, she couldn't shake the feeling that something bad was going to happen tonight...

[Giru]

A man in a pinstriped suit approached the Imperial Palace. He had felt a familiar power emanating from here. While he couldn't place it, he knew he wanted it.

[Naoko, Empress of Japan]

One of the two Imperial Guards stationed outside the palace made a move to stop him. "State your business," he told him sternly. Surely, he wasn't here to visit the Empress. She had only just returned, and didn't have any appointments scheduled...

[Giru]

Giru hadn't been anticipating resistance this early on, but it was nothing that he couldn't take care of. He snapped his fingers and bolts of purple lighting arced from his hands, blasting the guards to the side.

[Naoko, Empress of Japan]

Before the guards knew it, they were blasted aside by the lightning, and were knocked unconscious.

Isuzu perked up. Whatever it was that she was feeling, it was worse now... She quickly put the food down and began making her way to Naoko's room, going to make sure she was all right.

[Giru]

Giru nonchalantly walked through the gates further into the palace. He could sense the power growing stronger as he moved further into the structure. It made it a much more desirable target.

[Naoko, Empress of Japan]

As Giru made his advance, more guards began making their way towards him, all drawing my pistols. "Don't move!!" one of them shouted. "If he moves, fire at will!"

Naoko jumped when she heard the door slam open as Isuzu walked in. "Isuzu-san? What's going on?" she asked.

"I don't know, but I don't think it's safe for you to be here..."

Naoko sighed. "Isuzu, you're overreacting. The guard's been tightened heavily since the fire, no one should be able to get into the palace without express permission..."

The sound of gunfire coming from outside prompted an "I told you so" look from the retainer, and the Empress looked outside to see what was going on.

[Giru]

Giru moved, and the guards all fired at him. Unfortunately for them, bullets had practically no effect on the Greeed, though they did make holes in his suit. He simply fired more blasts of purple lightning at the guards.

[Naoko, Empress of Japan]

The unnatural lightning was all Naoko needed to see before she quickly ran towards her dresser, taking the OOO Driver and affixing it to her waist.

"Wait a second, Naoko!" Isuzu shouted, knowing exactly what Naoko was planning. "You don't even know how to use that thing! How are you--"

"Isuzu, don't try and stop me," she replied. "I know you're supposed to protect me when no one else can... but if I don't go down there and do something..." The empress turned back around and smiled. "Well, if I go down there than I'll be fine..." On that note, she left her room, running down to the gardens.

[Ray]

Ray, having taken the form of a young girl followed close behind Giru, as he made his way through the palace.

"It won't be long, my liege, until you have the power of the Multi-King at your disposal."

[Giru]

"Yessssss." Giru hissed. "I can feel it from here. All I need to do is draw it out." He fired more purple lightning at random points in the palace, scorching them black and causing mindless destruction.

[Ray]

"Then it will simply be a matter of time before we collect all of the Medals, including my own of course. Oh, how I can't wait to be complete again! It has been far too long!"

[Naoko, Empress of Japan]

A few minutes later, Naoko had made her way to the garden, looking at the two who were causing the destruction. "Hey!!" she shouted. "Who gave you the right to trash my palace? You best leave at once before I have to show you out personally!"

[Ray]

Ray's eyes lit up and her innocent looking mouth curled up into a sinister smile.

"In a surprise twist, it has come to us, my liege! How gracious of you girl to deliver it to us, we may even think about sparing you to watch my master ascend to his proper throne."

[Giru]

Giru raised an eyebrow. "And what do you think you can do to stop us, girl?"