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0.0.0.0 ♦ "MASON" | Heather

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0.0.0.0 ♦ STOCKE

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0.0.0.0 ♦ AOBA

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0.0.0.0 ♦ "JUSTINE"

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0.0.0.0 ♦ "XANDER" | SANDRATH

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[The Sin's stretched out tail flicks around in a blooming ring. Standing face to face, the two of them couldn't be more different. Black to white, dusk to dawn; the poetry isn't entirely lost either and as the other makes his points, the former homunculus sinks in on himself. Like that of a eel under the murk of a low, oil-slicked tide.] Didn't think so, but that's not what I was talking about.

[The kid, though - he's clever. He picks up meaning with little hesitation, falling right back in to the proposition as quickly as a snake on the second strike. Two beats, and he hits his target. Greed's lips pull back at the notion and with them, his vicious dentistry glints into view.] You catch on quick - I like that. You're right, though. I've been here a long time - it might not be slow, but you've still got a bit more to go. Sorry.

[Like that of a curious cat, the devil's tail swings back again. It yanks around in a loose arc; drawing with it charcoal(ed) lines that seem to stick to air as if it were a fine, untouched canvas. To say he's intrigued is an understatement. Greed's eyes hood behind his shades and a few, quick sparks press behind the other side of the glass. They shoot off in a range - red to purple, purple to pink, and back again.]

[Because what Light has to say is practically a lure; one viciously baited to draw him in, in, in. "I want you to win." "We can show them just how valuable it is." A heavy, sleazy weight takes the Sin's shoulders like a vice. He's both stiff and fluid; eased, but cocked. Like a creature in cold blood with a thirst on its tongue and a demand beating on and on. He rolls one of his feet outward, his heel grinding into the ground below before the rest of his boot follows.]

[Oh, oh, the kid really shouldn't have.] Ha - ! Do you now. [It isn't a question. Greed tilts and his body pulls along with him. One foot waltzes over the other, causing both the dust on the ground and the ash on his heels to interlock in a dry spell.] For someone who doesn't know me, you're pretty impressive. You also aren't wrong. Whoever the other ones are, they've made their point pretty clear.

[He pauses. A wave of soot ripples along his side. It fingers through his points, causing ribbons to split off and weave until they can't give anymore. Greed dips his chin just so.] If you think I'm about to let anyone take that away, you really haven't been paying attention. [The tip of his index taps against his thigh; a brief distraction.] And while you've got my attention, that's not why you really came to me now, is it?

[No. Whoever the kid, he's quick. Efficient. And just like everyone else, there's always something more: something behind the deal, written in fine print. Of course, that's speculation at best. But if the years he's seen have anything to account for, it's just that:] Everyone wants something, kid. Don't tell me you're one of those - [The Sin charms his way back in. He's closer now - not threatening, no, but just edging in. Bit by bit, piece by piece.] - you just don't seem the type. So the real question is, what do you get out of it? Other than a spot here in Vandare?

[This man - a man named after a sin that could consume everything around it - is expressive, either agitated or always on the move. There's no fear, no hesitation in his movements, nothing that indicates doubt or worry. It's a man accustomed to being on top, a man who felt confident in his ability to win. That made the bargain a bit harder. This only works if Light can offer him something different, something he doesn't have.

But it doesn't just feel emotive, it feels like a predator examining its prey before deciding if it's worth the trouble. It likely isn't literal, not when this is the side that wants to kill fewer humans, but those eyes may be searching for something else. A crack? A fault that would reveal Light to be a liar, a fake, something wasting his time?

It's best to assume both. There'd be nothing to find, there'd be no hint of weakness or worry in return. Nonetheless, this can't seem like a clash of two alpha males. If the confidence is real, Greed isn't about to bow down.]

I don't want a place in Vandare. I won't turn down a welcome, but I've made my temporary life in Bavan. Still, Vandare doesn't exist in a vacuum. What happens here will matter to the rest of the world.

