(( Osiris isn't the only one who has a poor initial response to the appearance of Hell's representatives. To Emmanuel, it's like the temperature changed drastically and the air pressure grew crushing. It feels hard to breathe, making him lightheaded and darkening his vision for a second. Until he felt Osiris step back. That pulled the priest's focus back and he steeled himself against the oppressive air.
Unlike Osiris' "second" for this meeting (duel?), Wolf stays ahead of his master, closely watching everyone and sparing a sneer at Lucas. But it's the devil who speaks. ))
I know you, Osiris, Lord of Duat. (( Not personally, of course. Lucifer never met any of the gods who came before his in any meaningful way. Having noted the reactions of the two (is that a human Osiris brought with him? Ha!), he gives the ancient god another obvious once over before wetting his lips. )) Not nearly as well as I know your treacherous brother.
[Ugh. It's like having insects crawl all over his skin. Either Lucifer has absolutely no self-awareness or he's doing this deliberately to put Osiris on the back foot but either way, his performance is truly off-putting.
As much as Osiris doesn't want to show any weakness, he can't help but glance briefly back at Emmanuel with an expression of utter revulsion before turning back to their conversation.]
I hope that isn't what you've brought me here to discuss.
[How well he knows Set, that is. Osiris would rather go his entire life knowing as little about that as possible.]
(( Option B. Lucifer is very self-aware, thank you. Bringing out the worst in others is sort of his shtick. But there's no real payoff in trying to drag some old god into the worst version of himself. At least, no payoff for Lucifer. What affected heat he looked at them with vanishes, but his flippant attitude remains as he shrugs, hands up with the gesture. ))
If there's something other than Setekh you'd like to discuss, I'm all ears. I rather thought that was the point of all this.
[Good. Now they can finally talk to each other. Not that Osiris is going to relax even an iota, but having his guard up will be easier when he hasn't got those eyes trying to burn holes through him.]
I've been given some reason to believe that your alliance with him may no longer be on stable footing. Is that the case?
(( Lucifer. It was Lucifer, however indirectly. ))
Suffice it to say, I'm not the sort to sit back and do nothing when I see betrayal coming. I know he's stronger than you because of our little cult. Well, it was ours. Some people truly don't care who they step on to get what they want.
(( There's something loaded in the way he says that, something with a deep history that Lucifer's neither inclined to explain or has time to. Even Wolf spares a glance at him, something that could be mistaken as worry creeping over his face before it's gone. ))
The way I see it, you have two options: the fast way or the hard way. And knowing what I know about you, you're going to pick the hard way. (( Siiiiiigh. )) The fast way involves some favors. The hard way involves... a lot of moving parts working slowly to undo what's been done.
[Osiris almost remarks that he, of all people, doesn't need to be told about Set's willingness to throw anyone within reach under the bus in the name of power. Almost. Later he'll be glad that he didn't give in to such a childish fit of pique, but what actually stops him in the moment is Lucifer's tone and the fact that even his hellhound seems to find it surprising.
Lucifer isn't someone who speaks idly when it comes to betrayal. That much is obvious.]
Whatever sense he once had seems to have been lost entirely to his lust for power. In such a state, he can only be a danger to everyone whose path he crosses and everything he touches.
[And here it is. The indirect offer. The suggestion that whatever pot they're working with could be sweetened, if Osiris is willing to roll the dice. He can't entertain the thought for even a second.]
You've judged me correctly, yes. I won't humor the notion that anything I have to offer would be enough to counterbalance whatever easy way you would suggest, nor will I tie anyone else to whatever agreement we might reach. The hard way will have to do.
(( Perhaps there was some foolishness on Lucifer's part in trusting Set at all. A failing he'll only admit privately. The intoxication of being so near divinity again was just... blinding. Perhaps Wolf had more clarity on the matter from the start. Again, not something he'd say aloud even to his loyal hound.
Even once the initial high wore off, Lucifer had hoped Set would be more careful of who he made his enemies. Apparently not. When one aspires to subjugate everyone and everything, what care have they for that? ))
Your plants within the cult's ranks are your best place to begin. My own spies will aid in sewing discord in the faithful. I understand you're in communication with a counterpart of mine. (( No great love for Enma based on the tone and scrunch of his nose. )) His people can help. Bring them up, show these humans what supernatural power looks like. Make your brother look like any dime-a-dozen monster that walks this Earth.
[Relief floods through Osiris with such overwhelming force that he's surprised his legs don't give out underneath him. He never would've dared to dream things could go this smoothly and easily, but Lucifer really does seem to be so finished with Set that he's not in the mood to bargain.]
