The council chambers were still, tension wrought in the air as two giants in their own respects battled it out across from each other. Frost cooling the environment to something normally only felt on the coldest nights of the year. But if anything, it didn't seem to affect the target of that frigid glare in the slightest. A raccoon like creature, looking more akin to a stuffed animal, sat clutching a jar almost the same size at it. A red blush showing even over it's fur covered face, tail waving lazily through the air as they hiccuped with a smarmy smile on full display.
Yasaka was sure the two would devolve into a full blown brawl if not for their guests standing before them. All the factions, the Devils, Asgard, Olympus, the Church and the Grigori, were huddled up in their own little groups. A majority of them oozing far too much self assurance. Particularly, the Devil representative, Nellial with his blonde mane like hair moving in perfect sync as if they were in some over indulgent rom-com, appeared the most realized out of everyone there.
She was sure the Satans had been breathing down his neck excessively as of late and he looked right about ready to be done with all this nonsense and go back to his estate.
"Yasaka-sama." Nellial Vapula bowed in greeting, a fragile smile falling into place as he rose to attention. The other factions all taking a step back in silent support. There had to have been so many backroom deals happening over the last few days for them to stand with such a united front. She knew none of them would sign without the Devils throwing their hat in the ring first. Not just because they were wary of their growing numbers and power but also due to simple greed. None of them would be able to stomach allowing the Devils to receive a benefit they too couldn't enjoy. Whatever concessions were made here, would have to be done for every other faction there just to not cause another political storm. "I hope you've come to a decision, it's just better for everyone if you agree to our simple terms. We don't wish for anything excessive, just return what was taken and all will be forgiven."
"I have come to a decision." The kitsune lounged back in her seat, nine voluminous tails spreading out behind her. A sharp, almost vulpine smile stretching naturally across her face. "It seems I've been far, far too passive and lenient. You're 'Strongest Queen' came onto my land, and attacked MY master. Came here under false pretenses and paid the price for her transgression against not just me but also my master. He could have killed her but showed her mercy in stead, a kindness your kind doesn't seem to appreciate. And now, here you stand wishing to extract more from us, wishing to try and leverage this treaty over our head to get what you want. No, I will not be extracting my master's due trophies. Here is my offer, to not just you but to everyone here. Any who do not sign our previously agreed upon treaty, with it's conditions as is, within the next five minutes will find their terms disappear over night. This will continue everyday you are incapable of coming to agreement with us."
"…" Nellial looked behind him with some levels of indignation, even receiving a few snickers at the kitsune's attempt. Before turning his full attention back to the overbearing Yokai Leader. An arrogant sneer jutting out. "Yasaka-sama, while I might admit that standing here in your domain, we're but helpless cubs. You could squash us here and we probably wouldn't be able to do anything to stop you...but we aren't alone. We represent entire factions filled with powerhouses just as strong as you. The Satans would raze Kyoto to the ground. Olympus would flatten your mountain, the Church would call a crusade on your people, Asgard would pillage your lands and the Grigori wold pluck through your bones. I really didn't want this to end up with a measure of strength, but you have forced my hand. You cannot strong arm us into signing anything, I'm sure all of us would gladly die here with a smile on our faces knowing that you and your people will soon follow after. Really now, Yasaka. Threats? What are you, a brute?"
Instead of replying, she simply waved her hand and a servant came hopping to center stage. A pristine document layered in gold finery, a single quill just within reach as they held it outstretched. In their third hand, lay a simple sand clock already in motion. If anything, the diplomats looked more offended than terrified for their lives. The Vapula representative even crossed his arms in defiance, all too self-assured grin on full display.
Bishop Yarrow only smiled that closed eye, grandfather smile. Serene maybe, as he performed the sign of the cross openly, causing a wince to follow from the Devil not too far away.
The Stellari, Arrior, looked right about ready to throw down. A fervent light to her eyes, a heavy blush inching it's way up her chest and nose. She even began to pant loudly, body jittering from all over as she barely contained herself from charging head first to embrace death in all it's form.
If there was anyone who actually appeared nervous, it had to be the Greco-Roman representative. Ira, with a far too youthful appearance, looked ready to flee at any point now. Like she would magically grow wings on her heels and disappear into the distance with barely more than a gust of wind to show as evidence of her existence.
Despite everything, the threat of possible death, the pressure exuding from a creature standing at the pinnacle of power, none of them looked even the slightest bit willing to sign. Their pride and self interest acting in conjunction to reinforce their spine.
Just as the last few grains of sand were prepared to slip away, and have this threat be thrown back in her face with yet another bout of humiliation, a lone figure snatched the quill out of the servant's hand.
"What do you think you're doing, Iaoel?!"
Vapula, in that moment nearly looked ready to jump across the space between them. A snarl twisting his handsome features into something akin to a big cat.
"Following the commands of Lord Azazel." The Fallen Angel shrugged, finishing her name off with a flourish. With that done, she turned back to the group of stunned diplomats with a faux innocent smile on her face. "And from the looks of it, getting the best deal out of everyone here. It's nothing personal, my people comes first."
"You dare to defy the Satans?!" The Devil took another step, looming over the much smaller woman easily. Bat-like wings popping out to further emphasis the sheer difference in size and probably strength. "Does the Grigori no longer fear us? Are you really willing to do go war over some fruit and wine?! They can't offer you anything! They'll be nothing but leeches! Do you really think they'll be of any help when we're knocking down your walls?!"
"When have the Grigori ever feared you?" Iaoel unfurled her own wings, matching him in size as she too took a step forward until they were nose to nose. "Disgust filth, why should Fallen Angels ever have to bend a knee to your kind? Did you forget?"
Proving her point, a beam of light, condensed and morphed. Forming into a spear of vibrating, pulsating purple light. Heat waves warping the air around it as she held it in one hand. Her face contorting into a disgustingly haughty grin
"Know your place, little cub. I've killed many more of your kind than you will ever know. Don't stand before me as if we're equals."
"You're a traitor!" He lashed out, that calm fading away as wrath bubbled up to the surface. "You agreed to let us take the lead here and now here you are going back on your word?!"
"It's not really betrayal." She shrugged, dismissing the beam of light into a cloud of motes. Wings furling back into herself as she turned back to the silent but observant council. "We're just picking the winning side. After all, someone who could cripple the 'Strongest Queen' isn't someone we can afford to offend...much less someone capable of beating Slash Dog of all people."