[Closer now, the presence doesn't feel as threatening, but Light is always cautious.] I might not know you, but I know of you. Your name comes with a lot of stories. At the very least, you want to keep what is yours. Despite your namesake, you'd also prefer to keep causalities low. Others might be impressed for a lot of reasons, but that's my reason for coming. I don't want the bias against the monsters to grow to the point of an actual war. If the other cities think monsters will rise and claim power, that's going to happen. I'd prefer to talk it out, but I'm not an idealist. Instead, I want a way to back up what we say. That's why I'm on your side. Instead of attacking Vandare, let's defend it. We'll show the people they were wrong, you'll still lead the monsters in a fight to protect what is yours, and fewer people will die. Once the fight is over, the other towns will see what you've done.

[And doesn't he have it all right. Greed's skull lowers a tad more as Light goes on, his grin pursing into a drawn-out strike. It rides and twists along the strong of his jaw; like that of a criminal on the edge of a big score. To say he's attentive is an understatement - the Sin's eerily still. Only his tail gives him away; its constant swoops and turns sketching loose figure eights at a bar-crawl's pace.]

Oh-? No, you aren't wrong. Things being as they are, it was really only a matter of time. Our friends just think they have the right idea.

[Because violence is always paid back: equivalent exchange at its finest. Blood for blood, murder for murder. He's seen it time and time again and the result? Is always the same. There's never a winner, not really. And when there is, the moment is brief and temporary. Before everything goes back to the same old, same old and oh, doesn't history love the repetitive.]

[Greed's tongue snaps inside his jaw, sparking a fire as impulsive as a quick-draw match.] A lot of stories, huh? [The former homunuclus digs his heel in, allowing the curve of his boot to swing through the air in a knife-cut strike. The ribbons of smoke at his ankles quickly disperse, then. Their trails finally thinning to reveal the cobblestone below.] Gotta admit, I like your honesty. I'm not interested in making this any messier than it has to be. But the others in Bavan seem to have made their decision. [The more he talks, the hotter it gets. The bob in his throat stretches outward - turning the veins along his neck a thick, gold-smelter yellow. He still has that bridge to cross. A long, barely-tethered road that could collapse at any second. But for now, it's only him and his and as Greed chases a look over Light's shoulder, his attention briefly catches on the arch of a prowling feline.]

You're pretty informed for a kid. [An air of distraction hangs in his voice; like someone who's both a million miles away and still lingering in the here and now. A metaphorical limbo. He lets his eyes sink shut and from beneath the curves of his shades, his eyebrows furrow into one another. Creating a ripple effect up to the base of his horns.] But if you think everyone's as reasonable as you, you've got another thing comin'.

[Because just north of here, a military coup is brewing. The Sin himself hasn't met them face to face, but word of mouth is enough to paint a picture. Ruthless, tactical. An armed forced beating to a singular drum. He flattens his foot again and the endless smog reclaims its turf; blanketing the cobblestone below like silt disturbed in a dark, bottomless pond.] Ha - ! Don't get the wrong idea. If you think I'll let them or anyone else take Vandare, I'm sorry. My avarice runs a little too deep for that.

[When he turns back to Light again, those eyes of his peer at the top of his sunglasses. They're muted now; in a ghastly kind of purple(ing)-red more suitable for a back lit bruise.] I'm sure you already know that anyone associated with the Bloody Bones won't make it. It'll be a problem, but most of the monsters here have tried to reason with them in the past. Unfortunately, they're not exactly so giving. [Whether to make a point or sheer force of habit, he strikes his thumb along the edge of his throat. Scales meet scales in a terrible scrrch and thin, fresh-silver smoke wafts out. No, he's had his own run in(s) with the 'Bones and the like twice now.]

[He isn't keen on a repeat.] It's their choice, in the end. I've always been a fan of that. But if they decide to continue, I'm sure I don't have to tell you how it ends. When it comes to the rest of the people here though, they're off limits. I don't care what they think up in Bavan - that's my deal.

No, I don't think everyone is as reasonable as me. [He wishes they were; if they would just think about the repercussions that came with this attack, then a more peaceful resolution would be tried first. Light isn't a doormat, he won't turn his back out of fear of being attacked, but working with someone to reduce their enemies is the optimal solution. Sadly, he doesn't really go the way of a criminal group, he doesn't have his own personal army.] But not everyone is as powerful as you. You came here like the rest of us, with nothing. Since then, you've become a leader, and it isn't through force; few of the monsters that follow you are weak.