There aren't enough words to express my gratitude, truly. Rest assured that as we speak, members of my family are seeking a permanent solution to ensure that Setekh can never attempt another coup again. We will not treat this issue as solved until we can make that promise.
[Osiris's attention shifts back to Wolf then, and it suddenly feels a bit rude to address only Lucifer when he's sure they'll all have their parts to play in this deal. He's very deliberately chosen not to introduce Emmanuel and still doesn't plan to, but:]
May I have your name as well? I'm afraid I only know you as hellhound at the moment.
(( Wolf blinks, brows inching beneath his fringe toward his hairline. He points at himself (as if Osiris could possibly mean anyone one else) and quietly asks: ))
Me?
(( Then he smiles happily, like a puppy he's been told he can play, and points toward Emmanuel. ))
Mine for his~ (( he calls in a sing-song voice.
He's all smiles until Lucifer bats his shoulder lightly and quietly grumbles, "we don't need the exorcist's name." ))
We don't? Oh, okay. (( Pout! But only at Lucifer. The smile's right back in place by the time he turns back to Osiris and hops a few steps closer. ))
I'm Wolf~!
(( Insert cute wave here. Then, before stepping back, he mouths follow me on insta. ))
[Well, Wolf is... charming, in his own way, but Osiris can feel the danger simmering just beneath his sweet smile. His playfulness puts Osiris much more in mind of a wildcat toying with its prey than a wolf.
At least Lucifer doesn't seem interested in antagonizing Emmanuel. That should make things easier for everyone. Osiris can hardly imagine he has any desire for the devil to know him by name.]
(( Lucifer's very presence is antagonizing! It's taking far more effort than Emmanuel would like simply to remain standing in the face of such an oppressive force. His stomach's lurching, hands shaking, and he doesn't realize how very pale he's grown over the course of the conversation. Every instinct he has is telling him to fight or run, neither of which are options.
What he does, is take a short stop forward and lays a hand on Osiris' arm to get his attention for a moment. Very quietly, though probably not inaudible to the Devil and his hound even at this distance, he speaks directly to Osiris. ))
What's the price for his help?
(( If everything Emmanuel has been led to believe about Lucifer is true, even if it benefits him to help their side of this conflict, he wouldn't do it without something in return. ))
[It's a good question but Osiris is far too distracted by the absolute state of Emmanuel to process it at first. Concern tugging his brows downward, he turns to face Emmanuel and leans in so that his whisper really will remain just between the two of them. (Unless anyone's got enhanced hearing abilities of which he's not aware.]
Please be honest with me, do you need to leave? We can call in Horus for the rest of this discussion.
(( Before Emmanuel can even answer the question, Lucas calls out to Hell's side. ))
Hey! Can you dial back a little? You're making the human sick. You're cleaning it up if he hurls.
(( Under circumstances where it wasn't Emmanuel on the verge of being ill, he might have laughed at anyone's audacity to talk to the devil like that. Alas, he's not really in any position to appreciate it at the moment. Perhaps in retrospect, in some distant day when all this is over, Emmanuel will simply burst into laughter remembering those words. For now? He simply nods to Osiris. ))
I'll be fine.
(( Emmanuel's not so proud that he'd lie in a situation this dire. He can endure this. And if that changes, he'll let Osiris know. ))
[After a grateful look over at Lucas, Osiris nods solemnly. His hands itch to touch Emmanuel's cheek, wipe the sweat from his brow, some little gesture of comfort for all the good it'll actually do him, but this is very much the wrong company to witness that sort of affection between them. The obvious depth of his concern is already all but bleeding fondness into the air around them.
Osiris squares his shoulders and turns back to Lucifer and Wolf, once again all business.]
What can we expect to owe you for your assistance?
(( Oh, right. He's supposed to be mindful of the exorcist. What a gross feeling. But Lucifer does, indeed, 'dial it back.' He's completely capable of walking amongst humans without much notice. Unfortunately, someone like Emmanuel with his sensitivity to these things will always be somewhat affected. Well, Lucifer's made enough of a point, it isn't going to hurt his position to give a little now. ))
A small thing, really. A blind eye until this mattered is settled.
(( Yes, he'll let his demons and Princes out to help hide the old gods but... let them behave as the will. ))
[At that, Osiris has to turn right back to Emmanuel for guidance - he has much better knowledge of the sorts of damage Lucifer's hordes could do and it's his people who usually keep them in line. Truthfully, Osiris' own pantheon would have no responsibility to intervene in the matters of demons even in this situation, though Horus would most likely have wanted to protect any humans in their path if this condition weren't set.