Even before I came, you didn't want to hurt the citizens. Take it a step further. Agree to defend against a monster attack that would hurt those citizens. [His eyes closed, as if he hates to say the words that come from his mouth, the taste bad and lingering on his tongue.] As for the Bloody Bones, they'll likely attack to. If they're killed in the crossfire, it's unavoidable.

[Brown eyes reopen to center on Greed. There's still nothing challenging there, but he's not showing weakness either. Trying to fight an alpha head-on may not gain their cooperation, but baring your throat didn't earn the necessary respect. It's a delicate, intricate balance.]

I'm asking you to do the same thing you've been doing: lead them. You'll just have a different enemy now, at least if it comes to that.

Wouldn't be me if I did. I've always given them that option. Working for me is a little different, after all. [Greed watches Light through the exchange. Sizing him up, flicking glance after glance as smooth as a well-oiled elevator. He doesn't know Light from a face in the crowd - to him, it's another newcomer. But unlike most, the kid isn't afraid and to come to him so willingly? Well - ]

No, I don't. I've never had a problem with humans and that's where me and these Toyotomi are different. It's pointless. [The former homunculus side-steps, his heels lifting in a purposeful two-step. He's slowly closing the ring around Light, carefully aware of the mushroom boundary that separates the two of them.] But let's make one thing clear: I'll give them a chance to go home, but if they continue? Then it's out of my hands. As for the Bloody Bones, you already know that most of them won't take the deal, no matter how good it is. They're righteous and that isn't going to change any time soon.

[A cool breeze swipes through the alley. It sends a couple of trash barrels clattering and the spirals in his horns breathe in a hellish fume. Greed's body ticks with a slight slouch.] As for the Toyotomi, they know where I stand. If they really decide to make things messy, that's their choice. They might think they've got everything right, but there's an underworld here, kid. Not everyone is so interested in what they have to offer.

[Which means just that: he's got a deal and with it, a few friendlier faces. The outcasts and low lives, the criminals and thieves. The Toyotimi's idea for a new Vandare might sound well and good, but for some? It couldn't be more the opposite. The former homunuclus' mouth spreads wide and just behind his teeth, the forks of his tongue bristle: a devil with a gold tongue.] Though, you should know how this goes -

[A brief pause. The gem in the Sin's ear gently spins; the slight gust taking it like a wind chime at midnight.] - what's in it for me if I decide to do just that? I'm not telling you no, don't misunderstand. But I told you in the beginning that the name isn't just that. [As he talks, his voice crackles; a sound similar to the start of a brush fire.] I am Greed - the living embodiment of it.

[Now, so close and near, his gaze burns into his lenses. There's no secret any more, no holding back. A fierce longing pricks in his eyes - turning the thin slivers into dangerous, shivering points. Greed's neck stretches out and his tone hushes to a hissing, smoke-run whisper.] If you end up on the council, I expect a little something back, hmn? And in return, we'll take care of the rest.

So - [His claws pry away from his bones, stretching black to black in cruel, curved-cat claws.] - do we have a deal?

The request isn't to not defend yourself. If they attack, you're free to fight back, which I'm sure you would do anyway. I don't want to be the aggressors here, but we can't allow ourselves to be victims either. That isn't what I'm trying to do. The people you protect? This won't change that.

[The breeze also shifts some of the lighting for those who are out, making the shimmer of Light's wings move a bit, though the man himself stays still. His hair is long enough to blow gently, which does prompt him to raise a hand to move his bangs from his eyes; he does need to find someone to at least trim his hair into his chosen style, but other things had kept him busy.]

As for Toyotomi, I understand where his intentions come from, but I can't agree with his method. It's a cycle that has to be broken. Already, we're unable to keep from killing humans. In return, the Bloody Bones were created. If we keep killing humans, now by choice, more and more of their kind will rise.

[The gem is eye-catching, but only for a moment. Those eyes quickly go back to the Sin's before his hand is reaching out to shake that hand. If it's tangible enough.]

If I end up on the council, we do. Otherwise, I don't mind helping in other ways as long as you continue to be the kind of leader you've shown to be.

[A look of just knowing crosses the Sin's face. The expression is old and simmering - like that of a tar pit that's only recently been exposed. Greed's had his fair share of both parties: the extremists and militants, the peaceful and diplomatic. War isn't always the inevitable end, but given the circumstances, the idea of a treaty is a laughable outcome.]

[Light's clear conversation just means that he knows it too.] Y'know for a kid, you're pretty clever. [The phrase doesn't come as an insult in the slightest. A high trill takes the devil's voice in a rumble; like that of a big-pawed cat under tentative domestication. One false move could mean a bite, but that isn't the case here. Instead, Greed meets the hand shake with one of his own; wrapping finger after finger around Light's presented gesture.]

Not sure what you mean by that though. [The Sin's tone pricks behind his teeth. In all, he's never made a point of trying to be something he just isn't. Hero, villain, something else. There's no structure to his game, no clean-cut answer to the why(s) and the how(s). Only a moral gray he's never had the luxury of slipping into. It's always merely existed - his nature as unrestricted as his namesake.]

[When he finally lets go of the other's hand, a cloud of ash wafts between them. It glides and holds; like a jet-dry cough out of the back end of an aged tail pipe. Greed lowers his arm boneless(ly), but as it falls back down to his side, his fingers take a quick detour. The tip of his thumb disappears into his pocket. It flicks once, the edge of his nail puncturing the corner of a small, well-used matchbox.] Don't forget what I told you, kid. I might not be so bad, but that doesn't mean I'm good either. [He hangs on that last word, the rest of his fingers rap-tap-tapping along the edge of the box.] My avarice just tends to do the deciding for me. And what I want is Vandare's south end. If the Toyotomi change their mind, the humans here will be mine. Whatever else they do, whatever you decide to do? I don't really care. They're off limits.

[His arm extends, each one of his fingers fanning opening like a collection of kitchen knives. Resting on his palm is that same, little book: its top painted with a constant, sneering devil. He waits for Light to take it before retreating just a hitch back. The tip of his pointed boot curls upward as he does, forcing his heel to peel off the ground below. Greed ticks his jaws.] I don't think I have to tell you what that means. I'm fair, but even I have some standards. If you really think our friends up north are going to be a problem, then you can tell them just that. I've been here a long time and if they think they'll be calling all the shots, well.

[A shallow shrug takes hold of his shoulders. Light can read between those lines just fine and really, he doesn't care to explain. At the end of it all, he knows things will get messy - that's part of a coup like this. However, he'll keep his to a minimum and if someone, anyone, should cross that line?]

[All bets were definitely off.] If you need anything else, you know where to find me. [Greed's eyes peel open again, their lids heavy and hooded. He watches the matchbox in Light's hand; tracing it once, twice.] If that's all though, I've got other business to take care of. I'm sure you know how to get out of here without anyone seeing you, right?

[Greed or revenge, want or hate, emotions really do drive so many different people, humans and monsters alike. Toyotomi's motives are easy to read, and Greed doesn't bother to hide his own. It makes it easier to digest, to plan when the words are written out with little written between the lines. The motives, even, are understable. Perhaps that makes it more complicated, that Light understands all sides of the complex equation. When turned into monsters, the fog put them in a horrible, horrible position in which they had little choice in which to play their role. Humans will always have to be slightly afraid of them because not eating isn't a real option, which means they'll always have enemies.

It's the long term that worries Light.

Still, so far, it seems to be working out well. No one has bad intentions, at least. That helps.

Reaching out, Light accepts the card. Idly, he flips it over and then forward again, looking down at the logo with a smile before looking up to meet the other man's eyes with a nod.] That's all. You know my real name now, I'm easy enough to find. If you need me, don't hesitate to reach out. I'll be going back instantly, but you should be careful. It's not entirely safe right now.

[But his peace is said. Without any visible action, Light is gone, leaving behind just the circle of mushrooms.]

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