That doesn't mean Osiris likes the sounds of it. Not at all.]
(( There's a human saying he'll have to tell Osiris about: the Devil's in the details. Turning a blind eye to what? A bunch of demons working overtime to collect more souls? Or them with their Generals and Princes making this place Hell on Earth for an undetermined length of time?
Emmanuel swallows the lump in his throat and steps forward. ))
[Listen, it may not help anything to avoid revealing his name, but Osiris feels like that's the least he can do right now. It's a close thing, though, when Emmanuel steps out in front of him and fear once again clutches at Osiris's heart. He even reaches out before he can stop himself but quickly withdraws his hand and rests it on Emmanuel's back instead.
The back of Emmanuel's shirt is soaked with sweat. It makes Osiris's chest ache. They should've done more to convince him not to come... but then, what might Osiris have agreed to with no idea what he had done? They're well past the point of doubt - all Osiris can do is stand in support of Emmanuel.]
I will act as he advises on this matter, so please do as he asks. [Well, as he says.]
(( Well, well, well! Isn't this human a bold one in the face of evil itself? It isn't enough to be spoon fed a solution, but he wants the details of the price, too? Well, smart, actually. ))
Were you not listening when I said we have to put on a show for you humans to doubt Set? I do plan to be a part of that. Barring our acquaintance here (( he hefts his chin toward Lucas. )) getting the go ahead from his boss to let a little miracle happen, we don't have much other choice. I neither want nor need the chaos of more like you harassing us while we're actually trying to help you all. I will provide a few of my more powerful allies to help mask your god friends. Some lower levels to help with the theatrics. I'm sure I won't be the only one providing extras for that show.
(( Lucas will try to help, he nods to agree to that portion. But he's limited by that God will allow. Enma's yokai will help, too. ))
Don't worry, Father. I have no desire to claim any part of this world for myself at this time.
(( Emmanuel narrows his eyes and says one more thing: ))
And this is only until Set has been subdued.
(( It's not a question. Lucifer sighs. ))
Yes, of course. Once Setekh is no longer a direct threat, the deal is done.
(( Emmanuel turns his back to confer once more with Osiris. ))
That's probably the best we can hope for. If we say no, he could sell us out to Set.
[This is all a bit awe-inducing for Osiris. The tension that ripples between the three of them as they talk is as palpable as heat waves rising off distant dunes and yet Emmanuel remains standing tall, uncowed and undaunted by the reality of how easily he could be eliminated from their conversation.
No - that's not it. Emmanuel has confessed that he doesn't fear death because it will mean a reunion with his brother. Still, Osiris can't watch him now and see his actions as anything other than courageous.
With a nod in response to Emmanuel's words, Osiris once again steps to the front and acknowledges both Lucas and Lucifer with deeper, more formal nods.]
I wish to add one more condition to these terms. Given that retaliatory action taken in self-defense could easily be spun as a breach of the agreement as it stands, I want an explicit non-aggression pact declared between everyone working as part of this alliance. I am willing to swear on behalf of the gods of Egypt and will ask the same of any other powers that join us.
[He's getting the idea now. Any loophole that occurs to them has to be closed.]
(( Lucifer could've gotten more out of this for himself and his people if the priest hadn't been present. The angel didn't think to ask for anything. Perhaps because he's supposed to be the neutral third party for this meeting? Who knows what he might have done had the human not spoken up first.
Before Lucifer speaks up, Emmanuel also adds: ))
I'll do what I'm able to keep my people at bay. I can't make promises if this drags out for too long.
(( Neither the Church nor hunters can ignore something like this if the show Lucifer refers to becomes too much. He can maybe by them a year, but hopefully it won't take that long.
Wolf looks at Lucifer, a bit wary. These people obviously know very well how demons operate. Lucifer reaches out to run a hand over Wolf's hair in reassurance. This is, after all, no ordinary situation. What point is there in being a Hell if Set can make the Earth a living Hell for all upon it? ))
[This is progress. Now that Osiris has more of a feel for dealing with the devil, he can tell they've made a step forward just by Lucifer's terse response. Maybe now they can finally end this meeting on positive terms for the sake of Emmanuel's safety.]
Then I also accept Lucifer's terms. With that, I believe that the framework for a fruitful working relationship have been laid out adequately. Does anyone else have a point or question to raise?
(( Once upon a time, Emmanuel said he had questions for the devil. However, in the face of him, they've all flown from his mind. It's hard to keep track of curiosities when he needs to put so much effort into simply standing. Another time, perhaps.
Lucas nods at Osiris' words. He, too, waits to see if anyone has anything to add before throwing out his reminder. ))
Don't forget the secrecy. Only tell what needs to be told to those who absolutely need to know it.
(( That prompts a giggle from Wolf, who, despite smile, holds up a very serious finger. ))
What is it humans used to say? Loose lips sink ships?
(( An out-dated phrase, but Lucifer still looks incredibly proud of his hound. Maybe because he's always the one reminding Wolf of the need for secrecy. He does give him a quick look of chastisement. ))
That goes for you too, Wolf.
(( Then, looking back to Osiris. ))
I believe we have an accord.
(( He reaches into his pocket for sleek black business card. He hands it to Wolf who takes it in both hands and skips over to hold it out (still with both hands) to Osiris. ))
Should something urgent arise, you can find me there. Anything short of urgent can go through the angel. Gentlemen.
(( There's no further farewell than that. Lucifer turns on his heel, Wolf scampering beside him as the same clouds of smoke and ash that signaled their arrival roll in to seemingly carry them away.
And with them, the air pressure seems to return to something like normal and Emmanuel can breathe again. It's audible. Even he isn't sure whether it's a gasp of a sigh. As soon as the representatives of Hell are gone, Emmanuel's legs go weak and he stumbles into Osiris' back. ))
[There's the cry of alarm that Osiris has been on the verge of letting out ever since those billowing clouds of smoke first appeared. He spins around and loops an arm under Emmanuel's shoulders to keep him upright, pushing his hair off his sweat-slick forehead with a tender hand.]
I'm so sorry you had to endure this. So, so sorry. You're as strong and brave as any god I've ever known.
[So... Lucas is still there. Apparently he's getting a little update on their romantic status. Osiris simply can't pretend that this is all business anymore, not when Emmanuel looks and feels so weakened.]
(( Lucas very pointedly look away. He can't talk about anything he doesn't see with his own eyes. This could all just be someone very concerned about the human that's in on all this. Maybe just a friend. He's not going to stare and made assumptions (even though he's pretty sure about his previous assessment, he's leaving some reasonable doubt).
Emmanuel slumps against Osiris long enough to hear his apologies, then tenses. He claps a hand over his mouth and pulls himself away from Osiris. He manages two sweeping steps before he doubles over to empty the contents of his stomach on the ground. Once he's certain everything's out, Emmanuel wipes his face with his sleeve and sits upright again. ))
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Unlike Osiris' "second" for this meeting (duel?), Wolf stays ahead of his master, closely watching everyone and sparing a sneer at Lucas. But it's the devil who speaks. ))
I know you, Osiris, Lord of Duat. (( Not personally, of course. Lucifer never met any of the gods who came before his in any meaningful way. Having noted the reactions of the two (is that a human Osiris brought with him? Ha!), he gives the ancient god another obvious once over before wetting his lips. )) Not nearly as well as I know your treacherous brother.
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As much as Osiris doesn't want to show any weakness, he can't help but glance briefly back at Emmanuel with an expression of utter revulsion before turning back to their conversation.]
I hope that isn't what you've brought me here to discuss.
[How well he knows Set, that is. Osiris would rather go his entire life knowing as little about that as possible.]
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If there's something other than Setekh you'd like to discuss, I'm all ears. I rather thought that was the point of all this.
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I've been given some reason to believe that your alliance with him may no longer be on stable footing. Is that the case?
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(( Lucifer. It was Lucifer, however indirectly. ))
Suffice it to say, I'm not the sort to sit back and do nothing when I see betrayal coming. I know he's stronger than you because of our little cult. Well, it was ours. Some people truly don't care who they step on to get what they want.
(( There's something loaded in the way he says that, something with a deep history that Lucifer's neither inclined to explain or has time to. Even Wolf spares a glance at him, something that could be mistaken as worry creeping over his face before it's gone. ))
The way I see it, you have two options: the fast way or the hard way. And knowing what I know about you, you're going to pick the hard way. (( Siiiiiigh. )) The fast way involves some favors. The hard way involves... a lot of moving parts working slowly to undo what's been done.
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Lucifer isn't someone who speaks idly when it comes to betrayal. That much is obvious.]
Whatever sense he once had seems to have been lost entirely to his lust for power. In such a state, he can only be a danger to everyone whose path he crosses and everything he touches.
[And here it is. The indirect offer. The suggestion that whatever pot they're working with could be sweetened, if Osiris is willing to roll the dice. He can't entertain the thought for even a second.]
You've judged me correctly, yes. I won't humor the notion that anything I have to offer would be enough to counterbalance whatever easy way you would suggest, nor will I tie anyone else to whatever agreement we might reach. The hard way will have to do.
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Even once the initial high wore off, Lucifer had hoped Set would be more careful of who he made his enemies. Apparently not. When one aspires to subjugate everyone and everything, what care have they for that? ))
Your plants within the cult's ranks are your best place to begin. My own spies will aid in sewing discord in the faithful. I understand you're in communication with a counterpart of mine. (( No great love for Enma based on the tone and scrunch of his nose. )) His people can help. Bring them up, show these humans what supernatural power looks like. Make your brother look like any dime-a-dozen monster that walks this Earth.
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There aren't enough words to express my gratitude, truly. Rest assured that as we speak, members of my family are seeking a permanent solution to ensure that Setekh can never attempt another coup again. We will not treat this issue as solved until we can make that promise.
[Osiris's attention shifts back to Wolf then, and it suddenly feels a bit rude to address only Lucifer when he's sure they'll all have their parts to play in this deal. He's very deliberately chosen not to introduce Emmanuel and still doesn't plan to, but:]
May I have your name as well? I'm afraid I only know you as hellhound at the moment.
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Me?
(( Then he smiles happily, like a puppy he's been told he can play, and points toward Emmanuel. ))
Mine for his~ (( he calls in a sing-song voice.
He's all smiles until Lucifer bats his shoulder lightly and quietly grumbles, "we don't need the exorcist's name." ))
We don't? Oh, okay. (( Pout! But only at Lucifer. The smile's right back in place by the time he turns back to Osiris and hops a few steps closer. ))
I'm Wolf~!
(( Insert cute wave here. Then, before stepping back, he mouths follow me on insta. ))
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At least Lucifer doesn't seem interested in antagonizing Emmanuel. That should make things easier for everyone. Osiris can hardly imagine he has any desire for the devil to know him by name.]
Lucifer and Wolf. You both have my thanks.
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What he does, is take a short stop forward and lays a hand on Osiris' arm to get his attention for a moment. Very quietly, though probably not inaudible to the Devil and his hound even at this distance, he speaks directly to Osiris. ))
What's the price for his help?
(( If everything Emmanuel has been led to believe about Lucifer is true, even if it benefits him to help their side of this conflict, he wouldn't do it without something in return. ))
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Please be honest with me, do you need to leave? We can call in Horus for the rest of this discussion.
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Hey! Can you dial back a little? You're making the human sick. You're cleaning it up if he hurls.
(( Under circumstances where it wasn't Emmanuel on the verge of being ill, he might have laughed at anyone's audacity to talk to the devil like that. Alas, he's not really in any position to appreciate it at the moment. Perhaps in retrospect, in some distant day when all this is over, Emmanuel will simply burst into laughter remembering those words. For now? He simply nods to Osiris. ))
I'll be fine.
(( Emmanuel's not so proud that he'd lie in a situation this dire. He can endure this. And if that changes, he'll let Osiris know. ))
Ask him what it's going to cost us.
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Osiris squares his shoulders and turns back to Lucifer and Wolf, once again all business.]
What can we expect to owe you for your assistance?
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A small thing, really. A blind eye until this mattered is settled.
(( Yes, he'll let his demons and Princes out to help hide the old gods but... let them behave as the will. ))
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That doesn't mean Osiris likes the sounds of it. Not at all.]
This is yours to accept or reject, not mine.
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Emmanuel swallows the lump in his throat and steps forward. ))
Spell it out for me in detail.
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[Listen, it may not help anything to avoid revealing his name, but Osiris feels like that's the least he can do right now. It's a close thing, though, when Emmanuel steps out in front of him and fear once again clutches at Osiris's heart. He even reaches out before he can stop himself but quickly withdraws his hand and rests it on Emmanuel's back instead.
The back of Emmanuel's shirt is soaked with sweat. It makes Osiris's chest ache. They should've done more to convince him not to come... but then, what might Osiris have agreed to with no idea what he had done? They're well past the point of doubt - all Osiris can do is stand in support of Emmanuel.]
I will act as he advises on this matter, so please do as he asks. [Well, as he says.]
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Were you not listening when I said we have to put on a show for you humans to doubt Set? I do plan to be a part of that. Barring our acquaintance here (( he hefts his chin toward Lucas. )) getting the go ahead from his boss to let a little miracle happen, we don't have much other choice. I neither want nor need the chaos of more like you harassing us while we're actually trying to help you all. I will provide a few of my more powerful allies to help mask your god friends. Some lower levels to help with the theatrics. I'm sure I won't be the only one providing extras for that show.
(( Lucas will try to help, he nods to agree to that portion. But he's limited by that God will allow. Enma's yokai will help, too. ))
Don't worry, Father. I have no desire to claim any part of this world for myself at this time.
(( Emmanuel narrows his eyes and says one more thing: ))
And this is only until Set has been subdued.
(( It's not a question. Lucifer sighs. ))
Yes, of course. Once Setekh is no longer a direct threat, the deal is done.
(( Emmanuel turns his back to confer once more with Osiris. ))
That's probably the best we can hope for. If we say no, he could sell us out to Set.
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No - that's not it. Emmanuel has confessed that he doesn't fear death because it will mean a reunion with his brother. Still, Osiris can't watch him now and see his actions as anything other than courageous.
With a nod in response to Emmanuel's words, Osiris once again steps to the front and acknowledges both Lucas and Lucifer with deeper, more formal nods.]
I wish to add one more condition to these terms. Given that retaliatory action taken in self-defense could easily be spun as a breach of the agreement as it stands, I want an explicit non-aggression pact declared between everyone working as part of this alliance. I am willing to swear on behalf of the gods of Egypt and will ask the same of any other powers that join us.
[He's getting the idea now. Any loophole that occurs to them has to be closed.]
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Before Lucifer speaks up, Emmanuel also adds: ))
I'll do what I'm able to keep my people at bay. I can't make promises if this drags out for too long.
(( Neither the Church nor hunters can ignore something like this if the show Lucifer refers to becomes too much. He can maybe by them a year, but hopefully it won't take that long.
Wolf looks at Lucifer, a bit wary. These people obviously know very well how demons operate. Lucifer reaches out to run a hand over Wolf's hair in reassurance. This is, after all, no ordinary situation. What point is there in being a Hell if Set can make the Earth a living Hell for all upon it? ))
Agreed.
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Then I also accept Lucifer's terms. With that, I believe that the framework for a fruitful working relationship have been laid out adequately. Does anyone else have a point or question to raise?
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Lucas nods at Osiris' words. He, too, waits to see if anyone has anything to add before throwing out his reminder. ))
Don't forget the secrecy. Only tell what needs to be told to those who absolutely need to know it.
(( That prompts a giggle from Wolf, who, despite smile, holds up a very serious finger. ))
What is it humans used to say? Loose lips sink ships?
(( An out-dated phrase, but Lucifer still looks incredibly proud of his hound. Maybe because he's always the one reminding Wolf of the need for secrecy. He does give him a quick look of chastisement. ))
That goes for you too, Wolf.
(( Then, looking back to Osiris. ))
I believe we have an accord.
(( He reaches into his pocket for sleek black business card. He hands it to Wolf who takes it in both hands and skips over to hold it out (still with both hands) to Osiris. ))
Should something urgent arise, you can find me there. Anything short of urgent can go through the angel. Gentlemen.
(( There's no further farewell than that. Lucifer turns on his heel, Wolf scampering beside him as the same clouds of smoke and ash that signaled their arrival roll in to seemingly carry them away.
And with them, the air pressure seems to return to something like normal and Emmanuel can breathe again. It's audible. Even he isn't sure whether it's a gasp of a sigh. As soon as the representatives of Hell are gone, Emmanuel's legs go weak and he stumbles into Osiris' back. ))
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[There's the cry of alarm that Osiris has been on the verge of letting out ever since those billowing clouds of smoke first appeared. He spins around and loops an arm under Emmanuel's shoulders to keep him upright, pushing his hair off his sweat-slick forehead with a tender hand.]
I'm so sorry you had to endure this. So, so sorry. You're as strong and brave as any god I've ever known.
[So... Lucas is still there. Apparently he's getting a little update on their romantic status. Osiris simply can't pretend that this is all business anymore, not when Emmanuel looks and feels so weakened.]
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Emmanuel slumps against Osiris long enough to hear his apologies, then tenses. He claps a hand over his mouth and pulls himself away from Osiris. He manages two sweeping steps before he doubles over to empty the contents of his stomach on the ground. Once he's certain everything's out, Emmanuel wipes his face with his sleeve and sits upright again. ))
Sorry about that.
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